Nothing is better than ice cream on a hot summer day! It is the perfect sweet delight enjoyed by children and adults alike. Ice cream is your go-to companion for any occasion. Whether you’re feeling down, celebrating a special event, or even when you’re watching your favorite movie on the weekend. While most don’t have to think twice when they want ice cream, it’s different if you’re on a gluten-free diet. However, you don’t have to leave this dessert behind if you know what you need to get. Hence, we’ve compiled a guide to make it easier for you the next time you want to step out to get ice cream.
What is Ice Cream?
Ice cream is a combination of milk, salt, sugar, and additives such as flavors and coloring. These ingredients are frozen into a smooth, fluffy delight using special techniques. Ice cream has been a traditional treat for centuries but has only become mainstream after refrigeration was commonly used. The growing success of ice cream has culminated in a range of variants, including frozen custard, frozen yogurt, etc. Additionally, it has even started trending with non-dairy products with alternatives such as coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, and cashew milk.
How is ice cream made?
If you place the mixed concoction of milk or cream in a freezer, you'll wind up with a hardened substance. Contrary to the smooth, fluffy ice cream we're used to. Does the question then arise how ice cream is made? Special techniques are used to make ice cream, which creates smaller ice crystals and incorporates air producing a soft texture. Churning ice cream constantly, whether automatically or manually, means that extensive, rigid ice crystals do not develop in the mixture. The churning method often helps add oxygen and produces a feel similar to foam, thereby softening the mixture.
Salt, which reduces the freezing rate, is also used in the method of manufacturing ice cream. This sucks the moisture out of the ice cream product further as the ice's freezing point is reduced. Freezing the combination produces relatively smaller ice crystals and a smoother finished product. You might be wondering why ice cream isn’t salty if salt is added to the mixture? The ice-salt mixture never comes into contact with the ice cream. Instead, it’s firmly wrapped in an interior cavity. This means that the sodium content of your ice cream is never affected by the salt! Liquid nitrogen and dry ice can also be used to make ice cream since they also produce a rapid freezing effect.
Does Ice Cream Count as Gluten-Free?
For every individual following a gluten-free diet, the question of whether ice cream is gluten-free or not may arise. The answer is simple. Ice cream can be gluten-free based on its ingredients and method of preparation. Popular, single-flavor ice creams such as raspberry, banana, chocolate, or coffee are also free of gluten. Therefore, stay on alert for potential gluten-containing ingredients, starches, or additives. Alternatively, many ice cream flavors, such as “Rocky Road” or “Moose Tracks,” are at a higher risk of having gluten. Gluten-containing ingredients come in flavors such as “Cookie Dough,” “Cookies and Cream,” “Cheesecake,” or “Birthday Cake” are packed with gluten. Although, sometimes gluten-free ingredients may be used, rendering the product gluten-free. Simultaneously, ice cream cones can be considered gluten-free. But, like with other products, you must always check the label.
And, remember that ice cream cones contain gluten. If you are indulging in gluten-free ice cream, make sure you are either eating it out of a dish or that the cone you are eating it out of is gluten-free. I like Goldbaum's Gluten-Free Sugar Cones.
Did you know that ice cream in the manufacturing process or at parlors and restaurants can be at risk of cross-contact? The same cutlery and soft serving utensils can often be used for both a gluten-containing flavor and a gluten-free order. Therefore, request that they wash your ice cream scoop or use a new scoop before your order is dished up.
It's always best to ask about “safe” flavors like vanilla and chocolate before ordering at an ice-cream shop. Although store-bought variations mention their ingredients, you may find the need to contact the manufacturer. This will further help in terms of misunderstanding regarding flavorings and additives, especially on items without the gluten-free logo.
Is Ice Cream Healthy?
Contrary to general belief, ice cream is not only perfectly healthy but provides numerous health benefits! Firstly, we all know ice cream is a significant mood booster. This is because it enhances the production of serotonin in the body, which is your happiness-inducing hormone. Another reason for this is that ice cream is an instant energizer with the amount of sugar it contains. Apart from this, ice cream is made from milk and natural flavors.
This means your body gets an ample supply of vitamins and minerals every time you eat ice cream. However, the goodness of ice cream doesn't stop there! Studies prove ice cream can help strengthen bones, improve immunity, help lose weight, increase libido, and much more. Hence, the next time you hear someone state how ice cream is bad for your health, you could argue that it isn't as bad as one may think. However, while ice cream may seem it has excellent health benefits, you should avoid daily consumption, especially with its high fat and sugar content.
Ice cream brands that are gluten-free:
Many ice cream brands and flavors are gluten-free, and thus safe if you follow a gluten-free diet. However, you do need to be cautious regarding other products and flavors. Here’s a list of a few ice cream companies that sell gluten-free products:
- Ben & Jerry's- While they don't have a specific ‘gluten-free collection, ‘ they have particular flavors. You'll have to search for products that don't contain any gluten-containing ingredients mentioned in the labeling.
- Blue Bell- Blue Bell has included a range of gluten-free options for those following the diet. Moreover, you can also choose between exclusive flavors, e.g., Moolleninium Crunch, Pecan Pralines ‘n Cream, or the traditional sherbet flavors.
- Breyer's- This brand comes with 37, YES 37, options for gluten-free ice cream flavors. Treat yourself with yummy flavors such as Raspberry Vanilla, Natural Vanilla, or Chocolate Peanut Butter. Alternatively, you can choose between their two gelato varieties- Salted Caramel Truffle and Chocolate Fudge Truffle, also.
- Häagen-Dazs- Häagen-Dazs brings numerous gluten-free options, with most of its flavors being free from gluten ingredients. The company does specify to avoid the ones with baking products such as cookies, cake, and brownies. Moreover, once again, you can choose from exclusive varieties or the traditional options, both safe from gluten.
- So Delicious- One of the major perks of this company’s ice cream is that they’re both gluten-free as well as dairy-free. Hence, the ideal option if you’re trying to stay away from dairy products as well. Additionally, if you’ve been missing out on varieties with baking products, this is your go-to. They manufacture flavors such as Cookie Dough and Cookies and Cream with the added gluten-free aspect.
How to make gluten-free ice cream at home:
There is always a risk of cross-contamination when buying from markets or ice cream parlors. This can result in severe symptoms if you’re a celiac patient or have gluten sensitivity. As a result, to be on the safe side experiment in your kitchen if you're up for the challenge. Try making this simple yet delicious gluten-free pineapple banana ice cream to satisfy your sweet buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole pineapple
- 2 bananas
- 1 Small container of yogurt (about 5.3 ounces) (I used vanilla flavor)
Directions:
- Take the top off the pineapple, then take off each side of the skin carefully. Cut the pineapple into bite-size chunks, cutting in the middle around the center. Peel the bananas and cut into small slices.
- Place all fruit in a zip-lock or container that is freezable, and freeze for at least 6 hours.
- Once the fruit is frozen, add it with the yogurt to a food processor and blend until creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. Ice cream is better if consumed instantly but can also be refrozen for up to 5 days in a freezer. You may allow them to thaw slightly before eating.
In the mood for a more sophisticated treat, then go for gluten-free ice cream sandwiches! The perfect summer treats as a light, tasty snack.
Final Thoughts:
You may have heard that many ice cream products use wheat as a filler or thickener in ice cream parlors. On the contrary, it turns out that it doesn't happen as much as you’re thought to believe. Although, it’s always better to avoid such ingredients in ice cream that you're unsure of. Hence, when going out for ice cream you’ll still have to look at labelings to ensure you’re only consuming gluten-free. After all, it's your health we're talking about and prevention is always better than cure.
Live Life Extraordinarily!
If you are just starting your journey to a gluten-free diet, check out our beginners guide here ——>>>>>
https://healthyeahlife.com/introduction-to-gluten-free-living
Curious about gluten in Dairy Products? https://healthyeahlife.com/is-there-gluten-in-dairy-products
You may also enjoy reading more about gluten in cheese.
https://healthyeahlife.com/is-there-gluten-in-cheese
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