In the face of a hot summer’s day, ice cream is a very powerful coat of arms. And as National Ice Cream Day lands this weekend, here are some places to beat the heat (with a sweet treat), while managing allergies.
As a note, these establishments are not dedicated dairy- or gluten-free facilities. All are self-described allergen-friendly, but cross contamination is possible. For a more in-depth explanation on allergen procedures, call ahead or ask an employee.
Millie’s Homemade (Various Locations)
Millie’s offers three dairy and gluten-free flavors year round: mango, brownie batter and mint chip — all made with a coconut base. While rotating dairy-free flavors often aim to be kept allergen friendly, without nuts or gluten, present allergens are advertised. To top it off, gluten-free cake cones are available.
The facility is sanitized and cross contamination is mitigated by swapping gloves, scoops and opening a new bucket of ice cream for allergies. Make sure to notify staff of any allergies, as this is an allergen friendly facility.
FRIO Creamery (Lawrenceville)
FRIO in Lawrenceville always has a few dairy-free flavors, as well as sorbet in the summer. Dairy-free options are either a blend of coconut and almond milk or an oat milk base. At least one flavor aims to be dairy- and gluten-free, but calling ahead for flavor information is a customer’s best bet.
Cookie Cookie Ice Cream (McKees Rocks)
A little outside the city, Cookie Cookie Ice Cream has multiple dairy and gluten-friendly options. At any given time they have four dairy-free, scoopable flavors, one of which is sugar-free, and an additional eight to 12 pre-packaged pales. Dairy-free options may use a coconut, soy or pea protein base. To present the treats, Cookie Cookie carries both gluten-free cake and waffle cones.
New scoops are used for every flavor and equipment is sanitized. Nevertheless, this is a gluten-friendly establishment, as it is an allergen-shared kitchen.
Leona’s Ice Cream (Garfield)
At the brick and mortar, or found in one of their many local carriers, Leona’s Ice Cream provides lactose-free treats along with dairy and gluten-free options. To present the scoops, Leona’s offers gluten-free cones as well as their crispwiches, gluten-friendly rice crispy sandwiches.
As with the other establishments on this list, they are a one kitchen facility. In their production facility multiple cross contamination procedures are undertaken, including separating any nut-based flavors at the facility. Dairy-free flavors are also made with fresh machines and all equipment is sanitized. For anyone particularly wary, a pint would offer the highest assurance of less cross-contamination, though this is an allergen friendly facility. Ask an employee with any concerns, as dairy, gluten and nuts are present in both the production facility and store front.
Insomnia Cookies (Various Locations)
While there are no cones, per say, a gluten-free cookie can be used as a receptacle for Insomnia’s vegan ice cream. Per their website, cross contamination is possible.
It’s important to note that gluten-free options aren’t always gluten-allergy or celiac safe. For individuals with severe allergies or aversions, call ahead or ask employees about cross contamination and sanitizing procedures.