Is Van Leeuwen cookies & cream ice cream Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist looking at the label, the non-vegan status of Van Leeuwen's cookies & cream is immediately apparent. The first three ingredients listed are the holy trinity of dairy ice cream: cream, milk, and cane sugar. While sugar is plant-derived, the presence of cream and milk confirms that this product is a standard dairy base.

Further down the list, we encounter egg yolks. In ice cream production, egg yolks act as a natural emulsifier. They help bind the fat and water together, preventing ice crystal formation and creating that rich, custard-like mouthfeel. However, because eggs are an animal byproduct, their inclusion strictly prohibits this product from being vegan.

There are also ingredients that pose a risk for those with allergies but are technically plant-based. The unbleached unenriched wheat flour indicates that the cookie pieces contain gluten. Additionally, while coconut oil and sunflower oil are vegan, they are often used in conjunction with dairy fats to alter the melting point and texture of the ice cream.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this is an indulgent treat. Because the base is made of heavy cream and egg yolks, the fat content is significant. You can expect a high saturated fat count due to the combination of dairy cream and coconut oil. Regarding sugar, cane sugar is the primary sweetener, meaning this product will spike blood glucose levels similarly to other desserts.

For those tracking macronutrients, this ice cream fits into the 'sometimes food' category rather than a health food. It provides a decent amount of calories per serving, primarily derived from fat and sugar. It does not offer significant fiber or protein relative to the calorie count, so it won't keep you full for long.