I'd like to start by giving Ben & Jerry's a round of applause for their new innovative ice cream. This spring Ben & Jerry's put out into stores four non-dairy ice creams, Chunky Monkey, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Coffee Caramel Fudge, and P.B. & Cookies. The product is not only certified vegan by Vegan Action but also Fairtrade certified. Fair trade is to make sure that everyone who contributed to the product was given a fair amount back. To be vegan certified, the product can't have any eggs, dairy, or honey. For Ben & Jerry's product to become certified vegan by Vegan Action, the company needed to submit a complete certification application, have their product reviewed, the company after approval will be able to use the trademark for a 12 month period after the licensing fee is paid and a contract is signed.

I had the chance this week to try the Chunky Monkey and Chocolate Fudge Brownie and I was extremely impressed. The cost was about the same as all the other non-dairy ice creams such as, SO Delicious and Luna & Larry's Organic Coconut Bliss. Its not just another non-dairy ice cream though.The main difference is the familiar and nostalgic feeling digging into a Ben & Jerry's ice cream gives you.

Personally, I appreciate the use of almond milk over soy and coconut. Although Ben & Jerry's chose almond milk for the consistency and flavor, they have allowed those who may be soy intolerant to also enjoy the delicious dessert.

Ben & Jerry's stayed committed to their fudge brownie distributor of 38 years, Greyston Bakery, by having them create a vegan brownie. Honestly, I felt as though I was eating the dairy fudge brownie ice cream when I tasted the familiar silky texture of the fudge brownie chunks.

Now, I know I got you excited and all but don't forget, it is still ice cream and it has a lot of unnecessary and unhealthy sugars and calories. The Chunky Monkey, for example, has a total of 1,160 calories and 88 grams of sugar per pint. So enjoy a bit but don't get ahead of yourself because it is so hard to only take a couple bites of this delicious non-dairy dream.

Now you can enjoy this rich and creamy treat with family and friends. So go out and try the Ben & Jerry's new non-dairy ice cream because they made it for you!