Updated February 2023! I was tempted to remove Graeter’s Ice Cream Shops from our listings, due to a few concerns. But this post is still referenced often, and they have continued to release some dairy-free options. So I’m updating it with dairy-free details that we have been able to obtain and some important words of warning about their shops and pints.
Dairy-Free Guide to Graeter’s Ice Cream Shops
You can get sorbet at most ice cream shops, but several of our viewers have raved about Graeter’s. All of their sorbets are naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and top allergen-free. They also boast “safe” scooping practices, but Bethany emailed with a word of caution:
Just wanted to add to be careful of cross contamination at Graeter’s, if that is a concern for you. At the shops they use the same scoops in the ice cream and the sorbet. However, they are very accommodating. Just ask them to use a fresh, unopened tub of sorbet and a clean scoop.
Dairy-Free Sorbets
- Lemon
- Mango
- Raspberry
Heads Up! Their sorbet flavors do rotate, and they do bring new flavors in from time to time. Over the years, we’ve seen them churn out Strawberry, Watermelon, and Chocolate Sorbets, too!
Cones
- Sugar Cones
- Waffle Cones
Smoothies
- Sunrise Sensation (no whip)
- Island Blast (no whip)
- Strawberry Banana (no whip)
Milkshakes
Milk Beverages: Some Graeter’s shops carry dairy-free milk beverage for making sorbet shakes, but not all locations, and not all of the time. Ask if interested.
Drinks
Sodas & Coffee: They make old fashioned sodas with fountain syrups. Their staff told us the following syrups are dairy-free: lemon, lime, old fashioned root beer, tart cherry, mint and peppermint. They also have dairy-free coffee syrups and dairy-free milk beverage at select locations. Inquire for options.
Beware of the Perfect Indulgence
Graeter’s is one of the ice cream producers that has chosen to experiment with the new genetically engineered, vegan milk proteins. The new line is called Perfect Indulgence, and it is NOT dairy-free. The company does note that it contains milk, but the “animal free” labeling can create some confusion. At last check, they were only selling it in pints, not in their shops, but that could change.
This Post is for Informational Purposes Only
Menus, ingredients, kitchen procedures, management, food sourcing, and restaurant protocols are subject to change at any time. Always read the menu and discuss your dietary needs with the staff before ordering. Make sure they can accommodate your situation. This post is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as advice.
There is always a risk for potential cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. If cross-contamination is an issue for you, always speak with the manager to ensure that your meal can be safely prepared. Listings here do not guarantee that a restaurant is safe enough for your individual needs. Only you can make that decision.
Each location of a chain restaurant has different management and staff, and some might have different owners. This means differences in processes, ingredients used, menu options, and food sourcing can occur. Always verify the safety of your order for your needs at your current location.
Where to Find on Graeter’s Ice Cream Shops
Graeter’s is a Midwest chain with dozens of soda fountain locations in Illinois (Chicago), Ohio (Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton, Oxford), Kentucky (Northern, Louisville, Lexington), Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh), and Indiana (Indianapolis). See their website below for locations and hours.
Graeter’s also packs some of their sorbets into pints, and sells them in grocery stores. They often have a sorbet or two available from their online store, too. They ship direct to customers throughout the U.S.
Website: www.graeters.com
2 Comments
Are dairy free sorbets also sugar free?????
Sorbets usually contain sugar, but there are sugar-free ones. You’d need to check with the shop to see if they have any.