Twist with a Twist: The Best Vegan Frozen Yogurt in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has long been hailed the frozen yogurt capital of the United States, thanks to self-serve outlets popping up at every strip mall in the metro area after Pinkberry launched in 2005. Finally a new trend has emerged, ripping through neighborhoods as quickly as the phrases “bone broth” and “are those peanuts non-GMO?” spread and saturate Los Angeles vernacular. Storefronts across town are now dispensing dairy-free yogurt that celebrates the intersection of the city’s two major scenes: health and indulgence. The result is a low-guilt treat that satisfies the most decadent cravings, without having to question just what’s in those chalky powdered mixes behind the counter at 'Froyoluv.'
Pressed Juicery
Available at select locations throughout Southern California
This popular cold-pressed juice franchise had the brilliant idea to load their drink blends into soft serve machines, producing a creamy frozen yogurt “Freeze” made from nothing but fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Their Vanilla and Chocolate Freeze blends - just almonds, dates, and spices - are undoubtedly the most popular, but seasonal flavors like Citrus sell well, too. There’s also the perennially-invigorating Greens Freeze, combining coconut and a mix of produce powerhouses including celery, kale, parsley, romaine, and spinach. To maximize the nutritional impact of your sundae, toppings like fresh fruit, almond butter, Hawaiian pink salt, and chocolate-covered goji berries are also available.
Crystal T (Yelp).
Hugo’s Tacos
Available in Atwater Village, Studio City, and Woodland Hills
Most vegans come to Hugo’s for soyrizo burritos and ‘cheezy’ quesadillas, and it’s easy to miss that they even have a dessert menu. Hidden between drinks and sides is a small, two-item board offering fresh churros and a soy and nut-based “Frozato.” Likely the most inexpensive vegan froyo in the city, chocolate and vanilla Frozato is a steal at $3.25 for a cup or cone.
Kind Kreme
Available in Pasadena and Culver City
One of the first to realize the potential for offering vegan soft serve in Los Angeles, Kind Kreme launched in 2010 with gelateria-style offerings including affogato and waffle sundaes. You can order from a choice of yogurt flavors served in a gluten free sugar cone, or between two vegan cookies for the ultimate sandwich. While you’re there, be sure to sample their hard ice cream flavors, too: Superfood is one of the most popular, thanks to a deceptive antioxidant boost including cacao, goji berries, coconut, maca, acai berry powder, chia, and hemp seeds.
Erin McKenna’s Bakery
In Larchmont Village
Originally called Babycakes, this always-vegan but sometimes-GF bakery went fully anti-wheat in 2015 and rebranded with a slew of new offerings - including soft serve. Only chocolate and vanilla flavors exist for now, but a selection of gluten free mix-ins like donut crumbs and brownie chunks will elevate your cone beyond the basic twist. Unlike other coconut-based frozen yogurts that are masked by added flavor, I found Erin McKenna’s to have the perfect tropical tang - a fruity sweetness that doesn’t overpower.
SunLife Organics
Available in Malibu, Calabasas, Thousand Oaks, and Pasadena
Though technically not soft serve, acai bowls are the next best thing. They’re all over the city, but SunLife Organics may have the best. Creamy frozen concoctions packed with fruit, greens, and supplements like plant protein and MCT oil are downright medicinal. SunLife’s five local stores - and growing - not only offer frozen yogurt-esque acai bowls, but also draw customers with California cafe food and a killer smoothie list.