Updated January 2023! Oberweis is actually a well-known, family-owned dairy in the Midwest. They started in the Chicago area with home delivery and their own shops, but have since expanded to other parts of Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Their shops are rich in ice cream and other dairy products, so those with highly sensitive milk allergies should probably steer clear of the fountain treats.
Nonetheless, Go Dairy Free Facebook Fan Modesty Ashbeck wanted to share what options they do have, should you find yourself at one of their shops. “Oberweis has really good lemon sorbet and mango sorbet. Both are dairy and gluten free!”
Dairy-Free Options at Oberweis
In addition to sorbet, Oberweis blends several fruit smoothies that are made without top allergens, including Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Strawberry Raspberry, and Mango. But avoid the “Cream” smoothies, which are made with ice cream.
We followed up with Oberweis in the hopes of discovering some other dairy-free options. Unfortunately, they said their locations do not offer dairy-free milk beverage, so they can’t make you a dairy-free shake or coffee drink (aside from plain coffee, naturally).
BUT, their shops also sell a variety of locally produced grocery items, which often include dairy-free specialties. Oberweis even boldly labels DF (for dairy-free) and GF (for gluten-free) with products listed online. Pretty cool for a dairy! When you visit, you might find juices and other local fruit products, vegan soups, seasonings, bagels, granola, and more.
Allergen Notes for Oberweis
Despite being dairy heavy, Oberweis does seem to take allergens seriously. Their sorbet is made without top allergens, but the company is quick to note that it is produced on shared equipment (as is most dairy-free ice cream). Nonetheless, they do follow allergen protocols.
Our standard procedures include starting production with allergen-free products before those that might include allergens as well as conducting a full clean-out after making products containing allergens. In our stores, if you alert a manager to allergy concerns, we are happy to use our best efforts to mitigate the risk. Upon your specific request to a manager, we will (1) wash and sanitize utensils prior to using them to produce your food, and/or (2) open a brand new bulk of ice cream and scoop from that bulk to ensure no allergens were inadvertently transferred via an ice cream scoop.
Where to Find Oberweis
As mentioned, they have locations throughout the midwest. See their website below for addresses, hours, contact information.
Website: www.oberweis.com
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