Latrice Harrison was born and raised in Philadelphia PA. After graduating high school, she moved... Latrice Harrison was born and raised in Philadelphia PA. After graduating high school, she moved to New York City, where she studied musical theater at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. New York's vibrant, urban environment can be very inspiring and it was here that writing became an important part of her life. Latrice later went on to attend Temple University in Philadelphia, where she earned a degree in Cultural Anthropology. Curiosity, a passion for creativity and a thirst for adventure led her live a bohemian life for many years, working unusual jobs and traveling all over the world. Animals, food, travel, nature, the arts, the ocean, history, laughter, dancing and other forms of merriment are all among her favorite things. These days, she has slowed down to enjoy a peaceful life with her family in Chesapeake VA, where she is experiencing the joys of being a writer, a wife and a new mother. Read more about Latrice Harrison Read More
When we heard the news that famed ice cream brand Ben and Jerry’s was planning to launch a flavor to “fight climate change,” we were absolutely over the moon. The 37-year-old company, which was founded in Burlington, Vermont is known for being both environmentally and socially aware, so we were hoping for some big things from them. In 1989, they were one of the first companies to remove growth hormones from their dairy products and in 2001 they adopted an eco-friendly container, made from unbleached cardboard. Back in 2005, when Congress first proposed to drill in the Arctic, they protested out in front of the U.S. Capitol building by making a 900 pound baked Alaska. So with the introduction of “Save Our Swirled,” we anticipated that the company would launch a truly sustainable product without dairy.
Unfortunately, Ben and Jerry’s had other plans and instead used the new flavor as a mere label to raise awareness for Climate change. But the push for a dairy-free ice cream option continued – over 30,000 signatures were added to a Change.Org petition asking Ben and Jerry’s to create a vegan option. And soon enough, the company came out with another announcement that they had plans to unleash a new vegan option in 2016!
Since then, many have waited eagerly to learn more about when – and most importantly what flavor – the new ice cream would launch. Much to many-an-ice-cream-lovers delight, Ben and Jerry’s finally disclosed that their dairy-free pints would be made using almond milk. Although further details on the flavor or names of the new products haven’t been released, we have a feeling that they won’t disappoint.
In a statement responding to why it was taking the company so long to come out with their vegan line, they replied: “Simply because we want our ice cream to be the best ever, and when you’re doing something new, that means a lot of, ahem, testing.”
We can’t say we feel too sorry for those ice cream testers tasked with the job of nibbling on chocolate and fruit swirled almond ice cream all day!
While Ben and Jerry’s dairy-free option is sure to be a hit amongst dessert lovers everywhere, their choice to do so is indicative of much larger trends happening in the food space. As more people search out dairy-free options for everything from milk to cheese, it only seems logical that the industry would respond by creating amazing products that appeal to the masses. Cutting down on dairy and other animal products has multitudinous benefits for the health of people, the planet, and ultimately animals as well. So with the release of this new flavor, you can go ahead and help yourself to another scoop of ice cream and take comfort in the fact that you’re doing something fantastic for the world around you!
If you’re looking to get your vegan ice cream fix before 2016, check out these amazing recipes!
Lead image source: Ben and Jerry’s
You must be Login to post a comment.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Get your favorite articles delivered right to your inbox! Sign up for daily news from OneGreenPlanet.
Help keep One Green Planet free and independent! Together we can ensure our platform remains a hub for empowering ideas committed to fighting for a sustainable, healthy, and compassionate world. Please support us in keeping our mission strong.
https://www.vtjp.org/icecream/
Jodie
I hope they get rid of the carrageenan too !