Warmer weather is coming. While I am not a fan of higher temps, I am a fan of the ‘cool’ treats that come into the spotlight this time of year.

Ice cream has been my favorite dessert since I can remember choosing favorites. My papa (grandpa) used to make homemade ice cream and it was such a big deal! There is something different about homemade ice cream. It has a fuller mouth-feel and a more satisfying texture than its store-bought counterparts. Until recently I was unaware that dairy-free ice cream could mimic this same texture and feel.

A follower pointed out a new vegan business operating out of Stockton, CA: Dilla’s Dairy Free. Dilla’s Dairy Free is a homemade vegan ice cream in a number of unmatched flavors, that is even gluten-free. Made with an organic coconut base, each batch is carefully crafted by ‘Dilla’ and every pint has a unique and strong flavor.

I opted for two flavors I selected and one that I asked Dilla to choose. After much deliberation, I picked Thai Tea, Oatmeal Cookie, and was surprised with Mint Chip!

The Thai Tea is my absolute favorite of the three, and I think I will have to order another half-pint of this flavor next time, even if I experiment with the other options. Traditional Thai tea is a decadent iced (or hot) milk tea, brewed with a black tea, and made with milk and sugar. Dilla’s Thai tea ice cream is a non-dairy twist on the original. Aside from the gorgeous color, the flavor is sweet but balanced with the malty taste of tea.

Oatmeal Cookie is a close second, as the crumbles of cookie and oats are hard to beat. A cinnamon-spiced vanilla ice cream is mixed with large chunks of gluten-free oatmeal cookies. I am talking like pieces of a cookie, not the silly crumbles you find in typical store-bought ice cream. I found myself wishing I also had the cookies at my disposal, but the ice cream is satisfactory all on its own.

The Mint Chip ice cream has a strong cooling mint flavor, beyond what you would expect. The bite of the mint is cut down a bit by the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, but the overall experience is extremely refreshing. No artificial coloring is used here either! This mint ice cream is white, and Dilla tries to always use all-natural ingredients. I have a couple scoops left of this variety, and then it is time to try some more!

Send Dilla’s Dairy Free a DM on Intsa to place your order, and give them a follow to see what flavor options are currently being crafted. Keep an eye on their stories to see freshly made half-pints as they become available, should you not want to place a pre-order. Half-pints are sold at $8 each, and can be picked up or delivered for an additional fee, and depending on your location. Dilla’s Dairy Free will be at pop-ups in the near future, and I see only big things ahead for this small business!

Which flavor are you eye-ing?

Next I think I need to try the Apple Pie and Maple! I want to indulge in those fall flavors before the summer heat hits!

Location: Stockton, CA

https://www.instagram.com/dillasdairyfree