Ground breaking news for lactose intolerant and vegan folks! Ben & Jerry's just announced that they're creating a dairy-free ice cream.
Using coconut or almond milk as the base, co-founder Jerry Greenfield talked to the Metro about the new concoction. "I think that's a big thing for Ben & Jerry's to be doing that," Greenfield said.
He then continued, "In the U.S. there are [dairy-free] alternatives from smaller companies but Ben & Jerry's will be [the] first mainstream company that will do that and will also do it in a really delicious way."
Greenfield also noted that there are high hopes that the new ice cream formula will "mean a lot [to] all those who can't eat dairy." However, no details have been released about the product including the brand's signature puns on ice cream flavors.
The move follows an American couple's petition for non-dairy choices. The petition garnered more than 27,000 signatures. In fact, Ben & Jerry's even tweeted a response to the petition in April.
The Vermont-based ice cream giant wrote, "@FARMUSA We hear your feedback and share your dream. We're working on it."
The couple who created the petition, Jenny Foy and Doug Reed said, "For many, Ben & Jerry's sets the ice cream agenda. They are in a position to lead the way and make non-dairy ice cream a mainstream choice, like meatless Mondays."
Ben & Jerry's dairy-free ice cream will hit American shelves starting spring next year. While no availability date has yet been specified, the UK will able to enjoy the same treat a bit later than the US.
Ben & Jerry's has been actively participating in various advocacy campaigns. Just recently, the makers of the summer treat favorite created a new ice cream flavor to support climate change campaigns.
The infamous brand has also been showcasing their support for LGBT #PrideMonth through their social media platforms.
