Navigating the Ice Cream Aisle: The Healthiest and Unhealthiest Choices

Introduction

Ice cream is a beloved treat enjoyed by many, but not all ice creams are created equal. In this post, we will delve into the worst and best ice creams you can eat. Surprisingly, some ice creams are healthier than others. I'll also share a delicious homemade ice cream recipe at the end.

My Experience with Ice Cream

As a former ice cream aficionado, I have tried numerous brands and flavors. I remember a year when I ate a pint of Ben & Jerry's every night to help me sleep due to severe insomnia. I later realized that what was putting me to sleep was a sugar coma. This experience sparked my interest in understanding the nutritional content of different ice creams and finding healthier alternatives.

The Worst Ice Creams

Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's is known for its rich, indulgent flavors. However, it's one of the worst offenders in terms of sugar and calorie content.

- Ingredients: Cream, liquid sugar, skim milk, more sugar, brown sugar, soybean oil, and tapioca flour.

- Carbohydrates: 49g per serving, equating to 147g per pint.

- Sugar: Approximately 35 teaspoons per pint.

The high sugar content and use of multiple types of sugar make Ben & Jerry's a poor choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Breyers Vanilla

Breyers Vanilla is another popular brand, but it also falls short in terms of healthiness.

- Ingredients: Milk, cream, sugar, gum (thickener), and natural flavorings.

- Carbohydrates: 21g per serving, totaling 84g per pint.

- High Fructose Corn Syrup: This product contains high fructose corn syrup and seed oils, which are even worse than regular sugar.

High fructose corn syrup has been linked to various health issues, including obesity and diabetes, making Breyers Vanilla a less-than-ideal choice.

Healthier Alternatives

Breyers CarbSmart

Breyers CarbSmart is marketed as a low-carb option, but it has its drawbacks.

- Ingredients: Contains maltitol syrup, soluble corn fiber, and sucralose.

- Issues: These ingredients can cause gastrointestinal problems and include artificial sweeteners.

While it may be lower in carbs, the presence of artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols makes Breyers CarbSmart less desirable for overall health.

Haagen-Dazs Vanilla

Haagen-Dazs Vanilla stands out as a healthier option with fewer ingredients.

- Ingredients: Cream, skim milk, egg yolk, cane sugar, and natural flavorings.

- Carbohydrates: 23g per serving (2.5 servings per pint).

- Sugar: About 14 teaspoons per pint, which is half of what Ben & Jerry's contains.

The simpler ingredient list and lower sugar content make Haagen-Dazs Vanilla a better choice for those seeking a more natural ice cream option.

Keto-Friendly Ice Creams

Keto Brand Ice Cream

Keto Brand Ice Cream is designed for those following a ketogenic diet.

- Ingredients: Cream, water, egg yolk, strawberries, and soluble corn fiber.

- Carbohydrates: 16g per serving, totaling 48g per pint.

- Sugar Alcohol: Contains 10g per serving, which can cause digestive issues.

While it's lower in carbs and sugars, the presence of sugar alcohols may lead to digestive discomfort for some individuals.

Rebel Ice Cream

Rebel Ice Cream is another keto-friendly option with a focus on natural ingredients.

- Ingredients: Cream, water, egg yolk, chicory root fiber, milk protein isolate, carob gum, and monk fruit.

- Carbohydrates: 0g of sugar per pint.

Rebel Ice Cream uses natural sweeteners like monk fruit and avoids added sugars, making it a healthier alternative for those on a low-carb diet.

Simple Truth Frozen Dairy Dessert

Simple Truth Frozen Dairy Dessert is marketed as a healthier choice, but it's not actually ice cream.

- Ingredients: Inulin, allulose, maltitol, milk protein concentrate, coconut oil, monk fruit, and stevia.

- Carbohydrates: 28g per serving.

- Issues: High in sugar alcohols (39g per pint) which can cause digestive problems.

The high fiber content and presence of sugar alcohols can lead to digestive issues, making it less suitable for those with sensitive stomachs.

Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

Low Carb Keto-Friendly Ice Cream

This recipe is perfect for those wanting to stay low carb while enjoying a tasty treat.

- Ingredients: Heavy cream, egg yolks, allulose, sea salt, vanilla flavoring, pecans, or walnuts.

- Instructions: Blend all ingredients and freeze for 4-5 hours.

This homemade option allows you to control the ingredients and ensure that your ice cream is truly keto-friendly.

Organic Cream Ice Cream

For those looking for a more traditional ice cream with natural ingredients, this recipe is ideal.

- Ingredients: Organic cream, egg yolks, honey, sea salt, vanilla.

- Instructions: Blend all ingredients and either use an ice cream maker or freeze.

By making your own ice cream, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier treat that you can enjoy on special occasions.

Conclusion

Not all ice creams are created equal. It's essential to read the ingredients and choose wisely. For the healthiest option, try making your own ice cream at home. Enjoy the recipes and let me know what you think!

References

- Nutrition facts and ingredient lists from Ben & Jerry's, Breyers, Haagen-Dazs, Keto Brand, Rebel, and Simple Truth products.