How Bebop Became Plant-Based (and Why Some People Got Confused)

Whether or not Bebop is plant-based has been a source of confusion for some people. We’ve heard folks rave about our ice cream, calling it an incredible plant-based treat—but then others go online, read that it’s made with milk (not cream), and start to wonder. The confusion is understandable. In fact, we’ve even received emails from people accusing us of misleading the public about what our frozen desserts are made of.

So, to set the record straight: Bebop started with a cream-less dairy base—and then evolved into a fully plant-based product.

If that sounds contradictory, let me explain.

Why We Started With Dairy (Sort Of)
From the beginning, our goal was to create a frozen dessert that was not only indulgent and delicious, but also gentler on the body. Because as much as everyone (regardless of age, race, or background) loves ice cream, it’s no secret that traditional dairy-based ice cream can be tough on our health—rich, heavy, and often hard to digest.

So our early recipe was already unconventional: a creamy dairy base, but without the use of cream. It was lighter, yet still satisfying.

Bebop’s Plant-based base consist a blend of almond, cashew, coconut oil, coconut milk, oat, soy, rice, adlay.

But as we began developing our plant-based base, something clicked. We realized that we could create a product that still had the look, taste, and texture of premium ice cream—but with a much lower impact on the body and the environment. And once we saw that, we began to seriously rethink our direction.

Why Not Just Make Both?
Naturally, we considered doing what many other ice cream makers do: offering both dairy and plant-based options, and letting customers decide.

For a while, that was exactly our plan. But in 2024, as we were building our own food production facility, we began to think more deeply about our long-term vision. That’s when my co-founders and I started discussing a full pivot: what if we committed entirely to plant-based production?

Ultimately, we decided to do just that.

Why We Went All-In on Plant-Based
There were plenty of reasons to make the switch. By going fully plant-based in our facility, we could avoid cross-contamination and simplify our production and inventory. But the biggest reason for me came down to one thing: food safety.

No matter how carefully we produce our frozen desserts, we don’t manufacture the milk or eggs that would be required for a dairy-based product. Removing animal-derived ingredients from our supply chain significantly reduces food safety risks. And for a startup like ours, that peace of mind is invaluable.

The Moment It All Came Together
One moment that helped solidify my decision came through a collaboration with Tainan’s LIN HAO STORE. They were interested in carrying our ice cream, though they weren’t specifically looking for a vegan or plant-based product. At first, they suggested offering just a few of our plant-based flavors—understandably concerned that going fully plant-based might limit appeal.

But as they tried more of our flavors, their confidence grew. Eventually, they said, “Why don’t we just go with your plant-based base? We think it tastes great, and we honestly can’t tell it’s not dairy.”

That was a turning point. It showed us that our plant-based base had matured to the point where even customers not seeking a dairy-free option were choosing it purely on taste. And since then, we’ve continued to refine and improve it even further.

Why This Matters
Winning over a thoughtful, discerning partner—one that simply wanted great-tasting ice cream—gave us confidence that more people could come to appreciate what plant-based can be. Not just as a dietary choice, but as the future of ice cream: better for the body, better for the planet, and just as indulgent.

So yes, Bebop is 100% plant-based today. And we’re proud of the journey that got us here.

The Product collaboration that helped Bebop become plant-based.