Warmer weather and sunnier days means any chance to stop for ice cream is a good one. Vegan ice cream shops have come a long way since the dairy-free flavors were first introduced to frozen dessert menus and we’re obsessed. Whether you love vegan ice cream for its health or environmental benefits, or are just looking to try something new, we’ve rounded up five of the best vegan ice cream shops in San Diego that you must try!
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937 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas / Website
Enjoy a variety of vegan ice creams crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Vegan flavors include cookies and cream, coconut chip, pina colada and mint chip. The menu is labeled indicating which flavors are gluten free, perfect for guests with food allergies.
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9883 Pacific Heights Blvd. / Website
Hailed as the first vegan ice cream shop in San Diego, this establishment only serves dairy free, gluten free flavors. Try vegan flavors like candy bar crunch, lava cake, strawberry “short-cookie”, or “unicorn poop”, with flavors frequently changing. Ice creams can also be purchased in pints on their website.
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3004 Juniper St. / Website
Explore new and uncommon flavors at Mutual Friend Ice Cream. Every ice cream is vegan and made in small batches, with an ever-changing menu of flavors. Try “veganilla” bean, chocolate milk and cookies, and salted maple for a decadent vegan dessert.
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2179 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla / Website
Stop by this almost-coastal ice cream shop for both dairy-free ice cream and non-vegan treats. Scoops serves Van Leeuwen’s vegan ice cream and features flavors like vegan mint chocolate chip, chocolate chip cookie dough, strawberry jam cookie crumble, and sorbet. If you find a flavor you love, all are available to be ordered online through Van Leeuwen’s website.
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Multiple Locations / Website
Enjoy a variety of vegan flavors at this tasty shop. Try vegan mango sticky rice ice cream and strawberry oat crumble ice cream any time. Seasonally, check out the passion fruit and strawberry crunch flavor. The menu is well labeled with its gluten free options so those with food allergies can rest easy.
Photography by: Kenta Kikuchi / Unsplash
