Ice cream is a symbol of summer, childhood, and carefree days for many. But what if you've given up animal products? Or you have a lactose intolerance? Or you just want to try something new? The answer is vegan ice cream. By 2026, it had stopped being a niche product for "greenies" and taken a firm place in supermarkets and cafes. From coconut to oat, from chocolate to salted caramel - vegan ice cream proves that cows are not needed for pleasure. Let's figure out what it's made of, how it differs from the usual one, and whether it's worth buying.What is Vegan Ice CreamVegan ice cream is a dessert that does not contain animal ingredients. Instead of cow's milk and cream, plant alternatives are used: coconut milk, almond, soy, oat, rice, cashew, hemp. Instead of eggs (which are sometimes added for emulsification) - sunflower lecithin or soy lecithin. Instead of honey - agave syrup, maple, date. But most importantly, such a product does not lag behind traditional ones in taste and texture if made correctly. In terms of calories, vegan ice cream is often lower (due to less fat content), but it can also be higher (for example, on coconut cream). In 2026, the share of vegan ice cream in the global market reached 15% and continues to grow.Basic Plant BasesCoconut milk or cream is the most popular choice for vegan ice cream. Coconut fat gives a creamy texture similar to milk cream. But the taste of coconut can dominate, so it is often combined with cocoa, vanilla, or fruits. Soy milk is a neutral base, rich in protein (about 3 g per 100 ml), giving a smooth texture, but it may have a bean taste (it is eliminated by good manufacturers). Oat milk is the trend of recent years. It adds a creamy note to ice cream without any additional flavors, plus it contains beta-glucans (beneficial for the heart). Almond and cashew milk give a more liquid base, they are often used in combination with coconut or thickeners (guar gum, agar-agar). Rice milk is the least fatty, ice cream made fr ... Read more