American federal labeling standards require ice cream to contain a minimum of 10% milk fat (about 7 grams (g) of fat per 1/2 cup [120 mL] serving) and 20% total milk solids by weight (Thank you Wikipedia). So by definition, any “ice cream” made without milk isn’t really ice cream. But don’t worry, we’ll still let you call it that!
So can you replace the milk in your ice cream recipe with something else and have it still taste good? YES!
J. Scott Wilson wrote this great piece comparing non milk ice creams on the Life While blog.
However, those who are lactose intolerant, vegan or who simply are trying to cut some excess fat from their diets don’t have to live in ice cream-less obscurity. You may need to hit your local health food or gourmet store to find them, but there is a good variety of non-dairy ice cream substitutes made with tofu, soy milk and even coconut milk.
Here are some milk subsitutes you can use the next time you make ice cream: coconut milk, soy milk, nut milk, rice milk, oat milk, potato milk, goat milk and yes, even human milk.
PS - I cheated on my cholesterol free diet with Blue Bunny Premium Homemade Chocolate, one of the most popular national brands: 150 calories, 7 grams fat, 35 mg cholesterol, 45 mg sodium, 16 grams carbs. I must find a non-cholesterol version of this delicious flavor!



