Are you a fan of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream?
Do you know what ingredients are used in their products?
With the rise of concerns about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and artificial ingredients, it’s important to know what you’re consuming.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at one controversial ingredient: high fructose corn syrup.
Does Ben & Jerry’s use it in their ice cream?
Let’s find out.
Does Ben And Jerry’s Use High Fructose Corn Syrup?
Ben & Jerry’s has made a commitment to using non-GMO ingredients in their ice cream products. This includes avoiding high fructose corn syrup, which is often derived from genetically modified corn.
According to the company’s website, they use cane sugar instead of beet sugar and high fructose corn syrup. In addition, they work with suppliers to ensure that all raw materials are non-GMO by origin and undergo PCR testing to verify that they have no detectable level of GMO presence.
While some of the inclusions in their ice cream products, such as candies and baked goods, could potentially contain high fructose corn syrup, Ben & Jerry’s works with suppliers to ensure that these ingredients are also non-GMO.
It’s important to note that Ben & Jerry’s has not always been transparent about their ingredients. In the past, they faced criticism for labeling their products as “all natural” despite containing some artificial ingredients. However, the company has since removed this claim from their labels and marketing materials.
What Is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a liquid sweetener made from corn starch. It is commonly used as a sweetener in processed foods, baked goods, and soft drinks. HFCS is created by breaking down corn starch into glucose using enzymes, and then converting some of that glucose into fructose using D-xylose isomerase. The resulting product can have different fructose compositions, with the most common forms being HFCS 42 and HFCS 55.
HFCS has been compared to granulated sugar in terms of sweetness, but it is cheaper and easier to handle in manufacturing. It is important to note that the United States Food and Drug Administration has stated that there is no evidence showing that HFCS is less safe than traditional sweeteners like sucrose and honey. However, some studies have suggested that consuming high amounts of HFCS may contribute to health issues like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards avoiding HFCS and other artificial sweeteners in favor of natural alternatives like cane sugar or honey. Ben & Jerry’s, for example, has committed to using non-GMO ingredients in their ice cream products and avoiding high fructose corn syrup.
The Controversy Surrounding High Fructose Corn Syrup
The use of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in food products has been a controversial topic for many years. Some researchers suggest that consuming too much HFCS can lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. In fact, a study conducted by Princeton University found that rats gained more fat on HFCS than on regular sugar.
Opponents of HFCS argue that it is less healthy than traditional table sugar and contributes to the nation’s obesity epidemic. They claim that HFCS is used in many packaged foods, even those labeled as “low-fat,” to compensate for the flavor lost when reducing fat content.
However, supporters of HFCS argue that it is no different from table sugar and that the human body cannot tell the difference between the two. They cite research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition which found that HFCS is no more obesity-promoting than sucrose.
The controversy surrounding HFCS has led some companies, like Ben & Jerry’s, to avoid using it in their products. Instead, they use cane sugar and work with suppliers to ensure all raw materials are non-GMO by origin and undergo PCR testing to verify they have no detectable level of GMO presence.
Ingredients Used In Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is made with a variety of ingredients, including milk, cream, sugar, and eggs. However, the company also uses some less common ingredients to create their unique flavors.
While Ben & Jerry’s has faced criticism in the past for using artificial ingredients in their products, they have made a commitment to using non-GMO ingredients and avoiding high fructose corn syrup. The company uses cane sugar instead of beet sugar and high fructose corn syrup, which are often derived from genetically modified corn.
In addition to these sweeteners, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream may also contain alkalized cocoa, anhydrous dextrose, and corn syrup solids. While these ingredients are not necessarily harmful, they are not considered “all natural” and may be processed or derived from genetically modified sources.
It’s worth noting that Ben & Jerry’s has made strides in recent years to improve the quality of their ingredients. The company sources rBGH-free milk from the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery in Vermont and all of their flavors are fair trade certified. They have also worked with suppliers to ensure that all raw materials are non-GMO by origin and undergo PCR testing to verify that they have no detectable level of GMO presence.
Alternatives To High Fructose Corn Syrup In Ice Cream
If you’re looking to avoid high fructose corn syrup in your ice cream, there are several alternative sweeteners that can be used. One option is pure maple syrup, which is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and has a distinct taste and aroma. It can be used in place of corn syrup in a 1:1 ratio when making glazes, frostings, and homemade jams.
Another alternative is golden syrup or light treacle, which are made from “inverted” sugar and can add smoothness and creaminess to ice cream without being too sweet or overpowering in flavor. Organic sugar and evaporated cane juice are also options, as well as rice syrup, barley malt, tapioca syrup, wheat and oat syrup, honey, fruit juices, molasses, and brown rice syrup.
It’s important to keep in mind that each alternative sweetener may have its own unique flavor profile and may not work well in all ice cream recipes. Experimentation may be necessary to find the right balance of sweetness and texture. Additionally, some of these alternatives may be more expensive or harder to find than high fructose corn syrup.
Conclusion: Is Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Safe To Eat?
Based on the information available, it appears that Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is safe to eat for those who are concerned about consuming high fructose corn syrup or GMO ingredients. The company has made a commitment to using non-GMO ingredients and avoiding high fructose corn syrup in their products. They also work with suppliers to ensure that all raw materials are non-GMO and undergo PCR testing to verify their GMO-free status.
While there have been concerns in the past about the transparency of Ben & Jerry’s labeling, the company has taken steps to address these issues and remove misleading claims from their packaging. Overall, those looking for ice cream products without high fructose corn syrup or GMOs can feel confident in choosing Ben & Jerry’s as a safe and ethical option.
