Unearth The Voyage
North Carolina has quietly become a vegan ice cream paradise, with scoop shops across the state proving that dairy-free doesn’t mean flavor-free. From the mountains to the coast, creative ice cream makers are churning out coconut-milk masterpieces, oat-based wonders, and allergen-friendly treats that rival any traditional scoop. Whether you’re fully plant-based or just curious, these ten spots will change how you think about vegan dessert.
1. Seemingly Overzealous — Charlotte (Camp North End, Plaza Midwood, Dilworth)
Charlotte’s plant-based ice cream scene just got serious with this 100% dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free brand that opened three locations by 2025. Even the cones are safe for people avoiding common allergens, which means everyone gets the full ice cream experience without compromise.
Flavors rotate constantly, keeping regulars on their toes and giving you a reason to visit weekly. The creative menu spans everything from classic vanilla to wild seasonal experiments.
Built specifically for people with dietary restrictions, this shop proves that allergen-friendly can also mean absolutely delicious. No one leaves feeling left out here.
2. Artisen Gelato — Matthews (Charlotte metro)
Matthews boasts an allergy-friendly gelato shop that checks every box: dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free. Families with multiple food sensitivities finally have a safe space to enjoy frozen treats together without reading ingredient lists twice.
Beyond scoops, Artisen offers vegan cakes and baked goods that match the same allergen-free standards. Birthday parties and celebrations just got a whole lot easier for parents navigating food allergies.
The gelato texture rivals any Italian shop, proving that plant-based bases can achieve that signature dense, creamy consistency. Sorbet options add even more variety for fruit lovers.
3. The Hop — Asheville
Since 1978, this Asheville institution has been scooping happiness to locals and tourists alike. What makes The Hop special is its deep commitment to vegan options alongside traditional dairy flavors, ensuring no one in your group gets stuck with sorbet.
Expect full-on vegan shakes, sundaes, and banana splits that don’t skimp on toppings or creativity. Plant-based flavors rotate regularly, so repeat visits always bring something new to try.
The longevity of this shop speaks volumes about quality and community trust. Nearly five decades in business means they’ve perfected the art of making everyone feel welcome, regardless of dietary choices.
4. Two Roosters Ice Cream — Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Wake Forest)
With four locations blanketing the Triangle, Two Roosters makes vegan ice cream accessible no matter which Research Triangle city you call home. Clearly labeled vegan flavors take the guesswork out of ordering, and staff always know which bases are currently available.
Oat-milk and coconut-milk bases rotate through the lineup, each bringing different textures and flavor profiles to the table. HappyCow users consistently rave about the variety and quality here.
The rotating selection keeps things exciting for regulars while maintaining enough consistency that you won’t show up to find zero vegan options. Smart planning meets creative experimentation at every scoop.
5. The Parlour — Durham
Small-batch production means every scoop at The Parlour gets extra attention and quality control. Coconut-milk vegan flavors change with the seasons, reflecting what’s fresh and inspiring the ice cream makers at any given moment.
Beyond scoops, The Parlour crafts vegan cakes and shakes that feel indulgent rather than restrictive. The handmade approach shines through in texture and taste, with none of that artificial aftertaste some plant-based treats carry.
Durham’s food scene is known for innovation, and this shop fits right in. Expect thoughtful flavor combinations that push beyond basic chocolate and vanilla into genuinely exciting territory.
6. Andia’s Ice Cream — Cary, Raleigh, Durham (Triangle)
Award-winning ice cream from a family-run operation that treats vegan customers as equals, not afterthoughts. Andia’s keeps plant-based options permanently in the dipping cabinet, so you never face that awkward moment of asking if anything’s dairy-free today.
Their vegan caramel made with coconut milk has developed a cult following among regulars. Other plant-based flavors rotate through, but quality remains consistently high across the board.
Three Triangle locations mean convenience pairs with excellence here. The family behind the counter genuinely cares about every scoop they serve, creating a warm neighborhood vibe at each shop.
7. Boombalatti’s — Wilmington (multiple locations)
Wilmington’s beach vibes meet serious vegan ice cream at this family-owned chain with multiple coastal locations. Handcrafted pints and in-shop scoops feature adventurous flavors like Vegan Key Lime & Coconut and Double Cookies & Cream that compete with any dairy version.
The robust vegan lineup isn’t an afterthought—it’s a core part of what makes Boombalatti’s special. Local tourism guides specifically highlight their plant-based selection, which tells you everything about quality and popularity.
After a day at Wrightsville Beach, nothing hits quite like a vegan scoop from Boombalatti’s. The creamy texture proves that coastal ice cream shops can absolutely nail dairy-free treats.
8. Locopops — Durham
Durham’s beloved pops shop goes way beyond your standard fruit bar with bright, inventive vegan ice pops that taste like adult sophistication. Cherry-lime, pomegranate-ginger, and passionfruit margarita flavors bring complexity and fun to frozen treats.
Fruit-forward creations shine here, with each pop bursting with real flavor rather than artificial sweetness. Occasional vegan scooped ice cream rounds out the menu when you want something more traditional.
Perfect for hot North Carolina summers, these pops refresh without weighing you down. The creative flavor combinations show real culinary thought, making each visit feel like a mini adventure for your taste buds.
9. Ice Cream Factory — Greensboro
Greensboro’s Ice Cream Factory jumped on the oat-milk trend and nailed it, offering vegan oat-based ice creams that achieve remarkable creaminess. Plant-based reviews consistently praise the texture and flavor depth here.
Vegan milkshakes bring the full ice cream shop experience to dairy-free customers, complete with non-dairy whipped cream on top. No more watching your friends enjoy shakes while you sip water.
The shop’s commitment to vegan options shows in the details, from ingredient sourcing to preparation methods. Greensboro residents finally have a spot where plant-based isn’t an afterthought but a celebrated part of the menu.
10. M&R Ice Cream — Greensboro
Greensboro’s visitor bureau specifically calls out M&R for accommodating diverse dietary needs, which speaks to the shop’s reputation for inclusivity. Lactose-free, vegan, and no-added-sugar options mean everyone in your group finds something perfect.
Mixed-diet groups often struggle to find spots where everyone feels equally served, but M&R solves that problem elegantly. No one gets stuck with just one sad option while others choose from dozens.
The variety here makes decision-making harder in the best possible way. Whether you’re vegan, diabetic, lactose-intolerant, or none of the above, quality treats await at every visit to this thoughtful shop.
