Lifestyle | Food Features

All About Low FODMAP Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for details.

You can have ice cream and frozen desserts while following the low FODMAP diet. You just have to learn how to read labels, make the right choices, and of course, you can make your own. This article will discuss the low FODMAP ice cream and frozen desserts that you can find in supermarkets and restaurants, as well as our own exclusive recipes, and will include information on dairy based as well as alt milk frozen desserts and recipes.

We will also cover cones, hot fudge sauce, caramel sauce, sprinkles, ice cream sandwiches, toppings and more. You can even make an ice cream banana split!

A glass bowl filled with 4 kinds of ice cream - and the words "All About Low FODMAP Ice cream and frozen desserts" across the top
There is a huge selection of low FODMAP ice cream and frozen dessert choices!

The Low FODMAP Diet Is Not Dairy Free

Let us first briefly discuss the difference between a product that is dairy-free and those that are lactose-free or low enough in lactose to be considered low FODMAP. The low FODMAP diet is not dairy-free. This can come as a surprise to many people, especially those new to the diet – and opens up a whole realm of possibilities for low FODMAP ice cream choices.

dairy cow in field
The low FODMAP diet is not dairy-free, but it is lower in lactose.

One glance at the Monash University smartphone app or the FODMAP Friendly smartphone app (the two we highly recommend) and you will see many conventional cheeses and dairy products that have a low FODMAP serving size.

You do not have to automatically look for a dairy-free ice cream. We just must find products that are low enough in lactose to be considered low FODMAP.

Monash Definition Of Low FODMAP Re: Lactose

Monash University sets cut-off points for various FODMAPs based on the amounts that are known to not trigger IBS symptoms in most people. The cut-off for lactose is 1 g or less per serving.

Remember, the low FODMAP diet is not a FODMAP-free diet and is very much associated with portion control. Therefore, low lactose ice creams can be low FODMAP ice cream.

Supermarket Low FODMAP Ice Cream 

Traditional ice cream, based on cow’s milk and cream, has been lab tested by Monash University in vanilla flavor and it does have a low FODMAP serving size of 30 g, which they say is “2/3 scoop”. So, you can have some, just not a lot. What if you want more than two-thirds of a scoop? (And BTW there is no standard definition of what a “scoop” is anyway, but I digress).

In the U.S. the FDA determines what a serving size is, which we detail in our article, How To Read A FDA Nutritional Facts Label. In the U.S. a serving size of ice cream is set at 2/3 cup (it used to be ½ cup). The ounce/gram weight can vary per brand and flavor, but is about 88 g to 120 g. 

That size serving, which is still less than most of us want to eat (or do eat) as a serving, contains way more than the 1 g amount of lactose that Monash University recommends as a cut-off point for the Elimination Phase of the diet.

This is why we will focus on lactose-free, low lactose and alt milk ice creams and frozen desserts – so that we can eat more. 😁

3 hands holding ice cream cones outdoors
No need to deprive yourself. There are many types of ice cream and frozen desserts that are low FODMAP diet compliant, even during Elimination.

IMPORTANT SERVING SIZE INFO

We are making brand recommendations below based on their ingredients, except in the rare instance that the product is lab tested and low FODMAP certified and that will be clearly stated. 

The serving size that you tolerate may not the be the same as the serving size on the label. Read our article, What Is A Low FODMAP Serving Size? for more info.

Supermarket Lactose-Free Dairy Ice Cream, Alt Milk Frozen Desserts & Sorbets

Luckily for us there are many frozen dessert products to be found in supermarkets that are low FODMAP compliant. Let’s take a look at dairy-based lactose-free, alt milk brands, as well as sorbets and ices.

What Is Dairy-Based Lactose-Free Ice Cream?

When most of us think of ice cream we think about products that are made with cow’s milk and cream, which contain lactose. Lactose is a disaccharide; in fact, it is the “D” in FODMAP

Disaccharide references “two sugars” and indeed, lactose is made up of galactose and glucose. Ice cream makers add a lactase enzyme during the creation of their dairy ice cream recipe, which breaks down the lactose into galactose and glucose. This results in lactose-free ice cream that is still made with real dairy yet is low FODMAP and suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Low FODMAP Ice Cream That Contains Dairy

So, dairy-based lactose-free ice cream is ice cream made with dairy and the inclusion of lactase enzyme, which breaks down the lactose molecule, making the item easier to digest.

The “D” in FODMAP stands for disaccharide, and it specifically refers to one particular disaccharide, namely lactose.
Be sure to read: All About Disaccharides

You Can Buy Lactase Enzyme 

Did you know that you can buy lactase enzymes to take when eating dairy products? That’s right. The enzymes can be added to products, or you can simply take one yourself right before indulging. But you need to know which ones are appropriate for the low FODMAP diet.

Taking Lactase Enzyme Allows Enjoyment Of Low FODMAP Ice Cream

Our Success Team RD Diana Reid has written an excellent article on Enzyme Supplementation that we encourage you to read, but for now, what you need to know is that some products contain polyols, which are a FODMAP. The Lactaid original strength caplets contain mannitol. Avoid this product if you are sensitive to this FODMAP. The product we do recommend is Lactaid Fast-Act Caplets

What Does Lactose-Free Ice Cream Taste Like?

As with any ice cream or frozen product, there are brands that you might like more than others. We have found that lactose-free ice creams taste pretty much exactly like conventional. If you served some to a friend, I would bet money that they would not know that it wasn’t “normal” ice cream.
 
The main difference we have seen is that many lactose-free ice creams are softer and melt more easily.

Dairy-Based Lactose-Free Ice Cream: Homemade & Brands

Here are some dairy-based, lactose-free recipes – including “no-churn” (no ice cream machine needed), and brands we have found and tried:

Our Low FODMAP Ice Cream Recipes

overhead shot of rhubarb crumble ice cream in freezer container

Beckon Ice Cream

We met Gwen and Katy, founders of Beckon Ice Cream, several years ago at a specialty food show in NYC and we are thrilled that their brand is flourishing and expanding (they now have individual cups as well as pints). You can read all about the company in our interview with these entrepreneurs.

Gwen & Katy of Beckon Ice Cream

Beckon ice cream is based on real cow dairy – and many of their flavors are low FODMAP. They use rBST hormone-free milk and cream, and then add lactase enzyme. Their ice cream is French-custard style, which means it includes egg yolks, for a super creamy experience, and they use pure cane sugar, which is low FODMAP. You can order from them online.

Their line keeps expanding, and not all of their flavors are low FODMAP, but here are some that are:

  • Vanilla
  • Mint Chip
  • Sea Salt Chocolate Chip
  • Espresso
  • Chocolate
  • Dark Chocolate Brownie (made with buckwheat, oat and rice flour)

Brave Robot

Brave Robot touts their product as an “animal-free ice cream”. You are probably wondering what that means, as did we.

The company states that their “animal-free dairy is made without animal inputs.” They use “non-animal whey protein” that they say is identical to what is found in in cow’s milk.

So, this is a very science-y, made-in-a-lab kind of product. Here is a description of the process: “The bovine whey protein gene was digitized in an open-source database… Microflora are given the blueprint of the gene sequence, and then fermented in a tank along with some plant sugars…The result? A non-animal whey protein”.

You might be wondering, why? They claim their manufacturing processes uses less land, water and energy than dairy production.

They claim to be vegan, even though it contains milk protein. And you might wonder how a product can be animal-free if it contains milk protein? Brave Robot says the FDA requires declaration of milk proteins, and since their product is molecularly identical, they have to disclose. But no cows are ever involved.

For me, this is way too much thinking when I just want to eat ice cream. But, if you are curious, their product is considered lactose-free (but not considered dairy-free).

Here are some flavors to try, which are low FODMAP:

  • Vanilla
  • Buttery Pecan
  • Raspberry White Truffle
  • PB ‘N Fudge
  • Hazelnut Chocolate Chunk
  • A Lot of Chocolate

Breyers

One of the very first reviews we did of a conventional supermarket product was for Breyers Lactose Free Ice Cream and you can read that deep-dive, in this article linked here.

This is the manufacturer’s statement on their “lactose-free” ice creams. Note the asterisk:

“Now you CAN enjoy a Breyers® moment, even if you’re ‘not supposed to’. Breyers® has whipped up a Lactose Free alternative* that has all the delicious taste that made us famous…Enjoy! *99% Lactose Free”.

We called Breyers and asked why the ice cream was considered 99% lactose-free and not 100%. We know from speaking with other companies that make lactose-free milk and dairy products that they consider their products to be 100% lactose-free. What is it in this ice cream that the lactase enzyme apparently doesn’t completely affect?

breyers lactose-free vanilla ice cream

Here is the brand statement:

“Whey protein isolate contains less than 1 percent lactose. Which is why we don’t make the claim on that product of being 100% lactose free. If you need a 100 % lactose free product, the products you are looking for have DAIRY FREE on the container.”

Please note that it took 2 calls and 4 emails for them to answer the question and it isn’t even well addressed. Breyers is owned by Unilver, and we expected more from their customer service.

That said, whey protein isolate is still considered low FODMAP, so you can enjoy this product, in these flavors:

  • Vanilla
  • Chocolate

Lactaid

Lactaid is the largest lactose-free brand in the U.S., and they make milk, chocolate milk, egg nog, cottage cheese, sour cream, ice cream and other products, including the lactase enzyme caplets we discussed above. 

While the brand has a very corporate sounding name, it was founded by a third-generation dairy farmer. They use farm fresh milk from cows that are never treated with artificial growth hormones, and they test for antibiotics.

Here are low FODMAP ice cream flavors from Lactaid:

  • Vanilla
  • Chocolate
  • Mocha Almond Chip
  • Mint Chocolate Chip

Pierre’s The Ice Cream Company

Pierre’s is a mid-west ice cream company that was brought to my attention by our Success Team RD Vanessa Vargas. They have been around since 1932, originating in Cleveland, Ohio, and have a line of over 200 frozen dessert products. All of their dairy milk and cream is from cows not treated with rBST.

Here are their lactose-free flavors, which are low FODMAP compliant:

  • Vanilla
  • Chocolate

ReThink Ice Cream

ReThink was created from the ground up with the goal of a “healthier” alternative to conventional ice cream. ReThink ice cream contains two-thirds less sugar than conventional brands and no sugar alcohols. The formulation does contain agave nectar. Smaller servings of about ½ cup should be low FODMAP compliant, as agave is low FODMAP in 5 g amounts.

Here is the brand statement: “We formulate our ice cream to make it completely ‘tummy-friendly’. There are upwards of 100 million people in the U.S. who have some degree of dairy intolerance due to either lactose (milk sugar) or A1 casein protein intolerances. We have addressed both of these by using lactose-free A2/A2 dairy as our milk source, so that anyone who has dairy intolerance would be able to enjoy ReThink without an adverse effect. And because ReThink is so low in sugar and also low-glycemic, it is much safer for diabetics and pre-diabetics to consume.”

Here are some flavors to consider:

  • Vanilla Supreme
  • Chocolate Almond Butter
  • Chocolate Majesty
  • Coffee Hazelnut
  • Lemon Poppy Seed
  • Mint with Chocolate Flakes

Fairlife Ice Cream (ENTIRE LINE DISCONTINUED 9/23)

Ed Note: For now I am leaving this section in as educational.

Fairlife ice cream has an interesting ingredient list. Their products are based upon ultra-filtered milk, which is high in protein, uses lactase-enzyme, includes allulose and monk fruit as sweeteners (in addition to corn syrup and cane sugar, both low FODMAP), and also whey protein. It has been recommended on other lists as a possible low FODMAP option, with the monk fruit being called out as the item to watch. I think there is more to discuss and understand.

First of all, you might not have heard of allulose, but it is a non-nutritive sweetener that has been lab tested by FODMAP Friendly and it is low FODMAP. Monk fruit has not been lab tested alone, but it is in many lab tested and low FODMAP certified products, so we do know that some amount is low FODMAP. The whey protein can often be an issue. Whey protein isolate is usually considered low FODMAP, but without the “isolate” we are usually concerned with an amount of lactose in the product. Since this ice cream has the addition of the lactase enzyme, that should not be an issue.

Our suggestion is to try this product when you are stable and in your Challenge Phase. Always eat to your tolerances.

Flavors to try:

  • Vanilla
  • Chocolate
  • Mint Chip
  • Java Chip
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter
  • Butter Pecan

Dairy-Free Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts

First let’s talk terminology. According to the FDA, “ice cream is a frozen food made from a mixture of dairy products, containing at least 10 percent milkfat.” This means, by legal definition, that anything made with an alt milk, such as coconut milk or almond milk, cannot be called ice cream. That is why you will see the term “frozen dessert” being used.

A side shot of a stack of rasberry ice pops with a green background.
The options are endless for dairy-free frozen desserts!

There are many alt milk frozen desserts that work with the low FODMAP diet. Here are some of our faves. We have listed them by alt milk type.

Almond Milk Frozen Desserts

Almond milk itself has been lab tested and is low FODMAP in generous portions of 1 cup or (250 ml) according to Monash University. Let’s look at some almond milk based frozen desserts.

Almond Dream

Almond Dream makes many almond milk based frozen dessert flavors. Here are the ones to consider while following the low FODMAP diet.

Pints & Quarts

  • Vanilla (Pints & Quarts)
  • Chocolate (Pints & Quarts)
  • Cappuccino Swirl (Pint)
  • Praline Crunch (Pint)
  • Toffee Almond Fudge (Pint)

Specialty Products

  • Vanilla Dessert Bites (Chocolate coated nuggets; not dairy-free)
  • Chocolate Dessert Bites (Chocolate coated nuggets; not dairy-free)

365 Almondmilk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

365 is a Whole Foods house brand and they have a frozen dessert based on almond milk. It contains pea protein, which can be an IBS trigger for some. You can read more in our article, Is Pea Protein Low FODMAP?

Here are some flavors to consider:

  • Vanilla Bean
  • Strawberry
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
  • Berry Chantilly Cake
  • Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Swirl

Favorite Day Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts

Favorite Day is a Target house brand. These contain pea protein, which you can read about in our article, Is Pea Protein Low FODMAP? 

Here are low FODMAP flavors to try:

  • Vanilla
  • Strawberry & Fudge
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate
  • Mocha Almond Fudge

DiNoci Dairy-Free Almond Milk Frozen Dessert

Out of Boulder CO, DiNoci frozen dessert products are handcrafted in small batches without the use of gums, additives or dairy. You can order online with a 4-pint minimum, and they have both almond milk based as well as oat milk treats (see Oat Milk section below for their oat-milk products).

  • Vanilla
  • Mint Chocolate
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate
  • Espresso Chip
  • Salty Caramel
  • Chocolate
  • Lemon
  • Chocolate Raspberry

Trader Joe’s Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Made With Almonds

Not all locations have all the various choices. We will add more as they come to our attention. This is for the almond based ones.

Pints:

  • Trader Joe’s Vanilla Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Made With Almonds

Coconut Milk Frozen Desserts

Coconut milk has been lab tested by both Monash University and FODMAP Friendly. We use Monash as our default, and they have lab tested both canned as well as shelf-stable UHT types; they do have different FODMAP content. Canned coconut milk is considered “culinary” and what is used in cooking, baking, and manufacturing, so we look to that app entry to guide us here. ¼ cup or 60 g of canned coconut milk is considered low FODMAP by Monash, so let that be your benchmark.

Cocofrio

Cocofrio is an Australian based company that has FODMAP Friendly lab tested and certified low FODMAP desserts!They are gluten-free, vegan, and free of artificial colors and flavors. Some of their products are certified organic, as well.

Pints:

  • Blueberry Pop
  • Caramel Honey Macadamia
  • Chocolate Raspberry Ripple
  • Hazelnut Choc Delight
  • Naked Coconut
  • Salted Caramel
  • Strawberry & Choc Chip
  • Vanilla, Sticky Date & Pecan

Cones:

  • Hazelnut Choc Delight Cone
  • Salted Caramel Cone

Coconut Bliss

Coconut Bliss has been around for a while and has many flavors although not all have low FODMAP potential. Their offerings are based on coconut milk and coconut cream. Some use coconut syrup as a sweetener. 

Coconut syrup is not lab tested as such, but coconut sugar is, which is a granulated version, and it has a 5 g low FODMAP serving size. Coconut sugar contains fructans, by the way, so, if you are sensitive to fructans, perhaps steer clear. If you are stable and in your Challenge Phase, you could try a small portion. Some flavors double up on the sweetener and contain coconut syrup in addition to coconut sugar, so I have not included those flavors, nor have I listed flavors that use untested ingredients such as lucuma. Here are some flavors to try:

  • Madagascan Vanilla Bean
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter
  • Infinite Coconut

Salt & Straw

This company makes a very high quality product – and they can be mail-ordered! Salt & Straw focuses on premium small batch ice cream and frozen desserts, using local ingredients when possible, creating community and are dedicated to social issues.

  • Strawberry & Coconut Sherbet
  • Freckled Mint TCHO-colate Chip

Noona’s

This company is known for flavors such as toasted rice and yuzu. In fact the entire line is Asian focused. They have some flavors based upon coconut milk and cream, which also happen to be vegan. Try the following:

  • Dairy-Free Vegan Rose Ginger
  • Dairy-Free Vegan Matcha Green Tea
  • Dairy-Free Vegan Black Sesame

O’My Dairy Free Gelato

O’My Gelato has one of the simplest ingredient lists, which we love. The vanilla reads as follows: Coconut cream, water, cane sugar, vanilla extract, carob gum, vanilla beans. Note that they also have formulations that are sugar-free and use allulose, stevia and monkfruit. Allulose and stevia are low FODMAP, and we do know that some amount of monkfruit is as well.

Pints:

  • Vanilla Bean
  • Chocolate
  • Mint Chip
  • Coffee Chip
  • Orange Cream
  • Strawberry
  • Cake Batter (It is GF!)
  • I Love Chocolate (this formulation uses allulose, stevia and monkfruit)
  • Cake Walk (this formulation uses allulose, stevia and monkfruit)
  • My O My Vanilla (this formulation uses allulose, stevia and monkfruit)

So Delicious Coconutmilk Frozen Dessert

So Delicious has coconut-based products that are vegan and gluten-free. They use pea protein in their frozen desserts, which can trigger GI distress for some. You can read more in our article, Is Pea Protein Low FODMAP? Always eat to your own personal tolerances. You can order online.

Steer clear of their flavors labeled “no sugar” as they contain chicory root, which is high FODMAP.

Pints:

  • Vanilla
  • Chocolate
  • Strawberries
  • Cookie Dough
  • Mint Chip
  • Mocha Almond Fudge

Specialty Items:

  • Dipped Vanilla Bean (this is a chocolate dipped pop)
  • Dipped Mint Fudge Swirl (this is a chocolate dipped pop)

Trader Joe’s Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert

If you have access to a Trader Joe’s, there are choices for you! Not all locations have all the various choices. We will add more as they come to our attention. This is for the coconut based ones.

Pints:

  • Chocolate Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

Jeni’s Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert

Robin and I tried a few of Jeni’s coconut-based frozen desserts pre-launch at a specialty food show and were blown away. There is an actual Jeni. Jeni Britton Bauer opened her first ice cream shop, Scream, in 1996, then founded Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in 2002. Her first cookbook, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home, is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller and won a coveted James Beard Award in 2012. And they ship nationwide.

Try these:

  • Roasted Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jam
  • Cold Brew With Coconut Cream
  • Dark Chocolate Truffle

Rice Milk Frozen Desserts

Rice milk has a low FODMAP serving size of ¾ cup or 200 ml, which is a generous amount. At this time we have not been able to find a commercially prepared rice milk based frozen dessert.

Rice Dream, by the way, which was a popular one, has been discontinued.

If you know of one that is low FODMAP, let us know!

a side shot of a glass milk bottle filled with oat milk with oats scattered around it
Oatmilk is beloved by many for its rich and creamy mouthfeel.

Oat Milk Frozen Desserts

Oat milk is beloved by many for its rich, creamy mouthfeel, so it is no surprise that companies have used it to make frozen desserts. And some are low FODMAP!

DiNoci Dairy-Free Oat Milk Frozen Dessert

Out of Boulder CO, DiNoci frozen dessert products are handcrafted in small batches without the use of gums, additives or dairy. You can order online with a 4-pint minimum. See the listing above for their almond milk products, as well.

  • Strawberry
  • Oatmeal Cookie

Oatly

We like Oatly oat milk very much, so we were thrilled to try their oat milk frozen desserts. We also like the company. They are Swedish, entrepreneurial, have a senser of humor and a great point of view. Read about them HERE.

And try these flavors:

  • Oat (plain)
  • Vanilla
  • Mint Chip
  • Raspberry Swirl
  • Fudge Brownie
  • Salted Caramel
  • Chocolate Chip
  • Chocolate
  • Strawberry
  • Coffee

Planet Oat Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

Planet Oat makes oat milk products including milk, creamers and frozen desserts. All of their products are free-from: tree nuts, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives, lactose, soy, gluten, peanuts and dairy. You can often find discount coupons on their site.

Here are some frozen dessert flavors to check out:

  • Vanilla
  • Chocolate
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter
  • Mint Fudge Swirl
  • Coffee Fudge Swirl

So Delicious Oatmilk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

So Delicious makes frozen oatmilk products that are vegan and gluten free. They do contain pea protein, which can be an IBS trigger for some. Review our article, Is Pea Protein Low FODMAP? You can order online.

Try these creative flavors:

  • Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie
  • Chocolate Salted Caramel
  • Coffee Chip

Van Leeuwen Oat Milk Frozen Desserts

Van Leeuwen makes oat milk based frozen desserts, as well as some with cashew milk, which we discuss further along in this article. They are a premium ice cream brand; their frozen desserts are rich, creamy and decadent. They contain oat milk as well as some coconut cream. You can order these online.

Here are some flavors to try:

  • Vegan Brownie Sundae Raspberry Swirl (contains a small amount of molasses)
  • Vegan Oat Milk Caramel Cookie
  • Vegan Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl
  • Vegan Strawberry

Cashew Milk Based Frozen Desserts

Cashews can cause confusion with the low FODMAP community because the nuts themselves are high FODMAP even at 15 g, according to Monash, which is about 10 nuts; they show high GOS and fructan content. When activated, however, which is the act of sprouting, the same amount of nuts is low FODMAP and the fructan content in particular lowers dramatically. 

A specific brand of Australian cashew milk, So Good Sanitarium brand, has been lab tested and is low FODMAP in generous 1 cup (240 ml) servings. Is all cashew milk low FODMAP in the same amount? No one knows, so this is an educated guess that frozen desserts made with cashew milk might be tolerated.

Van Leeuwen Cashew Milk Frozen Desserts

Van Leewen premium ice cream brand has created cashew milk-based offerings, which also contain some coconut cream. Some flavors contain carob or coconut sugar, and we have not included those as recommendations. You can order these online.

Here are some flavors to try:

  • Vanilla Bean
  • Salted Caramel 
  • Caramel Almond Praline Chip
  • Vanilla Almond Butter Cup
  • Chocolate Fudge Brownie
  • Cookie Crumble Strawberry Jam
  • Mint Chip

So Delicious Cashewmilk Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts

So Delicious makes cashewmilk frozen desserts that are vegan and gluten free and can be ordered online. They do contain pea protein. Brush up on pea protein and FODMAPs in our article Is Pea Protein Low FODMAP?

Here are flavors to try:

Pints:

  • Very Vanilla
  • Peanut Butter Brownie
  • Bananas Foster
  • Snickerdoodle
  • Salted Caramel Cluster (this doubles up on the cashews)
  • Dark Chocolate Truffle
  • Chocolate Cookies N’ Cream

Specialty Items:

  • Dipped Peanut Butter Fudge Bar
  • Dipped Salted Caramel Bar
  • Dipped Double Chocolate Delight

Sorbets, Ices & Special Frozen Treats

Sorbets are typically dairy-free and are comprised of fruit, or a flavoring like chocolate, with water and sweetener. They are good bets for a low FODMAP choice, as long as you watch your choices; for instance, mango sorbet is probably not a good choice, but strawberry sorbet is. Sugar used as a sweetener is a good choicehigh fructose corn syrup would not be. Some products, like some of the Talenti flavors, also include egg yolks, fats, and dextrose, none of which are FODMAP issues.

Ices, such as Italian ice cups and icy pops, often contain high fructose corn syrup, which we want to avoid, but there are some that we can enjoy. See below.

You have to know how to read labels. Use your Monash and FODMAP Friendly apps to help you make decisions. 

Low FODMAP Chocolate Sorbet in an ice cream dish with an ice cream spoon on a dark surface
This is our homemade Chocolate Sorbet.

Sorbets

Here are some sorbets that we like, both our and store-bought:

  • Chocolate Sorbet
  • Papaya Lime Sorbet
  • Banana Coconut Sorbet
  • Chocolate Coconut Sorbet
  • Häagen-Daz Lemon Sorbet
  • Häagen-Daz Raspberry Sorbet
  • Talenti Dark Chocolate Dairy-Free Sorbetto
  • Talenti Cold-Brew Dairy-Free Sorbetto
  • Blue Moon Blackberry Lime Sorbet
  • Blue Moon Red Raspberry Sorbet
  • Cold Fusion Key Lime Sorbet
  • Cold Fusion Lemon Sorbet
  • Van Leeuwen Raspberry Rosé Sorbet
  • Superbo Chocolate Sorbetto
  • Jolly Llama Pineapple Sorbet Pops
  • Jolly Llama Strawberry Sorbet Pops
  • Jolly Llama Raspberry Sorbet Pops
  • Jolly Llama Blackberry Sorbet Pops

Granitas & Ices

Did you love Italian ices, the ices that came in a cup when you were a kid?

Strawberry Granita in a clear glass footed dish with a silver spoon on a dark gray background
Granita is easy to make at home – and you don’t need an ice cream maker. Just make room in the freezer.

Check these out – and we even have a homemade granitas:

  • Lemon Granita
  • Strawberry Granita
  • Luigi’s Real Italian Lemon Ice
  • Luigi’s Real Italian Strawberry Ice
  • Luigi’s Real Italian Chocolate Ice (contains modified soy protein; try when stable)
  • Luigi’s Real Italian Kiwi Strawberry Ice
  • Luigi’s Real Italian Orange Ice
  • Luigi’s Real Italian Marshmallow Ice (contains grape juice concentrate; try when stable)

Popsicles

Whether you call them pops or popsicles, there are many to choose from, including our own homemade. They are easy to make, too!

low FODMAP cold brew oat latte popsicles, bite taken out, held in hand
Cold Brew Latte Pops are perfect on a hot summer’s day.
  • Chloe’s Lime Pops
  • Chloe’s Strawberry Pops (NOT the no sugar kind)
  • Chloe’s Raspberry Pops
  • Chloe’s Blueberry Pops
  • Chloe’s Pomegranate Pops
  • Chloe’s Dark Chocolate Pops (Contain banana. We do not know ripeness)
  • Chloe’s Cold Press Coffee Pops (Contain banana. We do not know ripeness)
  • Chloe’s Chocolate Dipped Coconut Pops
  • Chloe’s Chocolate Dipped Banana Pops (Contain banana. We do not know ripeness)
  • Chloe’s Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Pops
  • Chloe’s Chocolate Dipped Chocolate Pops with Quinoa Crisps (Contain banana. We do not know ripeness)
  • Chloe’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmilk Pops (Contain pea protein)
  • Chloe’s Raspberry Chip Oatmilk Pops (Contain pea protein)
  • Chloe’s Salted Caramel Oatmilk Pops (Contain pea protein)
  • Chloe’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmilk Pops (Contain pea protein)
  • Chloe’s Mint Chip Oatmilk Pops (Contain pea protein)
  • Chloe’s Spider-Man Strawberry & Lemon Pops
  • Chloe’s Pina Colada Zumba Pops
  • Popsicle Strawberry Fruit Pops
  • Popsicle Fruit Stacker Blueberry, Raspberry & Pineapple Fruit Pops
  • Popsicle Fruit Stacker Banana, Orange & Strawberry Fruit Pops
  • Outshine Strawberry Fruit Bars
  • Outshine Raspberry Fruit Bars
  • Outshine Pineapple Fruit Bars
  • Outshine Lemon Fruit Bars
  • Outshine Lime Fruit Bars
  • Outshine Tangerine Fruit Bars

Special Treats

Frozen Hot Chocolate? Ice cream sodas? Baked Alaska? All low FODMAP? YES!

Low FODMAP Frozen Hot Chocolate in glass goblet with pink flowers, straws and chopped chocolate in background on white surface
Frozen Hot Chocolate is an easy to make fancy treat! Ours is low FODMAP, of course.

A Note On Slushies

Here in the U.S. it is fairly common to find “slushies” in convenience stores. Some places, like Cumberland Farms, have their own brand name: Slurpees. You might even see them called “Icee” or “Slush Puppie”, depending on where you are, but “slushies” is the generic term.

These are like a partially melted sorbet served in a cup with a straw. It is very common for sugar to be the first ingredient, followed by water and then a list of artificial flavors and colors. They are typically dispensed from a special machine that makes the slushie very soft and fluffy, so that the treat is drinkable through a straw, but still like a frozen dessert. Apparently, CO2 gas is used in the machine to help create the texture.

Slushies are low FODMAP in general. Of course, you have to read individual labels. Sugar can be a gut irritant for some, so know your limits, but it is not a FODMAP issue.

Restaurant Ice Cream & Frozen Deserts

Ordering a low FODMAP dessert in a restaurant, whether it is a full-service sit-down establishment or a specialty frozen dessert shop, can be a challenge.

I find that sticking with a sorbet in a low FODMAP flavor, like strawberry or lemon, can be a good bet. Depending on your sensitivity to fructose, you might ask about whether it contains any high fructose corn syrup. Chances are, if you are in a fancy, sit-down restaurant, they might make their own or use a high quality, suitable brand.

If you know you want to order ice cream, assume it is lactose-filled dairy, choose a low FODMAP flavor and take a low FODMAP Lactaid Fast Acting Caplet along with it.

I have yet to come across alt-milk frozen desserts in a restaurant, unless it is a specialty restaurant, like one focusing on gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.

Cones, Hot Fudge, Toppings, Sprinkles & More

No reason why you cannot have an ice cream cone, or even an ice cream sundae! Just choose carefully.

Cones

Hot Fudge, Toppings, Whipped Cream, Sprinkles & More

No need to do without a thick, sticky hot fudge sauce or sprinkles!

low FODMAP Hot Fudge sauce dripping from spoon onto ice cream in glass dish
Our Hot Fudge Sauce is rich, thick and sticky!
Take two fantastic low FODMAP ingredients, combine them and voila! A whole new recipe to add to your FODMAP repertoire. We love using pure maple syrup and thankfully, it is low FODMAP in small amounts. In fact, since it is made up of a far greater proportion of glucose than fructose, it never veers into high FODMAP territory. The small amounts recommended are due to general healthy eating guidelines. Blueberries are low FODMAP too, but also in small amounts. For blueberries, larger servings tip the FODMAP scales into fructan territory, hence the designation of this sauce. In other words, only use the recommended serving size or, if you know that you can tolerate fructans well, try a larger amount. We like it as a compote served alongside goat cheese spread on low FODMAP bread, or on pancakes or waffles.
If you like something fruity with your ice cream, try this Maple Blueberry Compote.

Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Make any of our low FODMAP cookies and fill with low FODMAP ice cream. Chocolate chunk style cookies or oatmeal cookies are great choices, but do not ignore chocolate waffles or gingerbread style cookies. Watch your portions. You might have to start with half a sandwich.

Here are some ideas:

Roasted Blueberry Ice Cream Oatmeal Cookie Sandwiches

Roasted blueberries folded into lactose-free vanilla ice cream sandwiched between oatmeal cookies stacked on a plate

Roast some blueberries or cook down till thick and syrupy with some sugar. Cool, then fold into low FODMAP vanilla ice cream and freeze. Stuff between oatmeal cookies made without raisins.

Espresso White Chocolate Chunk Espresso Ice Cream Sandwiches

ice cream sandwich with coffee ic cream and white chocolate chunk cookies

Make our Espresso White Chocolate Chunk Cookies, fill with low FODMAP coffee or espresso ice cream, freeze, then dip half the sandwich in dark chocolate.

Chocolate Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches

heart shaped chocolate waffle ice cream sandwiches

Our Chocolate Waffles make amazing ice cream sandwiches! You can use a regular waffle iron. We like these with vanilla ice cream.

Menage a Trois Ice Cream Sandwiches

menage a trois ice cream sandwich, cut in half on white plate

The Menage a Trois Cookies stuffed with low FODMAP vanilla ice cream are incredibly decadent.

The Takeaway

Let’s enjoy some low FODMAP ice cream! You can enjoy all sorts of homemade or purchased ice creams and frozen desserts. Conventional dairy based ice cream even has a small low FODMAP serving size. All kinds of toppings, cones and extras can be enjoyed, as well. It comes down to label reading, portion control, understanding stacking and knowing your own personal tolerances. But there is no need to deprive yourself. Use this article as a guide and enjoy your frozen treats!

You Might Also Be Interested To Read