Figuring out whether Dippin’ Dots are safe for vegans to consume can be difficult.
Ice cream brands often mask their ingredients behind vague terms such as “natural and artificial flavors,” and even if they do provide you with a full list, it can be tough to decipher what’s actually in there.
To ensure that you are only consuming food that aligns with your vegan diet and ethics, I’ve investigated the ingredients and production processes of Dippin’ Dots.
Here’s what I found.
Are Dippin’ Dots Vegan?
No. Dippin’ Dots are not vegan.
Dippin’ Dots ice cream flavors contain milk and cream, which are animal-derived ingredients. These ingredients are big no-nos for vegans. In addition, they also contain refined sugar.
Milk is produced by cows, cream is a dairy product made from cow’s milk, and refined sugar is often processed using animal bone char.
Bone char is a type of charcoal that is made from the bones of animals. It is used to process sugar and give it a white color.
So, if you’re strictly following a vegan diet, Dippin’ Dots ice cream is not for you. However, you still can enjoy other vegan ice cream options.
Are Dippin’ Dots Cruelty-Free?
No. Dippin’ Dots are also not cruelty-free.
Dippin’ Dots does not test its products on animals at any point in its production and manufacturing process. However, these little ice cream beads do contain artificial colors, which are routinely tested on animals to ensure safety.
Animal testing is a harsh and outmoded practice that frequently results in the disfigurement, misery, and death of innocent animals. There are numerous food flavorings and colorings available that do not require animal testing, so there is no reason for any food brands to continue using these inhumane practices.
What Are Dippin’ Dots Made Of?
Here are the ingredients of Dippin’ Dots:
- Milk
- Cream
- Sugar
- Blue #1
- Yellow #5
- Red #40
- Yellow #6
- Xanthan gum
- Citric acid
- Guar gum
- Carrageenan
- Locust bean gum
- Dextrose
- Bleached wheat flour
- Palm oil
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Artificial flavor
- Soy lecithin
- Coconut oil
- Nonfat milk
- Milk fat
- Natural flavors
- Wheat
- Soy
Let’s break down each ingredient of Dippin’ Dots:
Milk
Milk is a white liquid that is produced by mammals such as cows, goats, and humans. It contains fat, protein, lactose sugar, minerals, and vitamins. It is not a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Cream
Cream is a dairy product that is made from the fatty part of milk. It contains around 36% milk fat. It is not a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Sugar
Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that is found in fruits, vegetables, and honey. Sugar is technically vegan but is often processed with animal bone char to give it a white color. This makes it non-vegan. Unless the sugar is labeled “raw,” “organic,” or “unrefined,” it is likely processed with bone char.
Blue #1
Blue #1 is a synthetic dye that is used to add color to food. It is made synthetically from petroleum. It is a vegan, though not cruelty-free, ingredient.
Yellow #5
Yellow #5 is a synthetic dye that is used to add color to food. It is made synthetically from petroleum. It is a vegan, though not cruelty-free, ingredient.
Red #40
Red #40 is a synthetic dye that is used to add color to food. It is made synthetically from petroleum. It is a vegan, though not cruelty-free, ingredient.
Yellow #6
Yellow #6 is a synthetic dye that is used to add color to food. It is made synthetically from petroleum. It is a vegan, though not cruelty-free, ingredient.
Xanthan gum
Xanthan gum is a type of dietary fiber that is often used as a thickening agent in food. It is plant based and vegan.
Citric acid
Citric acid is a type of fruit acid that is often used as a flavoring or preservative in food. It is plant based and vegan.
Guar gum
Guar gum is a type of dietary fiber often used as a thickening agent in food. It is plant based and vegan.
Carrageenan
Carrageenan is a type of seaweed extract often used as a thickening agent in food. It is plant based and vegan.
Locust bean gum
Locust bean gum is a type of dietary fiber often used as a thickening agent in food. It is plant based and vegan.
Dextrose
Dextrose is a type of sugar that is often used as a sweetener in food. It is not a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Bleached wheat flour
Bleached wheat flour is a type of flour that has been treated with chemicals to whiten it. It is often used in baking. It is a vegan ingredient.
Palm oil
Palm oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from the fruit of palm trees. It is a vegan ingredient.
Salt
Salt is a mineral that is used to add flavor or as a preservative in food. It is vegan.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a type of salt that is often used as a leavening agent in baking. It is vegan.
Artificial flavor
Artificial flavors are synthetic chemicals that are used to add flavor to food. Artificial flavors are vegan.
Soy lecithin
Soy lecithin is a type of emulsifier often used in food. It is derived from soybeans and is vegan.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from the meat of coconuts. It is a vegan ingredient.
Nonfat milk
Nonfat milk is a type of milk that has had the fat removed. It is not a vegan ingredient.
Milk fat
Milk fat is the fatty part of milk that is responsible for the creaminess. It is not a vegan ingredient.
Natural flavors
Natural flavors are flavors that are derived from plants or animals. They can be vegan friendly or not depending on the source.
Wheat
Wheat is a type of grain that is often used in baking. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Soy
Soy is a type of legume that is often used in vegan cooking as a meat replacement. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.
Why Aren’t Dippin’ Dots Vegan?
Dippin’ Dots are not vegan because they contain milk, cream, and refined sugar. These ingredients are either animal derived or are processed with animal-processing aids, like bone char. These ingredients make it clear that Dippin’ Dots are not vegan.
Dippin’ Dots does, however, offer a couple of fruit-based vegan flavors in its Ice Dippin’ Dots line.
Is Dippin’ Dots Banana Split Ice Cream Vegan?
No. Dippin’ Dots Banana Split Ice Cream contains milk, cream, and refined sugar.
Dippin’ Dots Banana Split Ice Cream is not safe for vegan consumption.
Is Dippin’ Dots Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Vegan?
No. Dippin’ Dots Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream contains milk, cream, and refined sugar.
Dippin’ Dots Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream is not safe for vegan consumption.
Is Dippin’ Dots Cool Mint Crunch Ice Cream Vegan?
No. Dippin’ Dots Cool Mint Crunch Ice Cream contains milk, cream, and refined sugar.
Dippin’ Dots Cool Mint Crunch Ice Cream is not safe for vegan consumption.
Is Dippin’ Dots Rainbow Ice Vegan?
No. Dippin’ Dots Rainbow Ice contains milk, cream, and refined sugar.
Dippin’ Dots Rainbow Ice is not safe for vegan consumption.
Is Dippin’ Dots Lemon Ice Vegan?
Yes! Dippin’ Dots Lemon Ice is vegan because it does not contain animal-derived ingredients.
Dippin’ Dots Lemon Ice is safe for vegan consumption.
Is Dippin’ Dots Blue Raspberry Ice Vegan?
Yes! Dippin’ Dots Blue Raspberry Ice is vegan because it does not contain animal-derived ingredients.
Dippin’ Dots Blue Raspberry Ice is safe for vegan consumption.
Vegan Alternatives to Dippin’ Dots
If you enjoy eating ice cream but want to find a vegan-friendly alternative, there are many vegan ice cream brands available. Here are a few of my favorites:
All of these brands offer vegan-friendly ice cream products that are delicious and safe for vegans to eat, with many vegan flavors to choose from.
Final Words
So there you have it! The answer to the question “Are Dippin’ Dots Vegan?” is no. Dippin’ Dots ice cream flavors are not vegan because they contain milk, cream, and refined sugar. However, there are numerous vegan ice cream brands that are just as good as Dippin’ Dots. Treat yourself to a scoop of vegan ice cream today!