Coconut Milk Ice Cream – Things to Know

Coconut milk ice cream is a dairy-free and vegan-friendly frozen dessert made with coconut milk instead of dairy milk. With its creamy texture and tropical flavor, it has become a popular alternative to traditional ice cream. In this article, we will explore the world of coconut milk ice cream, including popular flavors, sustainability, ethics, top brands, market trends and size, vending machines, and 3 recipes for homemade coconut milk ice cream.

Popular Flavors

Coconut milk ice cream comes in a variety of flavors, including classic favorites and unique combinations. Some of the most popular flavors include:

1. Chocolate: Rich and decadent, chocolate coconut milk ice cream is a favorite among chocolate lovers.
2. Vanilla: Smooth and creamy, vanilla coconut milk ice cream is a classic flavor that pairs well with fruit or toppings.
3. Strawberry: Light and refreshing, strawberry coconut milk ice cream is a perfect summer treat.
4. Mint Chocolate Chip: A classic combination, mint chocolate chip coconut milk ice cream has a refreshing mint flavor with bits of chocolate throughout.
5. Caramel: Sweet and indulgent, caramel coconut milk ice cream is a perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth.

Sustainability

Coconut milk is considered to be a sustainable alternative to dairy milk. Coconuts are grown in tropical regions and require less water than dairy cows. Additionally, coconut trees have a long lifespan and can produce coconuts for up to 80 years. However, there are some concerns about the impact of coconut farming on the environment, such as deforestation and the use of pesticides. It is important to choose coconut milk ice cream brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices.

Ethics

In addition to sustainability, the ethics of coconut milk ice cream production are also important. It is important to choose brands that prioritize fair labor practices and do not exploit workers in coconut farming communities. Additionally, some coconut milk brands may use monkey labor in their coconut harvesting process. It is important to research brands and choose those that do not use monkey labor.

Top Brands

There are numerous brands that offer coconut milk ice cream, each with their own unique flavors and styles. Here are some of the top brands:

1. So Delicious: So Delicious offers a wide range of coconut milk ice cream flavors, including classic favorites and unique combinations.
2. Coconut Bliss: Coconut Bliss is known for its creamy and decadent coconut milk ice cream flavors, such as Salted Caramel and Cherry Amaretto.
3. Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss: Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss is a vegan ice cream brand that specializes in coconut milk ice cream. Their flavors include Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge and Ginger Cookie Caramel.
4. NadaMoo!: NadaMoo! offers a variety of coconut milk ice cream flavors, including Chocolate Cherry Fudge Brownie and Birthday Cake.

Market Trends and Size of Coconut Milk Ice Cream

Coconut milk ice cream has seen significant growth in recent years. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global non-dairy ice cream market is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2025. Coconut milk is one of the most popular non-dairy alternatives, and it is expected to continue to gain popularity in the coming years. The growth of the coconut milk ice cream market is driven by a growing number of consumers looking for dairy-free options due to health, ethical, and environmental concerns.

Vending Machines for Coconut Milk Ice Cream

Vending machines that offer coconut milk ice cream have not yet become widespread, but there is potential for growth in this area. College campuses, health food stores, and specialty shops may be good places to introduce coconut milk ice cream vending machines. This would make it more convenient for consumers to access the product and could help to increase its popularity.

3 Recipes for Homemade Coconut Milk Ice Cream

Classic Coconut Milk Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk and sugar over medium heat.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze until firm, about 4 hours.

Chocolate Coconut Milk Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and cocoa powder over medium heat.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze until firm, about 4 hours

Strawberry Coconut Milk Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk and sugar over medium heat.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the strawberries and vanilla extract.
4. Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze until firm, about 4 hours.

Conclusion

Coconut milk ice cream is a delicious and popular non-dairy alternative to traditional ice cream. It comes in a variety of flavors and is offered by several top brands. Coconut milk ice cream is also sustainable and ethical, making it a great choice for environmentally-conscious consumers. While vending machines for coconut milk ice cream are not common, I’m sure there will be coconut and other vegan ice creams available in vending machines in the near future.