Australia's favourite sweet dairy alternatives, as voted in the latest Nourish Vegan Awards.
According to Animals Australia, 1 in 6 Aussies are choosing plant-based dairy alternatives, and happily, there’s an ever-growing range of amazing options to meet this demand!
Following on from our roundup of vegan cheeses, milks and butters, today we are giving a run-down of some of Australia’s favourite dairy ice cream, milk chocolate and yoghurt brands that starred in the latest Nourish Vegan Awards.
Vegan ice cream
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Pana Organic
Pana Organic – already beloved for their vegan chocolate – have won even more hearts and bellies with their frozen dessert range, scooping Best Vegan Ice Cream both years of the Nourish Vegan Awards. From Vanilla Bean and Salted Caramel to Boysenberry Cheesecake and Raspberry Chocolate flavours, bliss in a tub awaits. Or, for bliss on a stick, you can’t go past their bars, which now include Mylk Almond and Double Chocolate varieties. Free from soy, gluten, and refined sugar, the range embodies the Pana Organic mantra: ‘Love your insides. Love the Earth’.
Ben & Jerry’s
Ice cream is all about bringing joy to people, which Ben & Jerry’s did when they introduced their vegan-certified desserts in 2014. Made with almond milk and boldly loaded with chunks and swirls of deliciousness, we weren’t surprised to see them voted onto the finalists’ podium in the Ice Cream category both years of the Nourish Vegan Awards. The newest flavours in the range include Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Netflix & Chill’d, and, in true call-to-action fashion, Unfudge our Future. As an added bonus, all ingredients are Fairtrade and non-GMO.
Magnum
With that classic crack through thick Rainforest Alliance Certified™ chocolate, a silky smooth dairy-free ice cream awaits when you bite into a vegan Magum. Lovers of plant-based indulgence can now choose from the Dairy Free Classic, Almond, and Sea Salt Caramel varieties. It’s little wonder these delights have made the finals both years of the Nourish Vegan Awards so far!
Vegan chocolate
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Pana Organic
Pana Organic’s sophisticated silky chocolate is where this beloved vegan brand’s journey all began. Varieties span the likes of Sour Cherry and Vanilla, Strawberry and Pistachio, Salted Caramel, Peanut Caramel, and Golden Combo – as well as classic Mylk, Dark, Caramel, Hazelnut, Seventy Percent Dark and their luxurious white bars, made with smooth coconut and velvety white cacao butter. Free from preservatives, gluten, and refined sugar, this gorgeous chocolate is also full of antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins. Taking home the winner’s trophy for Best Vegan Chocolate both years of the NVAs, this is clearly the guilt-free chocolate we can’t get enough of!
Vego
Vego’s chunky, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate bar is what sweet dreams are made of. Created with the finest Italian hazelnut paste, cocoa cream, and whole hazelnuts, these beauties are vegan, organic, gluten free, and Fairtrade certified to boot. Other options in their delectable range include the Nuts and Berries Vego Dark, Almond Bliss Vego White, Vegolino Fine Nougat Pralines – or the scrumptiously crunchy Fine Hazelnut Chocolate Vego Spread. The Nourish community are understandably enamoured with this iconic vegan brand, voting them to the finals in the Nourish Vegan Awards two years running.
Pico
Handcrafted by master chocolatiers in Switzerland, Pico’s decadent range brings together the art and craft of chocolate like you’ve never tasted before. The entire range is vegan, certified organic and Fairtrade, for the ultimate ethical indulgence. With all that in mind, it’s no surprise they’ve landed finalist spots both years of the Nourish Vegan Awards. Upgrade your next hot tea or coffee break by cracking into a bar of Mint Crisp, Hazelnut M*lk, Almond M*lk, Sea Salt, Salted Caramel, Super Dark, or Coconut M*lk. Sheer bliss.
Vegan yoghurt
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Cocobella
Cocobella’s natural, dairy-free yoghurts offer a smooth, creamy texture combined with amazing flavours that will satisfy even the fussiest yoghurt connoisseur. For a burst of naturally sweet goodness, there’s Strawberry, Mixed Berry, Passionfruit, and Mango. Or delight in the classic flavours of Vanilla and Natural. The Nourish community are evidently dedicated fans, voting Cocobella straight to the winning spot in the 2021 Nourish Vegan Awards’ new Yoghurt category. Go ahead, dip your spoon into a tub of coconut heaven, and get your daily yoghurt fix.
Nakula
Nakula deservedly scored a finalist’s place in the 2021 NVAs for their range of creamy gut-loving yoghurts made with certified organic coconuts. The original range comes in Natural, Mango, Passionfruit, Vanilla, and Strawberry varieties. Or, treat yourself to their latest Island Style Luxe range, in Vanilla Bean, Blueberry, Strawberry, and Mango. There’s now an incredible, thick coconut custard, too. What’s more, the lovely people at Nakula have a charitable partnership with The Planet Water Foundation, so you’re giving back with every spoonful.
Coyo
Beloved Sunshine Coast brand COYO craft silky smooth and dreamy coconut yoghurts that rightly won them a finalist’s place in the 2021 NVAs. Keeping both people and planet happy, their range is certified organic, all natural, plant-based, and free from gluten, preservatives, and refined sugar. With selections like Vanilla Bean, Mango, Mixed Berry, Chocolate, and Strawberry, they’ll satisfy those cravings for rich, creamy sweetness every time – with no guilt, only goodness.
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Learn more about the 2021 Nourish Vegan Awards, and access exclusive offers from a selection of the winners, finalists, and nominated brands – many of which remain valid throughout Veganuary 2022 and beyond!