With studies showing that a full 90 percent of Filipinos are lactose intolerant, the demand for dairy-free desserts has never been greater.

Add to that the intense suffering of cows and their calves—who are traumatically torn from their mothers shortly after birth—on dairy farms, and the case for consuming milk and other dairy products becomes hard to swallow. That’s why the folks at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia decided to search out the top 10 vegan desserts in Metro Manila, and the sweet results are in (Additional photos to accompany the press release are available upon request):

1. Pipino’s Chocolate Chip Cookie

Simply the best cookie in town! Pipino also offers vegan chocolate cake—a favorite among PETA staffers—and green tea cupcakes.
Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino, 39 Malingap Street, Teachers Village, Quezon City; (02) 441-1773; http://www.pipinovegetarian.com/

2. Chocolate Fire’s Dark Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

While all the dark chocolate at Chocolate Fire is dairy-free, the chocolate-covered strawberries are a must to sample. And be sure to try their soy mocha.
Chocolate Fire, ground level of the PDCP Building, corner of Leviste and Rufino streets, Salcedo Village, Makati; (02) 840-3473;
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chocolate-Fire/39912711571

3. Coconut House’s Coco Loco Dairy-Free Ice Cream

No one will miss the milk in this luscious and creamy dairy-free ice cream. The menu at Coconut House also offers many easy-to-veganize items, such as a veggie tofu scramble.
Coconut House, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City, Metro Manila (02) 392-4115; http://coconuthousepinoy.blogspot.com/

4. Heart2Hearth’s Chocolate Banana Cupcake

A no-fail flavor combination that kids and adults are sure to love. Visit Heart2Hearth at the Salcedo Saturday Market and stock up on treats for the whole week. A variety of other vegan cupcake flavors, cookies, and savory dishes is also available.
Heart2Hearth, Salcedo Saturday Market, J. Velasquez Park, Makati City; 09178053865; https://www.facebook.com/heart2hearth

5. Vegan Polvoron From Dr. Tam’s Vegan House

A cruelty-free and healthier take on the traditional Pinoy candy. This is the perfect treat to top off some of Dr. Tam’s famous kare kare.
Dr. Tam’s Vegan House, Metrowalk, Second Floor, Meralco Avenue, Metro Manila; (02) 633-9877; http://www.drtam.org/

6. Corner Tree Café’s Chocolate Cake

Scrumptious chocolate cake topped with creamy chocolate frosting—nirvana for chocolate lovers!
Corner Tree Café, 150 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati City; (02) 897-0295;
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Corner-Tree-Cafe/103780474410

7. Gelatissimo’s Dark Chocolate Sorbet

Gelatissimo offers several other dairy-free flavors, including fruity strawberry, guava, raspberry, and green apple.
Gelatissimo, locations in Ayala Center Cebu SM City Cebu, Greenbelt 5, Trinoma, and Piazza Serendra in Fort Bonifacio;
https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=119243255550&v=wall

8. Strawberry Soy Ice Cream Milkshake From Chimara Neo-Vegan Café

What could be a better treat while watching a movie? Other available flavors include chocolate, vanilla, and green tea.
Chimara Neo-Vegan Café, 4/F Greenbelt 3, corner of Paseo de Roxas and Legaspi Street, Ayala Center, Makati City; (02) 757-5652;
https://www.facebook.com/chimara.neovegan

9. Starbucks’ Dark Mocha Soy Frappe

While it may be described as a coffee drink, it’s really more like ice cream with a kick!
Starbucks branches nationwide; https://www.facebook.com/StarbucksPhilippines

10. Mango Sticky Rice From People’s Palace

This traditional Thai dessert is made from sweet sticky rice, coconut cream, and ripe mangoes. People’s Palace also has an outstanding vegetarian menu.
People’s Palace, ground floor, garden side, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City; (02) 729-2888; http://www.peoplespalacethai.com/

“All our top 10 vegan desserts show just how delicious compassion can be,” says PETA Asia Vice President Jason Baker. “And everyone wins: the diners who get to indulge in heavenly desserts and the animals who are spared suffering on cruel dairy farms.”

You can also enjoy mouthwatering dairy-free treats without venturing out to a restaurant. Vegan dessert options include everything from Oreos and other accidentally vegan cookies to local snacks like hopia mongo, ube, and homemade baked creations.