Treat Yourself to a Plant-Based Twist This Summer with NEPA’s Vegan & Dairy-Free Ice Cream
When it comes to cooling off with a refreshing treat on a hot, summer day, nothing beats ice cream. With over 70 local ice cream shops throughout NEPA, it’s difficult to know where to begin, especially for those following dairy-free or vegan diets.
For decades, NEPA’s ice cream scene has met the needs of just about every customer imaginable, and now, as a growing number of people pivot to dairy-free and vegan diets, local ice cream shops continue to rise to the occasion. Using dairy-free bases like oat, coconut, almond, and soy milk, many local ice cream shops have introduced vegan and dairy-free options. From fun and creative flavors like Blueberry Pancake to classics like vanilla and chocolate, NEPA’s ice cream shops have put their own spin on vegan and dairy-free ice cream, serving cups and cones that everyone can enjoy—without sacrificing flavor or fun.
So, whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, dairy-free, or just wanting to try something new, Northeastern PA’s ice cream shops has plenty to offer. Check out our guide below to find ice cream shops that are serving up delicious vegan and dairy-free treats near you.
West Pittston, PA
Take a trip back in time at Ballyhoo Ice Cream and Candy in West Pittston. Try some of their vegan ice cream flavors, or grab an assortment of treats from their century-old glass candy case.
Must-Try: Chocolate Peanut Butter (Vegan)
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Plains, PA
Enjoy vegan and dairy-free seasonal sorbet flavors at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream in Plains. Turn their homemade, vegan options into a treat of your choice—they offer everything from cups and cones to take-home pints.
Must-Try: Mango Sorbet (Vegan)
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Moosic, PA
Ice Screamers in Moosic offers a variety of vegan soft serve options. But don’t worry about having to choose just one—they frequently rotate their flavors, so you’ll always have an excuse to go back and try their newest creations.
Must-Try: Dole Soft Serve Flavor of the Week (Vegan)
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Moosic, PA
Cool off from the heat at Jitty Joe’s Ice Cream in Moosic. This legendary shop offers a variety of non-dairy ice cream options that are just as creative as they are delicious.
Must-Try: Mad-Monkey—bananas, chocolate chips, brownies, and peanut butter (Vegan)
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Scranton, PA
Head to Main Ave Ice Cream in Scranton for a tasty treat. This old school window-service ice cream joint offers vegan scoops of Perry’s Dairy-Free Ice Cream.
Must-Try: Dairy-free Blueberry Pancake Ice Cream
Milford, PA
Established in 1983, Milford Dairy Bar serves up vegan options, Italian ice, and sorbet in Milford. Stop by, grab a cup or cone of dairy-free deliciousness, and enjoy live music on their outdoor stage!
Must-Try: Chocolate Vegan Ice Cream
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Old Forge, PA
Head to Picc’s Ice Cream in Old Forge for one of their signature scoops. Then, choose from some of their countless toppings to take your vegan treat to the next level.
Must-Try: Classic Vanilla Vegan Ice Cream
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Stroudsburg, PA
Grab a cup and fill it up at That Froyo Spot in Stroudsburg. With flavors that rotate each month and consistent dairy-free and vegan options, That Froyo Spot is the perfect place to indulge in some delicious frozen yogurt. Regardless of what flavor you choose, don’t forget to add some of their signature toppings!
Must-Try: Dairy-free, vegan flavor of the month
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Hanover Twp., PA
Indulge in a creamy and delicious vegan treat at The Creamery at Michael Mootz Candies in Hanover Township. Feel free to turn your treat into a sundae, and don’t forget to add toppings!
Must-Try: Berry Supreme Vegan Ice Cream
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Wilkes-Barre Twp., PA
Don’t miss out on vegan ice cream from The Snack Shack in Wilkes-Barre Township. With multiple vegan flavors, this ice cream shop is sure to satisfy. Stop by and treat yourself to a sweet, vegan snack in a cup or cone.
Must-Try: Chocolate Peanut Butter Vegan Ice Cream
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Pocono Pines, PA
Stop by The 940 Junction in Pocono Pines and enjoy an assortment of vegan ice-cream flavors. But the fun doesn’t end with creative flavors—be sure to add to your scoop from their array of toppings (or try one of their non-dairy smoothies!).
Must-Try: Wild Berry Vegan Ice Cream
Learn MoreCool Treats & Summer Fun
Whether you’re chasing summer fun with the kids or just treating yourself on a hot afternoon, NEPA’s ice cream shops offer cool rewards for every craving. From classic sundaes piled high with toppings to refreshing swirls of Dole Soft Serve, there’s no shortage of sweet ways to beat the heat.
Vegan or not, you’ll find plenty of frozen favorites across the region—from dairy-free scoops at The Creamery at Michael Mootz Candies to indulgent sundaes at Manning Farm Dairy. Some shops even serve up edible cookie dough for an extra-sweet bonus. No matter how you scoop it, summer in NEPA tastes better with local ice cream.
NEPA Ice Cream List
From popular roadside stands and old-fashioned neighborhood shops to dairy farm delights, we’re lining up all summer long.
We’ve scoured Northeastern Pennsylvania for the best ice cream shops, shacks, and parlors. And while we would never claim our list is complete, we’d like to think of it as a good start.
So, without further delay, we present the NEPA Ice Cream List.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 7/12/23
