Carvel’s KLIMON dairy-free ice cream rollout is now going nationwide! What started as a limited launch that I reported on previously, is expanding to include soft serve, scooped frozen desserts, shakes and Carvel’s iconic Flying Saucers, with nine flavors and more than 25 vegan friendly toppings announced as part of the lineup.
The expansion is welcome news for dairy-free ice cream fans, but availability may take time to catch up with the announcement. Carvel locations are independently operated, and some customers are already reporting that they can’t find the new options near them. Here’s what’s included in the expanded menu, what to know before visiting, and the latest on dairy-free Carvel cakes.
Carvel’s Dairy-Free Soft Serve
Soft serve is back on the menu, now made with KLIMON brand dairy free base. I was able to try it and found it super creamy with a texture that felt surprisingly close to traditional Carvel. I dare say it was creamier than the Oatly version previously offered. Flavor availability may vary by location, so always check with your local Carvel store before making a special trip.
Dairy-Free Scooped Desserts
Carvel’s new dairy-free menu also includes scooped frozen desserts and sorbet giving customers more choices beyond soft serve. The nationwide lineup features nine flavors, although not every location will necessarily carry every flavor all the time. Ask your local shop which options are currently available.
Dairy-Free Shakes
You can also look forward to dairy-free shakes made with KLIMON frozen desserts. This expands Carvel’s plant-based menu beyond cones and cups, although you’ll want to confirm which shake flavors your local location can make.
Dairy-Free Flying Saucers
Carvel’s signature Flying Saucers are included in the new non-dairy lineup, and yes, the chocolate wafers are vegan friendly. Check with your local shop for flavors and availability and you may be able to special order some if you don’t see them.
Vegan-Friendly Carvel Toppings and Cones
Carvel says the new non-dairy menu includes more than 25 non-dairy toppings but that doesn’t always equal vegan as things like confectioners glaze (from insects) and other non-vegan ingredients can be in things that don’t contain dairy. Below are some options that are suitable based on their ingredients posted in their app so check there or online for more specific ingredients lists and nutritional information. Remember, this is not an exhaustive list and I may have missed something.
Cones:
- Cake Cone
- Sugar Cone
Syrups and Sauces:
- Vanilla Syrup
- Wet Walnuts
- Brown Bonnet
- Chocolate Syrup
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Sauce
Toppings
- Almonds
- Bananas
- Bordeaux Cherries
- Chocolate Chips
- Chocolate Crunch
- Chocolate Sprinkles
- Coconut
- Cookie Dough
- Malt
- Maraschino Cherries
- Oreo Cookies
- Peanuts
- Pecans
- Pineapple
- Pistachios
- Strawberries
- Toasted Coconut
- Walnuts
- Wet Walnuts
Are Vegan Carvel Ice Cream Cakes Coming?
I asked Carvel about dairy-free ice cream cakes, and I was told they need to roll out a dairy-free whipped cream first. This topping coats the outside of Carvel’s cakes, so it’s an important part of making a fully dairy-free cake possible. I was told it’s coming soon, but there’s no confirmed launch date yet. I’ll update this post when I have more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carvel has announced the KLIMON menu nationwide, but some customers are reporting that they still can’t find it at their local shops. Carvel operates through a franchise network, and a nationwide announcement doesn’t necessarily mean every location will have every item available immediately. Check the official Carvel store locator to find your nearest shoppe, then call ahead to confirm which KLIMON products are available before making a special trip.
Carvel previously partnered with Oatly to introduce oat-based dairy-free frozen desserts at select locations in 2024. Those offerings eventually disappeared, leaving vegan customers wondering whether the chain would bring back plant-based options. KLIMON brings a new formulation and a broader menu, expanding the offering beyond a single style of frozen dessert.
Carvel has roughly 374 U.S. locations concentrated in the Northeast and Florida. Availability of KLIMON products may also vary by shop, so check with your local location before visiting.
If you have food allergies or sensitivities, be sure to check Carvel’s nutritional and dietary information before ordering. You can find the chart through the Carvel app or on their website. Since ingredients and menu offerings can change, check the latest version for the most up-to-date information if concerned.
I’m glad to see Carvel expanding its dairy-free options beyond soft serve with the addition of scoops, shakes and Flying Saucers giving vegans even more choices, and I’m hoping dairy-free ice cream cakes will be available soon!
![[AD] New vegan chocolate at Sprouts! 🍫 This one was actually one of my favorite finds at Expo West back in March.
Meet Magic Chocolate and their Swiss-made Truffle Bars. There are four varieties to choose from, with four individually wrapped bars in each pack including their award-winning Salted Candied Hazelnut flavor! 🏆
@magicchocolateinc is certified vegan, and I love that the brand is committed to using Regenerative Organic Certified® cocoa too. 🌱
You’ll find them in the candy aisle at Sprouts. Between those creamy truffle layers and the flavor combinations, I have a feeling these could become a new favorite for you, too!🤎](https://bigboxvegan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/878413784_18344066674279935_6191401883561531159_n.jpg)
