BOULDER — What began as a modest venture has blossomed into a beloved fixture of Boulder’s food scene. Best One Yet, a vibrant vegan ice cream truck, has won over locals with its commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative, dairy-free treats.
Founder Helen Williams launched the business with humble beginnings—selling five flavors of pints from a Vespa scooter at Moxie Bread Co.’s Friday pizza nights. The venture quickly expanded, making appearances at Vegan Night events before evolving into the full-fledged, colorfully wrapped food truck that now bookends the Boulder farmers market.
“It couldn’t be better than this,” Williams said, reflecting on the success of Best One Yet. What started as a food blog chronicling her kitchen experiments has grown into a community staple, allowing her to create the food she truly loves.
A vegan since 2009, Williams refined her recipes by testing various plant-based milks and sweeteners in a home ice cream maker. She ultimately settled on a blend of coconut milk and cane sugar that delivers a rich, creamy texture comparable to traditional dairy ice cream, with only a subtle hint of coconut. The menu now boasts nearly a dozen rotating flavors, along with gluten-free cookies, shakes, and occasional pies—each crafted around seasonal, locally sourced produce.
Williams emphasizes the strong connection to local farmers, often incorporating fresh fruits like cherries, raspberries, and peaches sourced directly from nearby growers. “Using local ingredients feels like a no-brainer,” she explained. “I want fresh peach ice cream, and so do our customers. Selling ice cream made with peaches from the farmer right across the aisle at the market creates a story people love.”
Her dedication to organic, local food is deeply personal. “Knowing the farmers and their hard work is such a gift. It’s humbling to see the effort behind the food we often take for granted,” Williams said.
This reliance on local harvests means flavors can vary year to year, especially if crops are affected by weather or pests. Nonetheless, Best One Yet maintains fan favorites like vanilla and mint-chocolate chip, as well as creative staples like cookie dough and Rocky Road, often enhanced with gluten-free cookie crumbles and nuts.
The truck has built a loyal following, including customers who return for a scoop even after leaving Boulder. “Seeing familiar faces is so heartwarming,” Williams shared. “Being part of someone’s life as much as they are part of mine is what I cherish most.”
Now supported by a team of nine employees, Best One Yet has expanded beyond Boulder. The business recently launched in Denver, offering ice cream sandwiches at the Saturday market. The refurbished postal truck, affectionately dubbed “Bestie,” also makes appearances at events across the region—from Vegan Nights in Boulder and Denver to private celebrations like birthdays and weddings.
Williams also co-leads Indoor Cat Events, the organizers behind Denver’s annual Veg Fest, held this year on June 8 and September 28. Through this platform, she supports other vegan food entrepreneurs, sharing insight and resources to help ease the challenges of starting a food truck. “I want to see more vegan businesses thrive,” she said. “Giving back feels natural.”
Though the ice cream season is just beginning, Best One Yet is already rolling full steam ahead. The best way to track the truck’s whereabouts is via social media, especially Instagram, where updates include alerts about weather conditions that might put a temporary pause on cone service.
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