Via Lactea

Via Lactea is a plant-based ice cream and frozen dessert shop located at 2 Whitney Ave in New Haven’s Whitney-Audubon Retail District. Founded by chefs Reinaldo Sanchez and Lorivie Alicea, the business began in Puerto Rico in 2017 and expanded to New Haven in 2024, offering small-batch plant-based frozen desserts and vegan baked goods with locally-sourced ingredients. Via Lactea was recognized as a 2024 James Beard Foundation Awards Semifinalist in the Outstanding Bakery category and is known for creative flavors and careful attention to allergen management.