I’m so very sad to say that Rice Dream Pies, along with many other Dream products, were discontinued. They still make Almond Dream Ice Cream, but the entire Rice Dream line was cut. For more current options, see our Dairy-Free Ice Cream Novelty Reviews.
I still remember when Rice Dream Pies entered my life so many years ago. It was the first single-serve dairy-free frozen dessert I’d ever seen, and I wasn’t going to pass it by.
But over the years, new frozen dessert products have emerged, and I forgot to review the pioneer that started it all. It wasn’t until last week, when I saw Rice Dream Pies and Bars on sale for $1 each (how could I resist!) that I remembered to give this product some face time.
Tasting Notes for Rice Dream Pies (Ice Cream Sandwiches)
Unfortunately, my local coop only had the Vanilla and Mint flavors in stock, so I’m not personally reviewing the whole range today. But feel free to leave your own rating and review with our new rating system below!
Vanilla
Rice Dream Pies are strangely addictive. The rice-based ice cream filling is creamy, but a little frostier than traditional dairy ice cream. That said, I find it quite refreshing to enjoy in the summer heat. The oatmeal cookies are soft and a little grainy, just how I like them. And the chocolate coating is thin and on the dark side. The Vanilla Rice Dream Pies are definitely sweet treats, but every element of these dessert sandwiches has slight bitter notes that contrast. I tend to “super taste” bitter, and don’t usually like it, but in the Rice Dream Pies, it adds this crazy intrigue to the overall flavor.
I can see why I didn’t review these before, because what am I going to say? They’re good, but odd. I like them, but I can’t really give the reason. I’ve read many rave reviews of Rice Dream Pies over the years, so I know I’m not going too far out on a limb when I say, try them, you might like them. And if you see one on sale, why not?!
Again, the lighter ice milk texture kept the chocolate-coated cookie indulgence in check. The vanilla seemed to lean more towards the creamy side than the mint, but it was still more refreshing than rich. As the first bite dissolved on my tongue, the firm texture gave way to that familiar creamy sweet milk. But this time, my taste buds were very pleased with the aftertaste. The flavor was pleasantly vanilla, and noticeably from the bean, with no artificial or overpowering notes.
As a heads up, the Vanilla Pie used to have a carob coating (which I loved), but it looks like they are moving toward a chocolate coating.
Mint
I took my initial bite, and immediately noticed the very soft and forgiving nature of the cookies. As I broke through these dessert shields, I was met with a cool crisp mint “rice cream” at the center. My first tastes were more “ice cream” than cookie. Though all was enclosed in a thin chocolate coating. The outer edges housed purposeful spillovers of the frozen dessert. This turned out to be the only turn-off of this particular flavor.
As the Rice Dream melted slowly on my tongue, an unfamiliar bitterness emerged. It seemed to be the mint, in a very potent amount. Each taster noted the overwhelming power of the mint. It encouraged a somewhat harsh and bitter aftertaste. Luckily, when thin slices of the mint Rice Dream were sandwiched firmly between the two cookies, just the right amount of cool peppermint flavor was allowed to surface.
As for the texture of the Rice Dream, it was cool and firm, yet melted to a creamy sweet milk. Thankfully it contained none of the disturbing ice chunks found in many of the frostier ice cream selections. I felt this “lighter” core was a good match to balance out the overall indulgence of this rice cream sandwich.
The Facts on Rice Dream Pies
Price: $1.49 per 3.7-ounce ice cream sandwich
Certifications: Rice Dream Pies are Certified Kosher Dairy (they are dairy-free by ingredients, but dairy may be present on the lines or in the facility – see our Understanding Kosher guide).
Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Rice Dream Pies are dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, nut-free, peanut-free, vegan, plant-based, and vegetarian. Note that they are made without soy protein, but the chocolate coating contains a small amount of soy lecithin. Nonetheless, always read the ingredient statement prior to consumption and check with the company on their manufacturing processes for all varieties if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. Processes and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company / product.
For More Product Information: Visit the Dream website at www.dreamplantbased.com.
Missing rice dream
I loved these as a treat growing up when I went to the health food store with my Mom. I am dairy free as of 2018 and I so wish that Rice Dream ice cream sandwiches were still available! There are so many dairy alternatives now but they don’t quench the craving that these memories hold!
Best frozen dessert ever!
I was just thinking about these rice dream pies and my local co-op in New Mexico stopped carrying them. They were the best indulgence and always satisfied my sweet tooth. I miss them!
Most wonderful Rice Dream Carob coated Pie
I LOVE it! Please DO NOT STOP making these, they are wonderful. I love the carob….I can not have Chocolate, so keep making them with the carob. ?
Strangely addictive
If you’re missing It’s It ice cream sandwiches, then these could be your new favorite treat. They’re not exactly the same – the dairy-free ice cream is creamy, but a touch frostier and the overall taste has some bitter-sweet notes. That said, you may like them even more. As referenced in my full review at left, we found them “strangely addictive”.
8 Comments
These pies are delicious but unfortunately are no longer carried at the local organic market. Can you please tell me where I can shop for them locally? I live in Fairfield, CT 06824
Thank you!
You’ll need to check their website Melanie (link above). I’m not affiliated with them and would have no idea what local stores carry them.
Where can you order these desserts? I use to eat them all the time but cannot find them anywhere and can’t find where to order them. Please let me know
That is a bummer! I still see them in stores, but have no idea where you can order them online. Your local stores should be able to order some in on request though. They are made by the large company Hain Celestial, who has very good distribution. Their brand is accessible for almost all grocers.
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I LOVE these bars so much!!
Oh man, this brings back memories! I haven’t had those things in ages, but I used to love the mint ones.
I remember loving the Mint one, too. I only wished they had it stocked! Definitely a little bite of nostalgia 🙂