How to Sample Ice Cream at Lick Honest Vegan

Lick Honest Vegan is more than just an ice cream shop—it’s a movement. Founded on the principles of ethical indulgence, Lick Honest Vegan redefines what plant-based desserts can be: creamy, rich, and undeniably satisfying without a single animal product. For newcomers and seasoned plant-based enthusiasts alike, sampling ice cream at Lick Honest Vegan is not merely a taste test—it’s an experience in conscious consumption, flavor innovation, and sensory discovery. Whether you’re curious about vegan desserts for the first time or seeking to expand your palate beyond traditional dairy, knowing how to properly sample their offerings ensures you fully appreciate the craftsmanship behind each scoop.

The importance of sampling correctly cannot be overstated. Unlike conventional ice cream shops where the focus is often on volume or speed, Lick Honest Vegan prioritizes intentionality. Their ingredients are sourced with care, their recipes developed through rigorous testing, and their flavors crafted to mimic—and often surpass—the texture and depth of dairy-based counterparts. Sampling with awareness allows you to detect subtle notes of coconut cream, the nuttiness of cashew base, the earthiness of tahini, or the bright acidity of house-made fruit purees. It transforms a simple treat into a mindful ritual that honors both your body and the planet.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to sampling ice cream at Lick Honest Vegan. You’ll learn how to engage all your senses, navigate their rotating menu with confidence, and make informed choices that align with your dietary preferences and flavor goals. By the end, you’ll not only know how to sample—they’ll know you’re someone who truly understands what makes their ice cream extraordinary.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Philosophy Behind the Product

Before you even approach the counter, take a moment to reflect on what makes Lick Honest Vegan different. Their ice cream is not a compromise—it’s a reimagining. Unlike many vegan brands that rely on processed stabilizers or artificial flavors, Lick uses whole-food, minimally processed ingredients: organic coconut milk, raw cashews, fair-trade cacao, cold-pressed oils, and seasonal fruits. Their base is often nut-driven or coconut-based, never soy-heavy or overly sweetened with refined sugars. Understanding this philosophy helps you approach sampling with curiosity rather than skepticism.

Many people assume vegan ice cream lacks richness or creaminess. Lick challenges that assumption. Their texture comes from the natural emulsifying properties of nuts and seeds, not chemical additives. When you sample, you’re not just tasting flavor—you’re experiencing food science rooted in nature.

Step 2: Visit During Off-Peak Hours for Optimal Sampling

Timing matters. While Lick Honest Vegan is popular, sampling becomes more meaningful when you’re not rushed. Avoid weekends between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., when lines are longest. Instead, visit on a weekday afternoon—between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.—when staff have more time to engage, the environment is calmer, and you’re more likely to receive personalized guidance.

If you’re visiting a new location, check their website or social media for “Tasting Hours” or “Flavor Launch Events.” These are often scheduled mid-week and feature limited-edition flavors with the opportunity to sample before they’re officially released. These events are ideal for enthusiasts who want to experience innovation firsthand.

Step 3: Ask for a Sample Tray or Tasting Flight

Most Lick Honest Vegan locations offer a curated tasting flight—typically three to five small scoops served on a wooden board with reusable spoons. Don’t hesitate to ask for one. Say: “Could I try a tasting flight of your current seasonal flavors?” or “What are your top three most popular flavors right now?”

Some locations may charge a small fee for the flight (usually $5–$8), but this is often deducted from any future purchase. The value lies in the breadth of experience: you’ll sample flavors you might never have chosen on your own, such as Lavender Honey (made with maple syrup), Black Sesame Crunch, or Spiced Fig & Cardamom.

If a tasting flight isn’t available, request one scoop each of three different flavors. Be specific: “I’d like one scoop of the Chocolate Sea Salt, one of the Strawberry Rhubarb, and one of the Coconut Lime.” This prevents the server from defaulting to the most popular options and ensures you get a balanced variety.

Step 4: Observe the Texture and Appearance

Before tasting, pause. Look at each scoop. Vegan ice cream often has a slightly softer, more matte finish than dairy-based versions. That’s normal. The absence of butterfat means it doesn’t glisten as much—but that doesn’t mean it’s less luxurious.

Notice the consistency: Is it smooth? Does it hold its shape? Are there visible chunks or swirls? Lick uses real fruit pieces, toasted nuts, and hand-crumbled cookies. These aren’t just toppings—they’re integral to the flavor profile. A well-made vegan ice cream should have a velvety texture, even when cold. If a scoop appears icy or grainy, it may indicate improper storage or a less refined base.

Also observe color. Natural pigments mean hues vary seasonally. A vibrant purple from purple sweet potato or a deep brown from roasted hazelnuts is a sign of authenticity, not artificial dye.

Step 5: Engage Your Sense of Smell

Smell is the gateway to flavor. Bring the spoon close to your nose, inhale slowly, and note the aroma. Does it smell like fresh fruit? Roasted nuts? Warm spices? High-quality vegan ice cream should have a clean, inviting scent—not chemical, overly sweet, or artificial.

For example, the Vanilla Bean flavor should smell like real Madagascar vanilla pods—earthy, floral, and slightly boozy. The Matcha Green Tea should carry the grassy, umami depth of ceremonial-grade matcha, not a dusty, powdered aftertaste. Pay attention to these nuances. They’re indicators of ingredient quality and preparation technique.

Step 6: Taste with Intention

Take a small bite. Let the ice cream rest on your tongue for 5–10 seconds before chewing. This allows it to warm slightly and release its full flavor profile. Vegan ice cream often has a slower melt than dairy, so patience is key.

As you taste, ask yourself:

• Is the sweetness balanced? Or does it overwhelm?
• Do you taste the base ingredient (e.g., cashew, coconut, oat)?
• Are the add-ins integrated or disjointed?
• Is there a lingering aftertaste? A clean finish is ideal.

For instance, in the Salted Caramel flavor, you should detect a deep, molasses-like richness from date syrup, not the cloying sweetness of corn syrup. The sea salt should enhance, not dominate. In the Peanut Butter Cup, the chocolate should be dark and bitter-sweet, the peanut butter rich but not oily.

Step 7: Note the Mouthfeel and Aftertaste

Mouthfeel is where vegan ice cream often shines—or stumbles. A well-crafted scoop should coat your tongue gently, not leave a waxy film or chalky residue. Lick’s bases are often blended for hours to achieve silkiness, so you should feel a luxurious, almost custard-like smoothness.

After swallowing, notice the aftertaste. Does it linger pleasantly? Does it remind you of real vanilla, toasted almonds, or fresh berries? Or does it leave a metallic, artificial, or overly sweet aftertaste? The latter suggests the use of low-quality sweeteners or stabilizers, which Lick avoids.

Also pay attention to temperature sensitivity. Vegan ice cream can sometimes freeze harder than dairy. If it’s too firm, ask if it’s been stored at the optimal temperature. A properly stored scoop should soften slightly at room temperature within minutes—this is a sign of good formulation.

Step 8: Compare Flavors Side by Side

After sampling each flavor individually, compare them. Place two spoons side by side—say, the Chocolate Sea Salt and the Tahini Swirl. Notice how the fat content, sweetness level, and texture differ. This helps you identify your personal preferences and understand what elements make a flavor stand out.

For example, the Coconut Lime may be brighter and more refreshing, while the Brown Butter Pecan offers deep, caramelized warmth. One might appeal to your palate in summer; the other in winter. This comparison helps you build a mental flavor map.

Step 9: Ask Questions and Learn the Story Behind Each Flavor

Lick Honest Vegan takes pride in transparency. Don’t be shy to ask: “What inspired this flavor?” or “Where do you source the cacao?”

Many flavors are inspired by global traditions. The Cardamom Rose flavor draws from Middle Eastern desserts, while the Miso Caramel is a nod to Japanese umami culture. Knowing the origin helps you appreciate the intentionality behind each creation.

Staff are often trained in flavor profiles and ingredient sourcing. They can tell you if a flavor is made with heirloom strawberries from Oregon or organic cacao from Ghana. This storytelling enhances the experience and builds trust.

Step 10: Record Your Experience

After sampling, take a moment to jot down your impressions. Use a simple notebook or your phone’s notes app. Record:

• Flavor name
• Base (coconut, cashew, oat, etc.)
• Key ingredients
• Texture (creamy, icy, dense, airy)
• Flavor notes (sweet, tart, earthy, floral)
• Aftertaste
• Overall impression (1–5 stars)

This creates a personal flavor journal that helps you track your preferences over time. You might discover you love nut-based flavors but avoid fruit-forward ones—or vice versa. This journal becomes invaluable when returning for future visits or ordering online.

Best Practices

1. Always Sample Before You Buy

Never commit to a full scoop without tasting first. Even if a flavor sounds appealing, your palate may react differently than expected. Lick’s menu rotates frequently, and what’s popular in April may not suit your taste in August. Sampling ensures you’re investing in flavor, not just novelty.

2. Start with Lighter Flavors, Progress to Richer Ones

Just like wine tasting, begin with delicate, bright flavors and move toward bold, complex ones. Start with Lemon Basil or Raspberry Rose, then progress to Chocolate Hazelnut or Maple Pecan Pie. This prevents flavor fatigue and allows each taste to shine.

3. Avoid Overloading Your Palate

Limit yourself to five flavors per visit. Sampling too many overwhelms your taste buds and dulls sensitivity. Quality over quantity always wins.

4. Use a Neutral Palate

Do not sample after eating spicy, salty, or strongly flavored foods. Wait at least 30 minutes after a meal. If possible, sip room-temperature water or eat a plain cracker between samples to cleanse your palate.

5. Respect the Ingredients

Do not mix flavors on the same spoon. Each flavor is designed as a standalone experience. Mixing alters the balance and defeats the purpose of tasting them individually.

6. Be Open-Minded About Unfamiliar Ingredients

Don’t dismiss a flavor because it contains tahini, black garlic, or purple sweet potato. Some of Lick’s most beloved flavors—like Black Sesame Crunch or Beetroot Vanilla—were initially met with skepticism. Give them a fair chance.

7. Consider Dietary Restrictions, But Don’t Assume

While all Lick ice creams are vegan and gluten-free, some contain tree nuts, soy (in limited cases), or seeds. Always ask if you have allergies. However, don’t assume a flavor is “too healthy” to be indulgent. Vegan doesn’t mean bland—it means intentional.

8. Support Seasonal and Limited Editions

Seasonal flavors are often the most innovative. They showcase the chef’s creativity and use peak-season ingredients. If you see “Pumpkin Spice Chai” in fall or “Hibiscus Mango” in summer, sample them first—they may not return for another year.

9. Share the Experience

Bring a friend. Tasting is more enjoyable—and insightful—when you discuss impressions. You might notice nuances they miss, and vice versa. It turns sampling into a social ritual.

10. Visit Multiple Locations

While core flavors remain consistent, each Lick Honest Vegan location may have slight variations in texture or sweetness based on local preferences or equipment calibration. Sampling at different stores gives you a fuller picture of the brand’s range.

Tools and Resources

1. Lick Honest Vegan Website and App

The official website (lickhonestvegan.com) offers the most up-to-date menu, flavor descriptions, ingredient sourcing details, and store locator. Their mobile app allows you to pre-order tasting flights, earn rewards, and receive notifications about new releases and tasting events.

2. Flavor Journal Template

Download a free printable flavor journal template from Lick’s blog or create your own using Google Sheets. Include columns for date, flavor name, base, ingredients, texture, aroma, taste, aftertaste, and rating. This tool helps you track progress and identify patterns in your preferences.

3. Vegan Ice Cream Flavor Glossary

Many customers benefit from understanding common vegan ice cream terms:

• Base: The primary ingredient (coconut milk, cashews, oats, etc.)
• Stabilizer: Natural thickeners like guar gum or locust bean gum (used sparingly at Lick)
• Superfood: Nutrient-dense additions like maca, reishi, or cacao nibs
• Low-glycemic sweetener: Date syrup, maple syrup, monk fruit

Lick’s blog features a detailed glossary explaining these terms in context.

4. Ingredient Transparency Guides

Lick publishes quarterly ingredient reports detailing where each component is sourced. For example, their cacao comes from a women-led cooperative in Ecuador; their vanilla is from Madagascar, ethically harvested. These reports are available on their website and reinforce their commitment to ethical sourcing.

5. Social Media Channels

Follow Lick Honest Vegan on Instagram and TikTok. Their creators post behind-the-scenes videos of flavor development, ingredient sourcing trips, and staff tastings. These provide context you won’t find on the menu.

6. Local Farmers’ Markets and Pop-Ups

Lick occasionally partners with local farms for ingredient showcases. Attending a pop-up event lets you taste ice cream made with ingredients you just saw harvested—like strawberries from a nearby orchard or lavender from a local grower.

7. Vegan Dessert Podcasts and Blogs

Podcasts like “The Plant-Based Table” and blogs like “Vegan Richa” often review Lick’s offerings. Listening to expert opinions can deepen your appreciation and introduce you to flavor pairings you hadn’t considered.

8. Refrigeration and Storage Tips

If you buy a pint to take home, store it in the back of your freezer where temperatures are most stable. Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping to achieve optimal texture. Avoid refreezing melted ice cream—it compromises structure.

9. Flavor Pairing Recommendations

Lick’s website offers pairing suggestions: try the Coconut Lime with a chilled sparkling water, or the Brown Butter Pecan with a glass of bourbon-aged dark coffee. These pairings elevate the experience from snack to sensory event.

10. Community Tasting Events

Join local vegan food groups or subscribe to Lick’s newsletter for invites to exclusive tasting nights. These events often include chef Q&As, live music, and complimentary samples of upcoming flavors.

Real Examples

Example 1: The First-Time Vegan Taster

Samantha, 28, had never tried vegan ice cream before. She visited Lick Honest Vegan on a whim after hearing a friend rave about it. She asked for a tasting flight of the three most popular flavors: Chocolate Sea Salt, Vanilla Bean, and Strawberry Rhubarb.

At first, she was skeptical. “I thought it would taste like cardboard,” she admitted. But after tasting the Chocolate Sea Salt, she paused. “It’s… creamy. Like real chocolate. And the salt? It’s not just sprinkled on top—it’s woven in.” She ended up buying two pints. She now keeps a flavor journal and visits every two weeks.

Example 2: The Flavor Explorer

Diego, 35, is a food scientist who specializes in plant-based nutrition. He samples every new flavor Lick releases. His journal notes reveal a pattern: he prefers nut-based bases over oat or coconut. He discovered he loves the Tahini Swirl because of its umami depth and the way the sesame oil enhances the cocoa. He now recommends it to clients looking for high-protein, antioxidant-rich desserts.

Example 3: The Seasonal Enthusiast

Maria, 42, visits Lick every season. In spring, she waits for the Rhubarb Rose. In summer, it’s the Blueberry Lavender. In fall, she looks for the Maple Pecan Pie. She says, “It’s like a dessert calendar. Each flavor marks a moment in the year.” She even hosts annual tasting parties for friends, using Lick’s flavors as the centerpiece.

Example 4: The Allergy-Conscious Consumer

Josh, 22, has a severe tree nut allergy. He was hesitant to try vegan ice cream because most brands use almond or cashew bases. He contacted Lick in advance and learned their oat milk base is nut-free and produced in a dedicated facility. He sampled the Oat Milk Chocolate and was blown away. “I finally found something that tastes like ice cream and doesn’t put me in the hospital,” he said. He now brings friends to try it.

Example 5: The Corporate Wellness Advocate

A wellness director at a tech company introduced Lick Honest Vegan to her team as part of a “Mindful Snacking” initiative. She organized a tasting event with five flavors and a guided discussion on ingredients. Employees reported increased satisfaction with their afternoon snacks and a greater awareness of food sourcing. One employee said, “I didn’t know ice cream could be ethical. Now I look at everything differently.”

FAQs

Can I sample ice cream if I’m not vegan?

Yes. Lick Honest Vegan welcomes everyone. Their ice cream is designed to appeal to all palates, regardless of dietary choices. Many non-vegans say they prefer Lick’s texture and flavor complexity over traditional dairy brands.

Are samples free?

Some locations offer complimentary small samples of 1–2 flavors, especially for first-time visitors. A full tasting flight usually has a small fee, but it’s often redeemable toward a purchase. Always ask.

How long do Lick’s flavors stay on the menu?

Core flavors like Chocolate Sea Salt and Vanilla Bean are permanent. Seasonal flavors typically last 6–12 weeks. Limited editions may be available for only a few days. Check their website or social media for updates.

Is Lick Honest Vegan ice cream gluten-free?

Yes. All flavors are certified gluten-free. They use gluten-free oats, cookies, and stabilizers. However, cross-contamination is possible in shared facilities—ask if you have celiac disease.

Do they offer sugar-free options?

Lick uses natural, low-glycemic sweeteners like date syrup and maple syrup. They do not offer zero-sugar options, as they believe in whole-food sweetness. If you’re avoiding added sugars, their unsweetened fruit sorbets (available seasonally) are the closest option.

Can I sample flavors online?

Not directly, but you can order a “Tasting Box” online—three 4-ounce samples shipped frozen. This is ideal for those without a nearby location.

Why is Lick’s ice cream softer than other brands?

Because they avoid chemical stabilizers and emulsifiers. Their texture is naturally softer and melts more quickly, which is a sign of purity. It’s meant to be enjoyed fresh.

Do they offer dairy-based options?

No. Lick Honest Vegan is 100% plant-based. Their mission is to prove that vegan ice cream can be superior, not just an alternative.

How should I store my pint at home?

Store in the coldest part of your freezer, ideally between -18°C and -20°C. Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping for the best texture.

Can I bring my own container for sampling?

Yes. Lick encourages sustainability. Bring a reusable spoon or container for your samples or pints. They offer discounts for customers who do so.

Conclusion

Sampling ice cream at Lick Honest Vegan is not a casual act—it’s an act of discovery. In a world saturated with artificial flavors and mass-produced desserts, Lick stands as a beacon of intentionality. Every scoop is a testament to what’s possible when ethics, science, and artistry converge.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you move beyond passive consumption to active appreciation. You learn to recognize the difference between a sweet treat and a thoughtfully crafted experience. You begin to see ingredients not as components, but as stories—of farmers, of artisans, of ecosystems.

Whether you’re vegan, curious, or simply a lover of great food, Lick Honest Vegan invites you to taste with awareness. Let each flavor be a moment of presence. Let the creaminess remind you of nature’s abundance. Let the aftertaste linger—not just on your tongue, but in your understanding of what food can be.

So the next time you walk into a Lick Honest Vegan shop, don’t just ask, “What’s good?” Ask, “What’s the story behind this?” Then taste. Listen. Reflect. And let your palate become a compass—not just for dessert, but for a more conscious way of living.