Need a sweet treat to bring to your next BBQ? Look no further than these Black-owned ice cream brands that go beyond the bland flavors we’re used to seeing in the frozen section. These creamy snacks are absolutely decadent and unique.
The founders below credit their use of fresh ingredients, infused with homemade Southern-style cooking, for their innovative award-winning flavors, available in traditional and non-dairy formulas. In addition to their groundbreaking taste, they are breaking barriers as some of the first Black-owned ice cream brands in mass production to be sold nationwide.
Shop this list of delicious options below, with a mix of brands available in major retailers, online, or regional stores.
Creamalicious
With unique flavors like peach cobbler and sweet potato pies, Creamalicious turns southern favorites into ice cream. Founder Chef Liz Rogers pairs fresh baked pastries with homemade ice creams made with only the freshest ingredients to turn dessert time into something richer, creamier, and absolutely Southern. You can also shop the dessert at Target and Walmart stores nationwide.
JD’S Vegan
Inspired by the health benefits of his vegan lifestyle, Music superstar Jermaine Dupri created a collection of “so so good” dairy-free, all natural frozen desserts that are so so good you won’t believe what’s not in them. Completely vegan, the formulation follows a strict guideline of deceptively delicious taste free of animal milk or creamers, artificial flavors or sweeteners. Shop the flavors at Walmart stores and online nationwide.
Taharka Brothers
Taharka Brothers’ award-winning ice cream is beloved for their delicious options that include favorites like Honey Graham, Mintflix & Chillz, Key Lime Pie, and Caramel Crunch. In addition to the aforementioned flavors, the menu features rotating seasonal and one-time options inspired by local happenings and a handful of collaborations with other local small businesses throughout the year. The employee-owned company operates with a unique social mission, focused on creating an impactful, profitable business managed and operated by young adults from some of Baltimore’s most troubled neighborhoods. You can shop it at dozens of shops, grocery stores and restaurants throughout the DMV area.
Whipped Urban Dessert Lab
Whipped Urban Dessert Lab, urbandessertslab.com
Courtney Blagrove, and Zan B. R., are radical ice cream makers. The sisters own NYC’s first oat milk ice cream shop—Whipped Urban Dessert Lab, located in the city’s Lower East Side. Zan, a lawyer with an extensive background in research, replies to our query of why an oat milk ice cream shop, “We noticed a lack of a good plant-based substitute for ice cream. We found that a lot of individuals are either lactose-intolerant or are had lactose sensitivities.” Coming from a “people eat with their eyes first” point-of-view, the presentation is unique, fun, and even photogenic. “Social media is a huge part of spreading the word of our business, and people love posting something colorful and vibrant,” shares Zan. “It really makes the page pop.”
Cajou Creamery
Cajou Creamery Horchata Ice Cream, cajoucreamery.com
Fueled by an unending desire for real food and real ingredients, the founders of Cajou Creamery have reimagined ice cream as healthy, guilt-free food. As the only plant-based ice cream company based in the DMV, the company is committed to crafting super-premium ice cream using whole superfoods, free from chemicals, artificial flavors, or fillers. Currently, the brand offers seven globally-inspired flavors, available to shop online, that represent their passion for travel and international cuisine.
Mikey Likes It
Mikey Likes It Ice Cream, mikeylikesiticecream.com
Michael “Mikey” Cole is the founder and owner of Mikey Likes It Ice Cream, the pop-cultured inspired ice cream shop with locations in New York’s Lower East Side and Harlem with fans including Jay-Z and Hillary Clinton. A New York native, Cole’s love for cooking only parallels his love for people. “We’re just trying to push the boundaries of what companies are doing with ice cream,” he says. “And we do this by using the best ingredients and building lasting relationships with local businesses, customers and other great people.” The brand’s “Eat to Heal” flavor is inspired by Dr. Sebi this Vegan flavor is made of Blueberry Hibiscus ice cream with a crushed pineapple and cayenne pepper swirl.
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