Indulging in the sweet delights of ice cream is a quintessential summer experience, and for those who follow a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle, the good news is that our area is teeming with fantastic options. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply curious about trying dairy-free frozen treats, local ice cream shops in northern New Jersey have stepped up their game with an array of delectable flavors. From creamy coconut-based scoops to inventive fruit-infused sorbets, get ready to embark on a delicious journey through our area’s best vegan ice cream shops.
Absolute Zero Ice Cream | 410 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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The team at this trendy shop specializes in crafting hand-made ice cream rolls using a method inspired by Thai street food vendors. There is always a vegan ice cream option on the menu that is made with coconut milk, and top it with different types of fruits and berries.
Read More: The Best Northern NJ Ice Cream Shops to Try
Beenie’s Ice Cream | 38 Morris Street, Morristown
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Ice cream doesn’t get more creative than at this quaint shop that combines American cream with Italian textures and artisanal flavors. Vegans can sample S’mores, made with oat milk, shredded dark chocolate, and vegan marshmallows, or Cookie Monster, which has an oat milk cookie base with vegan cookie dough bites and crushed Oreos.
Benvenuti Montclair | 20 Church Street, Montclair
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This grab-and-go with an Italian flare features eats including paninis, pastries, and, of course, gelato. In addition to vegan-friendly sorbet in flavors like dark chocolate and mango, customers rave about the matcha tea vegan gelato made with coconut milk.
Guerriero Gelato | 571 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair + 476 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, + Other North Jersey Locations
Photo Credit: Guerrero Gelato
These family-owned ice cream spots are renowned for their award-winning flavors like Blueberry Basil. But vegans aren’t an afterthought. In addition to the constantly changing roster of plant-based ice cream and dairy-free sorbets, there are vegan-friendly toppings like caramel, crunchies, and rainbow sprinkles.
Sip N Swirl | 510 Main Street, Little Falls
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Sip N Swirl is a somewhat-secret spot, located inconspicuously behind a gas station in Little Falls — but includes soft-serve vegan ice cream flavors. Its ice cream empire has expanded throughout New Jersey — and Sip N Swirl can be spotted with its vintage ice cream truck driving around the area. It’s open 3PM to 9PM daily.
See More: Unique Ice Cream Spots in Hoboken + Jersey City
Scream Truck | Multiple Locations
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There are lots of non-dairy-vegan options if reserving a slot when this elevated ice cream truck stops by the neighborhood. Order the cookies and cream, which is a dairy-free ice cream made with coconut milk, gluten-free oat milk, and gluten-free Oreos. MG insider tip: sign up for text alerts so you’ll know when the truck is on your street.
