McDonald’s has introduced a new dairy-free ice cream range, the Scoop, certified by the Vegetarian Society. Available in Choco and Strawberry flavors, these rice milk-based desserts are part of a trial in the UK. If successful, the Scoop could become a permanent menu item nationwide.
Additionally, McDonald’s is testing the McFreezy, a frozen dessert similar to a Calippo ice pop.
The Scoop will be available at 52 locations across the northwest of England, including Manchester, Oldham, Failsworth, Stockport, Salford, Bury, Ardwick, and Rochdale. Described as “deliciously smooth and creamy,” the Scoop is served in a tub like a McFlurry but without toppings. Each tub costs £1.59, and the trial runs from June 12 to September 3, with hopes of a UK-wide launch in 2025.
The plant-based ice creams are made from a base of rice, coconut oil, glucose syrup, sugar, and dextrose, along with emulsifiers, thickeners, and flavorings. The chocolate-flavored Scoop contains 94 calories, 4g of fat (3.3g saturated fat), and nearly 8g of sugar per portion, compared to a Mini Maltesers McFlurry, which has 133 calories, 5g of fat (3.4g saturated), and 17g of sugar.
The McFreezy, combining fruit juice and purée, is available in orange or mango-pineapple flavors and contains stabilizers, citric acid, and flavorings. It will be sold at 187 locations in the northwest, including Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, and select locations in Ireland.
The UK market for vegan ice cream has faced challenges, with sales down 2% in 2022 and several companies, including Ben & Jerry’s and Oatly, withdrawing products. McDonald’s previous foray into vegan ice cream, including the vegan McFlurry in Germany, has seen success, continuing to offer plant-based options like the plain chocolate McFlurry and dairy-free chocolate McSundae.
In the UK, McDonald’s vegan offerings include the McPlant burger, Vegetable Deluxe burger, Spicy Veggie wrap, and Veggie Dippers. The Scoop and McFreezy represent McDonald’s first non-dairy ice cream products in the UK.
