Ben and Jerry’s goes non-dairy (and vegan!) with #1 favorite flavor

Are you lactose intolerant? Vegan? Just want some options? Ben and Jerry’s doesn’t want you to sacrifice flavor in the name of your lifestyle. Their growing list of non-dairy, vegan flavors now includes the #1 fan favorite!

That’s right ladies and gentlemen, you can have your cookie dough and eat it too. According to their taste experts, Ben and Jerry’s has “hit the nail on the head” with their brand new Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream. It’s non-dairy, but that’s not all. It’s even vegan.

Now don’t be concerned, you can eat it even if you’re not vegan, even if you like your milk and cheese and yogurt. It’s an option that a lot of households and individuals are taking by choice. According to this article, 50% of shoppers are now choosing non-dairy milk substitutes for one reason or another.

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Sometimes this is in addition to buying traditional dairy products. In a house like mine, the table is split. Three of us are vegetarian- not vegan- but I just can’t drink milk.

At the same time, as vegetarians, we get our daily doses of protein from sources that don’t include meats. Many of the milk drinks on the market these days have what we need, so it’s the way we go.

Along with us choosy few, a couple of my kids will drink both. For them, the “other” milk isn’t a substitute, but something different. And then there are the ones who won’t touch the stuff just because it isn’t actual milk.  We really have a lot of variety happening here.

Now you know my story, and that’s why when I shop, I buy both cow’s milk and alternative products- food and drinks included. That means ice creams, yogurts, and sometimes cheeses. So to know I can buy just one ice cream for everybody, that’s a real win. Since it says “Ben and Jerry’s” on it, I think the naysayers around here will not turn up their noses for once!

And like the 45% of those asked, when we eat something that’s going to be our version of a dairy product, we “expect the alternatives to provide the same experience as real dairy.” That’s right- flavor, texture, meltability- all of this matters. Have you ever tried to melt some of these vegan “cheese” products on your nachos? Come on, guys.

BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 27: Vegan cafe No Milk Today on January 27, 2018 in Berlin, Germany. No Milk Today offers among other self-made vegan cakes and pies, smoothies and breakfast. Since vegan and vegetarian food is a growing trend, more and more stores are specializing in pure herbal products as an alternative to conventional food. (Photo by Steffi Loos/Getty Images)

Sarah Fidler– whose actual real-life title at Ben and Jerry’s is “Flavor Guru”- says they’ve figured it out. She knows food on a science level, and has the college degrees to prove it.

“The biggest challenge this time was creating a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavor that stood up to the original.” All of those surveys mean something to Sarah and the other protectors of the products we seek.

It’s not just about inviting in, or back in for some, those who can’t have dairy in their diet. It’s also about bringing that same joy to all of the many varieties of vegetarian, vegan, or otherwise diet-restricted consumers. Ben and Jerry’s wants to have your vote, no matter who you are.

The new version of the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream from Ben and Jerry’s is in addition to the traditional dairy-based original, so don’t worry if you’re not up for this! But if you are, it’s only one of the 11 exciting flavors now offered in a non-dairy version. The website has a full list of the delicious delights.

And if this other stuff is on your list, they promise loads of chunks (or not, if that’s what you dig), full flavor, creaminess, no GMOs, and apparently euphoria, according to the company. They’re offering you a non-dairy fantasy experience that is “boldly loaded with everything but the cow.”

What do you do if you just can’t decide? So you’re maybe not a cookie dough guy or gal, that’s OK! They have a quiz for that! Just answer a few questions about how much you care about fruit, chocolate, chunks, and stuff. In a matter of a minute, they will tell you what they suggest for your new adventure. I got cookie dough when I tried it, just so you know. I’m here for it.

These days, there’s a growing trend to leave out the animals. Whether it’s the tons of newly discovered health benefits or risks associated with switching up the diet, or it’s just something fun you’re trying, this is a cool plus for us all.

Are you going to give one of Ben and Jerry’s non-dairy flavors a try? Have you already? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or send us a tweet!

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