Ice cream is a beloved treat enjoyed by many, but with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know what ingredients are in your favorite flavors.
One ingredient that has been a topic of concern in recent years is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This sweetener has been linked to various health issues, leading many consumers to seek out HFCS-free options.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Braum’s Ice Cream and answer the question on many people’s minds: does it contain high fructose corn syrup?
Does Braum’s Ice Cream Have High Fructose Corn Syrup?
After conducting research and analyzing the ingredients list of Braum’s Ice Cream, we can confirm that some of their flavors do contain high fructose corn syrup.
For example, the ingredient list for their Cherry Pecan flavor includes high fructose corn syrup as well as artificial colors and preservatives. However, it’s important to note that not all of their flavors contain this sweetener.
Braum’s offers a variety of ice cream options, including frozen yogurt, sherbet, and light ice cream with less than 10 grams of fat. These options may be a better choice for those looking to avoid high fructose corn syrup.
It’s also worth noting that while high fructose corn syrup has been linked to health issues, it’s not necessarily a harmful ingredient in moderation. As with any food or ingredient, it’s important to consume it in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
What Is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener made from corn starch. It is commonly found in processed foods and beverages, including ice cream. To make HFCS, enzymes are added to corn syrup in order to convert some of the glucose to fructose. The most common forms of HFCS contain either 42 percent or 55 percent fructose, with the rest being glucose and water. HFCS is often compared to granulated sugar, but it is cheaper and easier to handle in manufacturing. While the United States Food and Drug Administration states that there is no evidence showing that HFCS is less safe than traditional sweeteners like sucrose and honey, some studies have linked high consumption of HFCS to health issues such as obesity and diabetes. As with any food or ingredient, it’s important to consume HFCS in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
The Controversy Surrounding HFCS
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been a controversial ingredient in the food industry for many years. The debate centers around whether HFCS is a natural and safe alternative to sugar or if it’s a harmful ingredient that contributes to obesity and other health problems.
One of the main arguments against HFCS is that it’s a highly processed sweetener that’s often added to processed foods and beverages. Some studies suggest that consuming large amounts of HFCS can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and other health issues. However, other studies have found no significant difference between the effects of HFCS and other sugars on the body.
On the other hand, proponents of HFCS argue that it’s a natural and safe alternative to sugar. They point out that HFCS is made from corn, which is a natural and renewable resource. They also argue that HFCS has the same chemical structure as table sugar and is metabolized in the same way by the body.
The controversy surrounding HFCS has led to legal battles between corn refiners and sugar producers. In 2011, several sugar refiners sued corn refiners for $1.5 billion in damages, alleging that their advertisements claiming that HFCS is a natural sugar were false. Corn refiners countered with their own lawsuit for around $530 million, claiming that sugar producers falsely claimed that HFCS has negative health effects.
While the debate over HFCS continues, it’s important to remember that moderation is key when it comes to consuming any sweetener. Whether you choose to avoid HFCS or not, it’s important to read ingredient labels and make informed choices about the foods you consume.
Understanding Braum’s Ice Cream Ingredients
Braum’s Ice Cream prides itself on using high-quality, fresh ingredients to create their delicious frozen treats. The backbone of their ice cream is great milk and cream, sourced from their very own dairy herd. The milk and cream used in their ice cream have the shortest possible trip from the field to where it’s made into ice cream, ensuring maximum freshness.
After the milk and cream, sweeteners are added to the mix, along with any flavorings the base needs. Braum’s uses a variety of sweeteners, including allulose, chicory root fiber, and high fructose corn syrup. While some flavors do contain high fructose corn syrup, not all of their flavors do.
In addition to sweeteners, Braum’s also uses stabilizers in their ice cream to help maintain its texture and consistency. These stabilizers include ingredients such as guar gum, xanthan gum, and carrageenan. Some flavors also contain soy lecithin and locust bean gum.
It’s important to note that while some of these ingredients may sound unfamiliar or even concerning, they are all FDA-approved for use in food products. Braum’s takes great care in selecting high-quality ingredients that meet FDA regulations and ensure the safety of their products.
Alternative Ice Cream Options For HFCS-Free Consumers
For consumers looking to avoid high fructose corn syrup in their ice cream, there are several alternative options available. Whole Foods offers a line of ice cream with flavors such as chocolate chip peanut butter swirl and gluten-free cookie dough. These options use natural ingredients to replace sugar and are a great choice for those looking for a healthier alternative.
Another option is Talenti’s Sorbettos, which are 100% dairy-free and made with water, sugar, and fruit puree. These sorbets have a rich, smooth texture and come in a variety of flavors such as Roman Raspberry and Alphonso Mango.
For those who still want traditional ice cream flavors without high fructose corn syrup, brands like Nestle Dreyer’s have made commitments to removing artificial colors and flavors, high fructose corn syrup, and GMO ingredients from their products. They also use fresh milk from cows not treated with rBST and reduce sugar by an average of 11% on select products.
It’s important to note that while these alternatives may be healthier than traditional ice cream options with high fructose corn syrup, they should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion: Is Braum’s Ice Cream A Good Choice For HFCS-Free Diets?
If you are looking for an ice cream option without high fructose corn syrup, Braum’s may not be the best choice for you. While some of their flavors do contain this sweetener, they do offer other options such as frozen yogurt, sherbet, and light ice cream with less than 10 grams of fat. These options may be a better choice for those looking to avoid high fructose corn syrup.
It’s important to remember that high fructose corn syrup is not necessarily a harmful ingredient in moderation. However, if you are trying to avoid it, there are other brands and options available that do not contain this sweetener. It’s always a good idea to read the ingredient list and nutrition labels before making your purchase to ensure that you are making a choice that aligns with your dietary needs and preferences.
