A range of non-dairy ice cream-style desserts – suitable for vegetarians, vegans and coeliacs – is now available nationwide from frozen food distributor Central Foods.

The selection, which suits a range of dietary requirements, is available in scooping packs to foodservice professionals and caterers via wholesaler Bidfood.

It has been launched in response to soaring demand for free-from items in the foodservice sector.

Gordon Lauder, managing director of Central Foods, said: “The demand for free-from items, including products suitable for those avoiding gluten and who are vegetarian or vegan, is increasing all the time and this non-dairy ice cream-style dessert range ticks a number of boxes.

“As well as being really creamy (despite being milk-free!) and tasty, the range is free from wheat, gluten, eggs and nuts. 

“We know from Horizons research that ice cream tops the most popular dessert chart across all catering outlets - both in winter and summer - year after year, so our new range is an ideal dessert for food professionals to have to hand – whether they work in a restaurant, pub, hotel, café, garden centre, care home, university, leisure venue or other catering operation. Ice cream remains a popular option for dessert – either on its own or as an accompaniment – and as a treat, because it reminds people of their childhood and happy times on holiday. Our new range is available in scooping tubs, providing menu flexibility and variety, and allowing even vegan and free-from consumers the chance to enjoy everyone’s favourite treat.”   

Branded Food Heaven, the selection is available in four different flavours; blueberry, chocolate, raspberry, and vanilla, with each flavour supplied in 1 x 900ml tubs, offering approximately 18 x scoops.

Based in Northamptonshire, Central Foods has been supplying frozen food to the foodservice sector for more than 21 years. It currently supplies more than 220 independent wholesalers, as well as larger national and regional wholesalers, and foodservice caterers across the entire foodservice industry.

Offering a one-stop shop to the foodservice sector, Central Foods sources products from around the world and the UK, supplying more than 400 different lines, ranging from meat, bakery items and canapés through to buffet products, desserts and puddings.