TL; DR: The ice cream is creamy, the portions are large, the workers are nice. Today marks my second visit (technically my third, I guess) to Hug Life. The first time was out of curiosity a few months back. I was visiting a bookshop across the street with a friend when I happened upon Hug Life. The clerk was so nice. Even when my friend and I explained that we weren't going to order anything at the moment, he still let us try some flavors. We returned later that night after dinner. I was able to order a single, half-and-half of cookies & cream and cookie butter for myself and Reese's Pieces to go for my hubs. I brought my husband for the first time today. He tried Green Goblin (mint chip) and really liked it. The ice cream was still as yummy today as it was two months ago. I really like that they're consistent over time. read more

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My favorite vegan ice cream shop! The flavors are amazing and the ambience was such a vibe, super cute, it's very Long Beach. I ordered the matcha single scoop and my daughter ordered the birthday cake & banana cream double scoop. Wow so creamy for vegan once cream. Next time I have to try the milkshakes. read more

Hug Life Ice Cream - Single Scoop Ice Cream* matcha flavor in front of an homage to Tupac. - Desserts Near Me - Long Beach, California

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Guilt-free heavenly vegan ice cream! If you love ice cream as much as I do, but also gamble on the milk ice cream because you're lactose intolerant, then Hug Life is the perfect place to visit! We tried 6-7 flavors and they're so good! Ultimately, I chose Ube and Matcha Monster, but I can easily do Banana Boy, Guava, or Cookies & Cream! Love the texture and flavor on all of them! And what an omage to the late great Tupac Shakur! read more

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The service was good and the ice cream was tasty. I don't usually seek out plant-based dairy, but the ice cream was flavorful. The place was clean and the ice cream options are plentiful. read more

Hug Life Ice Cream - Strawberry Shortcake - Desserts Near Me - Long Beach, California

Took my son to get a treat Thai place is strictly plant based which is definitely nice for some but we wish there were some regular options my son didn't seem to mind over all the flavors were good but the consistency is a little different. Service was friendly The seating area not to family friendly read more

Hug Life Ice Cream - Tall bar stools - Desserts Near Me - Long Beach, California

Although I'm not vegan, I definitely don't discount vegan foods because I've had some delicious vegan foods. I like that they hug life focuses on Vegan ice cream as it's a niche that I haven't t seen too many businesses try to Vegan-ize. That being said, I did enjoy the ice cream as it did have flavor that matched up well with what the flavors were meant to be. I ended getting the cookie butter and it was pretty good. I guess I do prefer regular ice cream because the dairy does add a creaminess that I don't think can be substituted. This tasted a little more like an Icee, which isn't bad, but I prefer a little more creaminess. That being said, I definitely enjoy the concept and would recommend for those that want vegan ice cream! read more

Hug Life Ice Cream - Cookie butter - Desserts Near Me - Long Beach, California

service was very kind & patient! first time here & i did prefer the Vietnamese coffee flavor as it was a pretty strong coffee taste. the flavors don't have the creaminess i was looking for in typical ice cream, but overall was pretty decent. i feel like i tasted more of the possible soy/oat flavor milk more than the flavor of the ice cream. they have a good variety on their menu to try though! street parking & they have a small lot to the side that you can park in. only 2-3 seats so more of a get your ice cream & go! read more

Hug Life Ice Cream - Menu - Desserts Near Me - Long Beach, California

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My son heard about this place on social media and has been begging me to come. Well today we finally did.... (We are not vegan) maybe that's why I didn't like it.... But didn't hesitate to still give it a try. In my opinion I am so sorry but it wasn't good. I wanted to like it. This is just my opinion. But just me unfortunately is a no. My son liked his : he ordered cookies and cream on a cup I got the strawberry shortcake on a sugar cone .And he ended up finishing mine. This location is very tiny with some seating inside. read more

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Farewell Hug Life - my son and I rolled in to this vegan ice cream parlor as a treat after a big athletic event. The staff was extremely friendly and served us multiple free tastings. During the process of the tastings, the staff informed us that indeed it was their last day of operation. This fine alternative ice cream shop will be no longer. It's unfortunate and yet understandable that businesses come and go. I hope the best for the employees and the owners as they walk away from their cool shop in a cool nook on fourth Street in LB. Thank you for non-dairy desserts, and good times. read more

Hug Life is an incredible all-vegan ice cream shop that I've been visiting for years. Their unique and creative flavor offerings never disappoint, and the overall experience has always been great. Portion sizes are generous- you definitely get your money's worth. My partner and I find that even one scoop is enough to share. They offer cones, toppings, sauces, and even the option to enjoy your ice cream as a milkshake, which is a nice touch. This time, my friend and I both went with the Ube ice cream, and it was creamy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. However, we also tried the Thai Tea ice cream, which we found less creamy and indulgent by comparison. It had a more icy texture, so I'd say that flavor could use a bit of improvement. The shop itself has minimal seating, a couple of spots inside and a bench outside. It's more of a grab-and-go kind of place. They accept both cash and card. I'll definitely keep coming back to try more flavors when I'm in the area! Worth it for an all vegan spot. Based on their messaging, they seem to be vegan for the animals so I hope this business never steps away from that. read more

The non-dairy ice cream flavors were top notch. They ranged from regular Rocky Road to Vietnam Coffee along with Butter Cookie! I had my three scoops 1. Rocky Road 2. Butter Cookie 3. Mango sherbet in a waffle cup that had dark chocolate drizzled around the rim. The service was great. Everything was offered with a big smile and a tasting spoon! The only place that Hug Life Ice Cream fell short was its ambiance. It didn't match the light, bright tone of its food or service. read more

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Killer ice cream I got the dipped bowl with three scoops, added some cereal toppings and some condensed milk. It had so much ice cream I could've probably shared it with 3+ people. Dude helped us all out super fast. Cute little store great to grab and go or we sat there and ate as much as we could. I'LL BE BACK! read more

Same location same quality and another review for the year to give recognition and praise to one of the constants in life. Not a vegan but their "non dairy" ice cream as they call it definitely sells me time and time again. The banana is my fave flavor for scoops. Sometimes I get the hug a bowl which is a waffle cone bowl with multiple scoops. Staff is always friendly and accommodating which I applaud since sometimes they get so busy I feel bad but the ice cream is good so the hype matches. Usually a quick in and out visit. Parking is limited so ordering online is a wise move if not local read more

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This was our favorite ice cream place. Stopped by today to see that they are closed forever :( The staff were always so friendly and amazing. My little family and I will miss you Hug Life. Best vegan ice cream I've ever had. read more

10/21/23 Rating: ALL 5-Stars!!! Love. LOvE. LOVE this place! Super cute! I love how they're called Hug Life and the concept of spreading love and hugs-- based off Tupac Shakur who was prolific and way before his time! Tupac definitely spoke TONS about the need for CHANGE in the world! They even quote him on their history section on Yelp! I WILL SAY... I would LOVE to see them rep Tupac ON THEIR ACTUAL WEBSITE TOO!!! (: Let's keep the consistency people!!! [THE EXPERIENCE] Kin -- who has great customer service -- helped us and allowed space for samples. Made some suggestions since it was our first time in store. [ORDERED] Got the Chocolate dipped waffle cone: Single Scoop Ice Cream* Split: Mint chocolate chip and Chocolate (made with Almond milk) -- AMAZING!!! Sooo Yummy!!! [OVERALL] I definitely recommend to those who are looking for non-dairy ice cream options!!! It did not disappoint!! Also, they have a rewards program with a point card system which is super fun...it's definitely a place to come to for a healthier alternative since it's plant-based ice cream --no guilt!! I want to try their milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, etc. I also wanna try their Taro or Ube flavor next time!! read more

Hug Life Ice Cream - 10/21/23 - Single Scoop Ice Cream* Split: Mint chocolate chip and chocolate - AMAZING - Desserts Near Me - Long Beach, California

My girlfriend and I came here for a late night snack. Upon arriving we were met with a neon sign showing us the way in. We entered and found the cutest shop with with a small Line forming. My girlfriend loved the Banana Boy! read more

This ice cream is the best thing I have ever eaten!!! PLEASE COME TO REDLANDS! The ambiance is welcoming and the service is top notch.... but y'all..... the ice cream is the best thing ever! I honestly can't say enough. Taro abs birthday cake was so delicious! Yummmmmm read more

GO HERE!! They give you HUGE scoops!! $8 for two scoops?! We got the mint choco chip and cookie and cream - delicious. I can taste the use of coconut milk in the mint chip and I loved the addition of cinnamon in the cookies and cream. We didn't even know it was vegan too. The gentleman at the counter was so friendly and nice. I'll go back for sure! I dig the Tupac theme too! read more

The service was great. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable with all the flavors and what they contained and was very helpful in choosing what to get. The ambiance is simple. They do have cute wall decorations such as 2-pac and other writings on the way. We got 2 shakes and they were delicious. The flavor was there and they gave a decent amount. read more

Hug Life Ice Cream - Desserts Near Me - Long Beach, California

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An ice cream spot that won't make my tummy hurt afterwards... count me in! Hug life is a plant based ice cream shop that uses oat, almond and soy milks for their creations. I would frequent their location in Long Beach often when I used to live there and had a craving for something sweet. This location in particular is on 4th street and the parking is scarce (beware)!! Sometimes I'd get lucky and be able to pull up right in front of the shop while other times I'd have to park a couple blocks away or double park. Hug Life is definitely the local go-to spot for a late night sweet treat. Most of the time when I would visit the line would spill out onto the sidewalk but it was always a great way to meet some other LB residents. My favorite item on the menu is their S'mores milkshakes ... so delicious with the Cinnamon Toast Crunch on top. I wish I could have one right now actually lol. All in all, check this place out if you're in the SoCal area. You and your tummy will not regret it. read more

Hug Life Ice Cream - Desserts Near Me - Long Beach, California

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Thank you, Hug Life! You were a friendly and familiar place and we loved your neon sign and tasty mangonada. You will be sorely missed.

OMG!!!! phenomenal first time here got the naughty eggnog shake, which was highly suggested by the young man behind the counter who was so nice and made me the best shake. I haven't had in years ! Thank you so much made my day!!! Will be back! I drove an hour for this so worth it! read more

Hug Life Ice Cream - Egg nog naughty shake - Desserts Near Me - Long Beach, California

Hug Life Icecream 2707 E Fourth St Long Beach, CA January 17, 2022 Dessert: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Portion size: 5/5 Visit: Wanted to try vegan ice cream for dessert. Dessert: Ordered one Ice Cream cookie with a chocolate chip cookie, Strawberry shortcake ice cream, with shortcake topping Service: Dine in, Service was great and only took 5 minutes to prepare the dessert cost only $8 read more

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My friend's been hyping this place up since they opened up a few years ago and the fact that we both don't do dairy well, this was a no brainer when we craved some ice cream. They have a decent choice of unique ice cream options. The lady let us try some samples and we ended up going with a single scoop of the cookie butter and another single scoop of the mango chamoy. Our friend's mom has celiac disease and absolutely needs ice cream that is gluten free. Glad we were able to provide that for her from here. Both were absolutely delicious. I found the pricing here to be on the higher side, but what hasn't gone up these days in price? The lady was nice and the ice cream was excellent. Glad to have this in Long Beach on 4th! read more

Great alternative for lactose intolerant people. Cool establishment with some dope art. Tasty flavors, dairy free! My favorite are Cookie Butter, Vietnamese Coffee, & Mango Chamoy. My sister liked Banana Boy & the Matcha one. Definitely recommend. read more

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Amazing. I'm not vegan or dairy free, and this is still my ice cream spot. Extremely friendly workers. Lots of flavors. Very clean store. Cool cool spot. read more

Polite and efficient service. Ambiance doesn't remotely give Tupac, more like Tupac: American Hipster Vegan. The strawberry shortcake is pretty good. The aftertaste is reminiscent of coffee mate powdered creamer, but not in a bad way. Texture wise: it tasted like sorbet cut with coffeemate for creaminess. But not at all bad. read more

Hug Life Ice Cream - Tupac wasn't too sure, but I thought it was good. - Desserts Near Me - Long Beach, California

Came here twice after dinner. Street parking only. It is a small ice-cream shop, and it has a few chairs inside the store. Servers were friendly and they allow us to sample their ice-cream. They serve vegan ice-cream my favorite is the ube ice-cream. It was flavorful and not overly sweet. Sadly, it was sold out when I visited the second time. I ordered strawberry shortcake, which was very tasty. I did not have the guilty feeling after having my dessert because it tasted very healthy. Will come back for more ice-cream next time. I hope that ube ice-cream is not sold out next time. read more

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Omgg!! 100% YES! Dairy lovers don't be deterred because this place is a dairy-free icecream joint. But it is SO GOOD and creamy!! (Persons with nut or soy allergy should avoid) What we ordered: Banana boy- think banana bread flavor with brownie bits! (My new fav) Rocky road - rich chocolate with mini marshmallows! Both these flavors contained soy & coconut milk! It's a very small shop next to a hair salon. Only 2 seats inside against the front window. With cool hip-hop style painting on the walls dedicated to Tupac! Hence the name "Hug Life" instead of "Thug Life" hahah! Service is quick and you are in an out real fast! You don't need to sit inside because right down the street is cool vintage shops to browse through! read more

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Randomly craving alternative Ice cream and wasn't bothered looking into going to the grocery store to buy it, we stumbled upon this place looking for desserts. Since I am trying to be more health/ethically conscious, my bf introduced me to the Plant based life. With that, I looked up this place and we rushed over since it was about 30 minutes before closing. The server was great! Letting us taste samples before we picked what we wanted and mixed up a shake for the road. Although the place is small, it does get packed! So come and get some street cred at Hug Life; you won't be disappointed! read more

Hug Life Ice Cream - Street Art - Desserts Near Me - Long Beach, California

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I went here based on stars and reviews. I didn't realize until I got there that everything was plant based, vegan friendly. I have no issues with that, my husband hasn't tried anything other than milk based ice cream before. Figured I'd give it a try and see if he notices a difference. 1. Smores milkshake with oatmilk- delicious. The person who made it to make sure it was perfection with the cinnamon toast crunch and marshmallows on top. 2. Retwix milkshake with oatmilk- my husband liked it and couldn't tell the difference. I would highly recommend this place, they really take great pride in everything they make read more

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This is hands-down the best vegan ice cream I've ever had! I often don't go for vegan dairy products because they're often not so great but Hug Life nails it. They use a combo of oat and coconut milk for the perfect consistency and flavor. Their best seller is the Banana Boy, which is what I got. I typically wouldn't choose banana ice cream, but after a sample I was hooked. I paired it with the Mango Chamoy, which is water-based and more like a sorbet. The combo was perfectly refreshing on a hot August day. My two non-vegan friends also loved it. Service was friendly and helpful. Also love the Tupac theme and play on words in the brand name. Keep it up, y'all! read more

This is by far our favorite place to get ice cream. It's nice to be able to not have to worry about asking what has dairy (lactose intollerant) and it tastes just the same if not better than regular ice cream! They are also incredibly dog friendly and our pup tries to pull us in the door even if we're just walking by. read more

Hug Life Ice Cream - High praise for the pup cup - Desserts Near Me - Long Beach, California

Best vegan ice cream. Like ever. Its a large mantle to take on when you're entire premise is making a highly favored dairy product vegan, but they did it. And they did it so well. The flavors are so good and varied, its worth trying a new one every time you come (promo the punch card program!). There is a tendency to re-create classic flavors but Hug-life presents new and elevated flavors you didn't even know you wanted in ice cream form and creates a unique profile because its exclusive to the shop by being vegan. Its less a vegan shop more so a non-dairy ice cream shop, I have friends who consume dairy and insist on coming here. Every server I've had has been super nice about explaining the flavors and options. They have accounted for the indecisive nature of committing to ice cream and offer 1/2 scoops, how thoughtful! Always such a treat to come here, and peak enjoyment when you walk over to the Colorado Lagoon with your ice cream. read more

Hug Life Ice Cream - 1/2 scoop matcha monster and strawberry short cake, Thai tea milk shake - Desserts Near Me - Long Beach, California

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I keep coming back. This is the best dairy free ice cream I've ever had. I'd say it's on par with default fair ice cream. I like a sample a different flavor or two every time I cái it but I usually end up getting a scoop of green goblin which is their mint chip ice cream. A single scoop order is a lot of ice cream already. No needs to get more scoops unless you're sharing. Never had a shake but the birthday cake some seems to be popular. The store is very small. Mostly enough room to order. There's a seating counter by the window with stools that can accommodate 4. Most people eat outside on the bench or while walking down 4th street since wits gets crowded inside the small store and the line often extends outside. read more

Hug Life Ice Cream - Desserts Near Me - Long Beach, California

My partner and I were craving ice cream one day and found Hug life on google maps! We had no idea it was vegan until we saw the sign. We are lactose intolerant but rarely admit defeat when it comes to dairy this was a pleasant surprise! The flavors are delicious. You can make milkshakes, cookie sandwiches, root beer floats, you name it! They have seasonal flavors and flavors that are there to stay. They are super queer friendly and community oriented. There isn't much seating inside so I always take my ice cream to go! There's normally street parking unless you go on Fourth Friday! read more

Hug Life Ice Cream - Milkshake 12 Oz and Aqua Fresca - Desserts Near Me - Long Beach, California

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I thought the Brownie A La Mode was DELICIOUS ! I ordered the brownie with cookie butter and strawberry shortcake ice cream with cookie bits and almonds. I just wish I had caramel with my dessert but, they were all out. It's not their fault but, it was still REALLY good. read more

Hug Life Ice Cream - Brownie A La Mode* with strawberry shortcake and cookie butter ice cream. - Desserts Near Me - Long Beach, California

Amazing flavor and it's vegan !!! Went here for a late night run. The workers were very attentive and excited to help. Such fun and unique ice cream flavors. You can sample of course. Youthful atmosphere. Not a lot of indoor seating. But a great spot to grab some ice cream and explore down 4th street. read more

Hug Life Ice Cream - Photo with Hug Life Sign - Desserts Near Me - Long Beach, California

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With the opening of restaurants and stores again I cannot begin to express my happiness to learn that Hug Life is servin up their non-dairy soy and coconut based ice cream. 'Twas a hot day and my daughter and friend had a craving for some creamy confection in a waffle cone so we headed to 4th street. When we got there, we noted several people waiting outside. "What's going on here? Is it closed?" "Nope, it's just one group at a time." Cool beans. Once it was our turn we were greeted with a smize and we proceeded to guess what we might like (no tasting yet!). We all got waffle cones... Dough Boy, Honey Dew and I can't remember the third. I think the next time I'll try the mango chamoy... that one looked amazing. We stood outside and finished our cones in the sun, with several people waiting to be let in. Even though I probably should stay away from dairy, I do love a creamy ... however, this is such a yummy alternative. Recommend! *One group in at a time. *Must wear a mask to enter during covid *staff wears masks and gloves *No indoor eating/no tasting *Street parking read more

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Hug Life is the place to be if you're craving ice cream! Jorden was an absolute gem--If I make it rich one day, I'll tip the bill. They were so patient with our indecisiveness (because let's be real, choosing between all those flavors is like trying to pick a favorite candy). Jorden guided us through the options with a smile and a kindness that could melt even the coldest of cones. I ended up with a chocolate milkshake loaded with rainbow and chocolate sprinkles (because why choose just one?). It was pure magic in a cup--rich, creamy, and just the right amount of chocolatey goodness. I was pretty much in dessert heaven after the first sip. My friend, on the other hand, went for the Strawberry Shortcake and Chocolate ice cream combo, topped with rainbow sprinkles, a crispy cone, and chocolate dip. The crispy cone? Delightfully crunchy. The chocolate dip? Perfection. She kept saying, "This is dangerously good," between bites, and I couldn't agree more! But what really sets Hug Life apart is the vibe. It's not just an ice cream shop; it's a friendly, welcoming, and queer-inclusive space where everyone can feel at home. Thank you, Hug Life, for being so much more than just a place to grab a sweet treat--you're a whole mood! We'll definitely be back (and probably still indecisive)! Best, Reagan read more