We all scream for ice cream! Or do we? On a sweltering summer day, nothing beats a heat busting ice cream, but did you know that around 70% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant? In Asia, this jumps to around 90%! Thankfully, brands are starting to catch on by ditching traditional dairy ice creams and opting for plant-based alternatives. This is a win for all those dairy-avoiders and better for the environment too because producing a glass of milk results in almost three times more greenhouse gas emissions than any plant-based milk!
In the spirit of being mindful of our bodies and our planet, here are 4 yummy plant-based brands of ice creams available in Hong Kong.
COCOPARADISE
Since being founded in 2013, Cocoparadise’s mission is to make its products using simple but healthy ingredients (check out their ingredient lists which contains nothing unpronounceable). Made with a coconut milk base, their new vegan ice creams are free of synthetic preservatives and fillers, but have the taste and texture of “normal” ice creams; after all, healthy eating shouldn’t be boring!
Available in charcoal coconut, original coconut and Thai milk tea, Cocoparadise’s vegan ice creams take the guilt out of guilty pleasures. You can find them at selected City’Super outlets, and at popups around the city. Follow them here.
Check out our interview with Cocoparadise founder, Valerie Chiu here!
GREEN COMMON VEGAN ICE CREAM
Green Monday, the home of Omnipork, recently launched its first vegan ice cream range. Created with coconut milk and cashew milk and available in two flavours, Matcha Purity and Chocolate Hearty, the ice creams are free from cholesterol and trans fat, as well as artificial colouring and refined sugar.
You can find them at selected Green Common stores and at over 500 7-Eleven stores across the city. Until June 30th, you can try both flavours for HKD$50.
HAPPY COW
One of Hong Kong’s first plant-based ice creams, Happy Cow, uses coconut milk as a base and serves up a variety of delicious flavours, including dragon berry, salted caramel swirl and pineapple coconut in cup or waffle cone. Prices start at HKD$38 for a single scoop.
Find them at the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, as well as selected Fusion and ParknShop outlets. They also offer catering services for parties and events, so you can indulge in your very own Happy Cow cart at your next party!
HARMONY
Made with almond or cashew milk, these yummy, GMO and additive-free vegan ice creams are freshly made in small batches in Hong Kong. Harmony’s unique flavour offerings include durian, mint and lemon poppy seed. Prices range between HKD$38 and $48 for a 100ml cup, and $118 and $158 for a 450ml tub. You can find them at selected CitySuper outlets and Great Food Hall, among others.
Making healthy, environmentally-friendly food decisions doesn’t mean your diet has to be bland- it’s so important to enjoy the foods we put into our bodies, and not pick them based on guilt or how we think health should look. These sweet treats prove that you can make ethical, healthy food decisions and still indulge every once in a while!
