10 Best Dairy-Free Ice Cream Shops in Tennessee

Craving a scoop that loves your stomach back? Tennessee’s dairy-free scene is rich with creamy textures, bold flavors, and joyful shops that make dessert feel like a full-on treat-yourself moment. From Nashville to Knoxville and Pigeon Forge, you will find inventive pairings, silky plant-based bases, and over-the-top creations that do not compromise on taste.

This guide highlights the best spots where you can get delicious dairy-free options without settling for second-best. Bring your sweet tooth, because these shops make going dairy-free feel like the easy, fun choice.

1. KOKOS Ice Cream (Nashville)

Expect a burst of color, cheerful staff, and flavors that lean tropical without being over-the-top. Coconut and oat bases deliver that luscious, scoopable texture you crave, without the heaviness. Creative specials pop up often, so you can chase something playful like passionfruit or salted caramel swirl that still tastes grown-up.

What makes it stand out is the vibe. You feel invited to linger, sample, and build your perfect cup with crunchy toppings or house sauces. Portions are generous, the music is upbeat, and everything feels like a mini celebration.

Gluten-sensitive or vegan pals will find clear labels and helpful guidance. Parking can be busy, so plan ahead. Your sweet reward is absolutely worth it.

2. Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream (Brentwood)

Here, dessert doubles as a show. Liquid nitrogen billows across the counter while your custom order transforms from liquid base to silky scoop in seconds. The texture is incredibly smooth, and plant-based options hold their own, taking on flavors like peanut butter, mocha, or fruity swirls without feeling icy.

You control everything. Choose a dairy-free base, pick mix-ins, and watch the magic happen right before your eyes. Staff walk you through allergens and help you build combos that stay balanced instead of sugar-bombed.

It is perfect for families or a nerdy date night. The science-meets-sweets energy makes it memorable. Expect a short wait during rushes, but the made-to-order freshness is priceless.

3. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (Nashville)

If flavor is your love language, you will feel seen. The dairy-free lineup rotates with thoughtful, gourmet combinations like cold brew with coconut or dark chocolate truffle that tastes luxuriously rich. Textures are creamy and cohesive, supported by coconut or oat bases that do not overwhelm.

Sampling is encouraged, so go adventurous. Staff happily guide you to pair bold flavors without clashing, like a fruit-forward sorbet with a deep chocolate note. Cones and toppings include clearly labeled vegan options, which keeps ordering stress-free.

Yes, it can be busy, especially on weekends. The line moves quickly, and the payoff is serious flavor. Treat it like a mini splurge you will remember long after the last spoonful.

4. The Baked Bear (Nashville)

Think warm cookie meets cool scoop, engineered for maximum grin factor. You choose your cookies, your dairy-free ice cream center, and a topping edge that turns every bite into a party. The temperature contrast is everything, especially when the cookies are gooey and the plant-based ice cream holds its shape.

Portions are massive, so splitting is smart if you have dinner plans. Flavors lean classic and fun: chocolate chip, funfetti, brownie, plus sauces like fudge or caramel. Staff will check ingredients for dairy-free compliance and offer smart swaps.

It is indulgent in the best way. Expect sticky fingers, big smiles, and maybe a nap after. A must-stop when your sweet tooth demands drama.

5. The Sugar Queen Creamery (Knoxville)

Local charm shines here, with seasonal flavors and a staff that genuinely loves guiding you to the right scoop. Dairy-free choices are clearly marked and thoughtfully made, not just an afterthought. Expect creamy textures with flavors like strawberry balsamic, chocolate almond, or roasted banana when it is in season.

The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, perfect for a slow evening stroll afterward. Toppings range from nostalgic sprinkles to roasted nuts and house sauces. Portions feel fair, and prices will not sting.

What stands out is consistency. Every visit tastes intentional, even on busy nights. If you are exploring Knoxville, this spot deserves your dessert time and your best empty-cone energy.

6. Sarabhas Creamery – Ice Cream & Chai/Coffee Shoppe (Nashville)

Consider this your dessert-plus-caffeine haven. Pair a scoop of dairy-free pistachio, mango, or chocolate with a fragrant chai or a smooth latte, and suddenly your evening has a sweet rhythm. The menu bridges comfort and spice, and the dairy-free options hold their own alongside classic scoops.

Service is friendly, with patience for questions about ingredients and allergens. The space invites conversation, whether it is a casual date or a post-dinner wind-down. Portions are generous and pricing is reasonable for the quality.

Pro tip: alternate sips and bites for a fun flavor interplay. The chai’s warm spices make fruit flavors pop and deepen chocolate. You will leave happy, buzzing, and already planning a return.

7. Mike’s Ice Cream (Nashville)

Old-school charm meets modern inclusivity here. While the classics headline, the dairy-free options deliver dependable flavor and creamy texture that feels like the real deal. You can grab a simple scoop, layer toppings, or lean into a sundae if you are feeling extra.

The downtown location makes it perfect for a pre-show or post-dinner treat. Expect a friendly, fast-moving line and plenty of families soaking up nostalgia. Staff are helpful about allergens and will walk you through safe choices.

Prices are fair for the area and portions are satisfying. If you like straight-shooting flavors done right, this spot nails it. Sometimes uncomplicated ice cream is exactly what you want.

8. Buzzed Bull Creamery (Pigeon Forge)

Vacation energy is the theme, and the menu follows suit with customizable creations that can be boozy or not. Liquid nitrogen gives the dairy-free base a smooth finish, and mix-ins range from candy blasts to coffee swirls. If you want spectacle with your sweetness, you get both.

Choose a signature combo or build your own with alcohol-free versions for kids. Staff keep things organized even when it is packed, and the line moves faster than you expect. The vibe is loud, bright, and contagious.

Bring curiosity and maybe a napkin stash. The portions are wild, the flavors playful, and the photos will be great. Perfect for a treat between attractions on the Parkway.

9. Lazy Cow Creamery (Cookeville)

This is the kind of place where the scoop feels personal. The staff know their flavors, the music is mellow, and the dairy-free options are thoughtfully developed rather than generic. Expect familiar favorites like chocolate, vanilla bean, and fruity swirls that please everyone.

It is a sweet stop on a Cookeville stroll. Prices are friendly, and the servings are generous without going overboard. Toppings are simple and nostalgic, with nuts, sauces, and sprinkles ready to finish your cup.

What you get is comfort. No fuss, no pretense, just good ice cream and neighborly service. If small-town cozy is your vibe, this will hit the spot every time.

10. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream (Nashville)

Expect ultra-creamy vegan bases that feel decadent and polished. Flavors lean adventurous, like cookie crumble strawberry jam or peanut butter brownie honeycomb-inspired notes, all dairy-free. Texture is where they shine, with oat and cashew bases delivering that slow-melt spoonful you chase.

The shop is sleek but welcoming, and sampling helps you discover new favorites without risk. Toppings are tight and intentional, so the ice cream stays the star. Portions match the premium feel without skimping.

Lines happen, especially on weekends downtown. They move fast, and you leave with a cup that tastes boutique-level. If you love modern flavors and silky texture, this is a destination scoop.