7 Surprisingly Good Ice Cream Alternatives

Can a person live without ice cream? I've found it is possible and even desirable to give it up. Though I do miss having an occasional scoop, I've also discovered that not everyone can or should have ice cream. We have dealt with food sensitivities in our family for years (lactose and milk soy protein intolerance). While some of us do partake of dairy desserts, we have also come up with a repertoire of treats to take the place of ice cream, from the exotic to the ordinary. All of these options can be dairy free, and several may be made without added sugar.

1. Frozen Peas
Skeptical? As odd as the idea sounds, our children love these. Peas contain both Vitamin C and fiber, making them a supremely healthy snack option. After tasting them myself, I must admit that the petite peas are quite good in a sub-zero state; maybe that's why our kids like them better cold.

2. Fruit Juice on a Stick
Since we prefer fruit pops made from 100% juice, they are far more economical to make at home our freezer at than to buy in a box.

3. Fruit Smoothies
Pop some frozen fruit and a cup of juice (or coconut milk) into your blender. The resulting sweet, frosty treat keeps us coming back for more. Freeze leftover smoothie (if any) can be put into frozen fruit pops.

4. Non-Dairy Whipped Topping
Whipped topping can be substituted for ice cream in many instances, or combined with fruit to make parfaits.

5. Frozen Bananas
Dipped in chocolate or plain, I frequently treated myself to these even before our children came along.

6. Coconut Tapioca Dessert
We were introduced to this fabulously simple non-dairy dessert in Vietnam. Che, as it is called there, can be served hot or cold as a dessert soup or iced drink (similar to bubble tea). Che often features bananas or corn, in addition to the sweet coconut cream base and tapioca pearls. For more instant gratification, I stop into an Asian supermarket; in the refrigerated case I can usually find clear plastic cups filled with ready-to-go che.

7. Sticky Rice with Mango
Make this delightful dessert at home if you have a steaming basket, or scout for a Thai restaurant that serves this signature Siamese creation. For an even cooler dessert, take a glass and layer the sticky rice and mango with non-dairy coconut sorbet. The result will be a delectable tropical parfait.

These non-dairy alternatives are, for the most part, healthier than ice cream. Diabetics, people with food sensitivities such as a milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance, dieters, vegans, health-conscious people looking to avoid sugar, and children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) would do well to avoid eating ice cream. Still, since it isn't medically necessary for all of us, my family is not ready to give it up entirely. Whatever category a person falls into though, isn't it comforting to realize that there are so many other cool and sweet ice cream alternatives out there?