Van Leeuwen Vanilla Bean French Ice Cream and Vegan Oat Vanilla Bean Frozen Dessert

Today, Kevin and I will be comparing two different Van Leeuwen ice cream products: the Vanilla Bean French Ice Cream and the Vegan Oat Vanilla Bean Frozen Dessert. While they may seem similar, their ingredients and taste profiles differ significantly. This review will highlight these differences to help you decide which one to try.

The Vanilla Bean French Ice Cream is a classic dairy-based dessert. This product is priced at $6.79 for a 14-ounce container, which is slightly less than a pint. The main ingredients include cold-ground whole vanilla beans, which give it an authentic vanilla flavor. 

A serving size is 2/3 cup (108g), containing 270 calories. The entire 14-ounce container totals 710 calories. One of the noticeable features of this ice cream is the visible vanilla beans, enhancing its appearance and flavor.

On the other hand, the Vegan Oat Vanilla Bean Frozen Dessert caters to those avoiding dairy. Priced at $3.39 at Whole Foods (likely on sale), it offers a plant-based alternative. This product is made from oat milk, cane sugar, coconut cream, virgin coconut oil, cocoa butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt.

Each serving size is 2/3 cup (119g) with 270 calories. Unlike its dairy counterpart, this frozen dessert has a firmer texture, especially when first taken out of the freezer. The color is a grayish hue, differing from the yellowish cream color of the dairy-based ice cream.

The Vanilla Bean French Ice Cream delivers a rich and authentic vanilla flavor. It’s smooth and creamy, with the right amount of sweetness. Some might notice a slight oily feel, similar to custard, but it adds to the overall texture.

In contrast, the Vegan Oat Vanilla Bean Frozen Dessert has a strong coconut flavor, overshadowing the vanilla. The firm texture can make it challenging to scoop, and its appearance is less appealing compared to the French ice cream. If you enjoy coconut, you might find this dessert pleasant, but it fails to deliver a true vanilla bean experience.

If you’re looking for a genuine vanilla flavor, the Vanilla Bean French Ice Cream is the clear winner. While more expensive, it offers the traditional taste and texture of premium ice cream. The Vegan Oat Vanilla Bean Frozen Dessert, despite its appealing price, should be labeled as a coconut-flavored dessert rather than vanilla bean, as the coconut flavor is overwhelmingly dominant.

For those seeking dairy-free options and who enjoy coconut, this might still be a good choice. However, if you prefer a true vanilla taste, stick with the traditional French ice cream.