Ghirardelli vegan sundae in the 209!

Ghirardelli was founded in 1892 and is the longest continuously running chocolatier in America. They’re committed to using high-quality, sustainably sourced cocoa beans, and their parent company, Lindt and Sprüngli, has developed its own sustainability program for cocoa, ‘The Lindt and Sprüngli Farming Program’. Through this program, they aim to source 100% of cocoa products, including beans, butter, powder, and chocolate mass, while also contributing to the betterment of their farmers.

While a pioneer in the chocolate industry, Ghirardelli has remained cautious when diving into the dairy-free chocolate category. They officially launched both their Ghirardelli Non-Dairy Chocolate Chips (in stores) and Ghirardelli Non-Dairy Hot Fudge Sundae (in their Ice Cream Shops) in the 2020s, and they’ve been in business for over 100 years! The non-dairy hot fudge is made with Ghirardelli Non-Dairy Chocolate Chips mixed with almond milk. The ice cream is Cosmic Bliss’ coconut-based vanilla ice cream, and the whipped cream is Reddi Wip’s Non-Dairy Almond Topping. The sundae is topped with chopped almonds, a maraschino cherry, and a Ghirardelli Intense Dark 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Square. Despite being named “Intense” the Ghirardelli 72% Dark Chocolate is actually pretty mellow in flavor for a dark chocolate, and not very bitter. The sundae flavor is an intense mix of rich and velvety chocolate, with a cool and creamy vanilla, but the toppings make this a standout treat. Hot fudge sundaes are a classic that is not readily available for vegans, so having a simple yet decadent dessert I can enjoy at an iconic location is incredible.

Aside from Ghirardelli’s Non-Dairy Chocolate Chips, there are a few other “accidentally vegan”¹ items that do not contain milk. The only current Ghirardelli chocolate bar that doesn’t contain dairy is the Ghirardelli Intense Dark 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Bar (or square). This is what they use to top the Non-Dairy Sundae and comes in a pretty purple packaging. The remaining non-dairy products include baking and cocoa:

• Ghirardelli Double Hot Cocoa Mix
• Ghirardelli Chocolate Mocha Premium Hot Cocoa
• Ghirardelli Caramel Flavored Hot Cocoa Mix
• Ghirardelli 100% Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• Ghirardelli Unsweetened Chocolate 100% Cacao Baking Bar
• Ghirardelli Premium Chocolate Sauce

You can find these products in Ghirardelli outlets and many grocery or big-box stores. Want to visit a Ghirardelli location in 209 for a vegan sundae date? There are two within 30 minutes of Modesto- the Ghirardelli Factory & Outlet Store in Tracy, and the Ghirardelli Chocolate Outlet & Ice Cream Shop in Lathrop. I visited the Tracy location as I was in the area, and it is just off the highway with PLENTY of parking. The staff was lovely, there were a few non-food-related giftables, and a ton of chocolate, so much that if I had wanted a vat of just Ghirardelli Intense Dark 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Squares, I don’t think they would have cared. July 25th is National Hot Fudge Sundae Day, and although the Ghirardelli Non-Dairy Hot Fudge Sundae is not included in their freebie for the holiday, there is a coupon for ‘Buy One Get One 50% Off Sundaes’ at the Lathrop location in the recent Modesto’s Book of Savings coupon booklet shared through the mail. I called and confirmed with the location that the BOGO 50% off coupon is valid for the Non-Dairy Hot Fudge Sundae, so you can still celebrate with a discount! Not local but want to try the Ghirardelli Non-Dairy Hot Fudge Sundae? Check out their locations on their website at Ghirardelli.com/our-stores.

Have you tried the Ghirardelli Non-Dairy Sundae? Their slogan is “Makes Life a Bite Better” and I’m bound to agree!

Ghirardelli Factory & Outlet Store Tracy Location– 1015 Promontory Pkwy Tracy, CA 95377

Ghirardelli Chocolate Outlet & Ice Cream Shop Lathrop Location– 11980 S Harlan Rd, Lathrop, CA 95330

1. “accidentally vegan” refers to a product that is vegan by ingredients, but not certified or labeled as vegan. ↩︎