Baskin-Robbins Launches its First-Ever Plant-Based Ice Cream

For the first time, American ice-cream chain Baskin-Robbins is launching a new line of non-dairy ice cream flavors in light of current plant-based food trends.

The new flavors will come in ‘Non-Dairy Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough’ and ‘Non-Dairy Chocolate Extreme’ and are meant to be vegan-friendly versions of the company’s staple favorites. Both flavors include a blend of coconut oil and almond butter and are free from artificial flavors, preservatives and corn syrup.

“The Baskin-Robbins culinary team has been hard at work on our non-dairy flavors for over two years. It was important for us to take the time to get it right,” said Jeanne Bolger, Director of Research and Development at Baskin-Robbins.

With plant-based food sales continuing to increase by double digits across the US it’s no surprise the ice cream company wanted to get its scoop of the market.

“We’re excited to expand our ice cream portfolio into the vegan space and offer our guests increased options, especially with such high consumer demand for a product like this,” said Carol Austin, Vice President of Marketing for Baskin-Robbins.

The plant-based food craze seems to be having a domino effect: earlier this week, Baskin-Robbins’ parent organization, Dunkin’ Brands, made its first debut into the plant-based food category with the launch of their Beyond Sausage Breakfast Sandwich.

The holding company’s advancements into plant-based food isn’t a coincidence, according to a recent report published by The Good Food Institute stating that the US plant-based food retail market is worth 4.5 billion dollars, fueling more growth opportunity for food retailers than ever before.

The report further states alternative milk is the strongest category out of the plant-based market and makes up 13 percent of total retail sales for milk. It also states plant-based milk grew by six percent this past year with conventional milk declining by three percent annually over the last two years.

The alternative milk markets success could set the stage for other plant-based dairy items to do well among mainstream consumers in the years to come. According to the report, non-dairy ice cream sales increased by 27 percent this year.

As these new consumer preferences bring alternative products to the forefront, other ice cream chains will likely be keeping a close eye on Baskin Robbins this August 1^st when the new flavors launch.