Need to satisfy your craving for something sweet? You won’t be disappointed at Stogo, which is located just a couple blocks from St. Marks. “Healthy dessert” is no longer an oxymoron here, where vegan ice cream flavors are just as delicious as their traditional counterparts.

Founders Steve Horn and Rob Sedgewick enrolled in ice cream mogul Malcolm Stogo’s Ice Cream University, where they sought Stogo’s expert advice before opening their own health conscious ice cream shop. The aspiring entrepreneurs appreciated his help so much that they christened their shop “Stogo,” after the man whose expertise helped bring their innovative idea to fruition.

Located in the East Village, Stogo introduces city dwellers to a healthier dessert option by using unique, natural ingredients. For example, the dessert here is gluten-free; Stogo uses agave nectar in place of cane sugar to assure sweetness and retain a naturally low glycemic index. The fare found here is also dairy-free; instead of using milk as the base ingredient for these tasty desserts, Stogo uses either coconut, hemp, or soy for a particular flavor. These frozen treats are made in a kitchen in Long Island City, New York and delivered to Stogo, where it receives the blessings of the local Rabbi.

Stogo is just as creative with its flavors as it is with its ingredients. Prepare yourself for a wide array of rich flavors at this specialty shop, including Pomegranate Chocolate Chip and Coconut Banana Mango. Some customer favorites are Salted Caramel Pecan and Toasted Almond Joy.

Stogo keeps it simple, offering one indulgent topping of vegan hot fudge. A hit for young children is the specialty cookie sandwich, made right before your eyes using Babycakes’ freshly baked cookies and your choice of filling from the freezer. Staff members are extremely friendly and knowledgeable about their products and they are happy to answer any questions customers may have.

As a responsible member of the community, Stogo provides a guilt-free eco-friendly experience for its customers by dishing out desserts in recycled paper containers with earth friendly veggie-starch utensils. The shop supports small businesses by offering treats from other, local producers of vegan goods, such as chocolates and truffles from Brooklyn’s own Fine and Raw and baked goods from Babycakes NYC.

Go all natural, but don’t sacrifice taste. Whether you’re diabetic, lactose intolerant, a practicing vegan, or a dessert aficionado, Stogo is both delightful and healthy. The shop even has pint and quart sized ice cream available for purchase. But bring your own bag to take it home - Stogo has eliminated the use of plastic bags.