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 I thought you might like to know that PETA has named the top 10 vegan desserts in Metro Manila, and the results are as sweet for your taste buds as they are for cows.

Vegan dessert options include everything from Oreos (yes, they’re vegan) to coffee cake and other treats from cruelty-free food companies, such as Kitchen Revolution. Starbucks’ frappes are vegan if you order them with soy milk and hold the whipped cream—try the dark mocha or green tea versions. And you can buy Nestlé Soy Cream at your local supermarket to make your own desserts. Give these sweet treats a try—you won’t miss the milk!

The top 10 vegan desserts are:

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/

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 the soy mocha.

Chocolate Fire, ground level of 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 cupcakes, cookies, and savory dishes is also available.

Heart2Hearth, Salcedo Saturday Market, J. Velasquez Park, Makati City; 09178053865; https://www.Facebook.com/Heart2Hearth

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/

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

Gelatissimo offers several other dairy-free flavors, including 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

What could be a better treat while watching a movie? Other 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

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

This traditional Thai dessert is made from sweet sticky rice, coconut cream, and ripe mangoes. People’s Palace also has an outstanding vegetarian menu.