Are you a fan of ice cream but concerned about the quality of ingredients in your favorite brands?
One ingredient that has come under scrutiny in recent years is high fructose corn syrup. This sweetener is commonly used in many processed foods, including ice cream.
However, there are still plenty of options out there for those who want to indulge in a sweet treat without consuming high fructose corn syrup.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ice cream brands that don’t use this controversial ingredient. From organic options to gelato, there’s something for everyone on this list.
So grab a spoon and get ready to discover some delicious and healthier alternatives to your go-to ice cream brands.
What Ice Cream Does Not Have High Fructose Corn Syrup?
One of the most popular ice cream brands that does not use high fructose corn syrup is Tillamook® Ice Cream. This brand prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, more cream and less air than the industry standard for ice cream, and no artificial flavors or sweeteners.
Another option is Blue Bunny Vanilla Bean, which uses natural flavors with vanilla extract and vanilla bean specks instead of high fructose corn syrup.
If you’re looking for an organic option, 365 Everyday Value offers numerous flavors made with 100% organic ingredients. While they may not be lower in sugar, fat, or calories than traditional ice cream, they are made with high-quality ingredients.
Gelato is another great alternative to traditional ice cream. Gelato Dolceria uses fresh pasteurized cream, fine pure cane sugar, and real ingredients like fresh fruit and Belgian chocolate for flavoring. Gelato also tends to have less fat than ice cream and is often gluten-free.
Why High Fructose Corn Syrup Is A Concern
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a common sweetener used in many processed foods, including ice cream. Studies have shown that consuming HFCS can lead to serious health problems, such as liver fat accumulation, obesity, type 2 diabetes, inflammation, high triglycerides, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Unlike regular sugar, which contains equal amounts of fructose and glucose, HFCS contains higher amounts of fructose. This higher amount of fructose can contribute to increased liver fat and decreased insulin sensitivity, which are both risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Additionally, HFCS has been found to increase appetite and promote obesity more than regular sugar. While it’s important to note that the detrimental effects of fructose in added sugar should not be equated with the fructose in fruit, it’s still important to be mindful of the source of added sugars in our diet. Opting for ice cream brands that do not use HFCS or other artificial sweeteners can help reduce the risk of these health problems.
Organic Ice Cream Brands Without High Fructose Corn Syrup
If you’re specifically looking for organic ice cream brands without high fructose corn syrup, there are a few options to consider. Alden’s Organic is a popular brand that recently introduced clean, organic versions of classic favorites like Birthday Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Peanut Butter Fudge. They use organic milk and cream from cows not treated with artificial growth hormone rBST or antibiotics, and their ice creams are USDA certified organic, non-GMO, and free of high-fructose corn syrup.
Whole Foods also carries a few other brands that don’t contain any gums or stabilizers, including Strauss, McConnells, and Jeni’s. Of these four, Strauss is the cheapest and Jeni’s is the most expensive. These brands use high-quality, natural ingredients and are a great option for those looking for organic ice cream without high fructose corn syrup.
It’s important to note that just because an ice cream brand is labeled as “organic” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthier or lower in sugar, fat, or calories than traditional ice cream. However, choosing an organic option can give you peace of mind knowing that the ingredients used are free of harmful chemicals and additives.
Non-Dairy Ice Cream Options Without High Fructose Corn Syrup
For those who prefer non-dairy options, there are several brands that offer ice cream without high fructose corn syrup. One such brand is Ben & Jerry’s, which has a line of vegan and dairy-free frozen desserts made with either sunflower butter or almond milk. However, it is important to note that these flavors are exceptionally high in sugar and calories as compared to other ice creams.
Another option is FairLife Light Ice Cream, which is made with lactose-free milk and sweetened with allulose, a low FODMAP sweetener. However, the ingredient of concern is monk fruit, which has not been tested by Monash University.
Dairy-free ice creams have also become more abundant in stores, with many options made with almond or coconut milk. However, it is important to navigate which ones are low FODMAP. The non-dairy milks that are low FODMAP include coconut milk/cream, almond milk, rice milk, hemp milk, macadamia milk, and oat milk. Some specialized companies have even branched out to oat milk, cashew milk, and avocado-based ice creams.
It is important to note that non-dairy ice creams are still highly processed and may contain unwanted additives such as “natural flavors,” cane sugar, tapioca syrup, brown sugar, locust bean gum, and guar gum. Additionally, vegan ice creams may not be free from mix-ins like caramel, cookies, and brownies.
Gelato Brands Without High Fructose Corn Syrup
When it comes to gelato brands without high fructose corn syrup, Talenti is a great option. They pride themselves on using simple, high-quality ingredients like fresh milk, pure cane sugar, and real fruit and nuts. They also offer a wide variety of flavors, including dairy-free options made with coconut milk.
Another gelato brand that doesn’t use high fructose corn syrup is Ciao Bella. They use only natural ingredients and real fruit purees for their flavors. They also offer a variety of dairy-free and vegan options made with almond milk.
Lastly, Gelato Fiasco is another great option for those looking for gelato without high fructose corn syrup. They use fresh milk and cream, pure cane sugar, and real ingredients like Maine blueberries and Italian hazelnuts for their flavors. They also offer a dairy-free option made with coconut milk.
DIY Ice Cream Recipes Without High Fructose Corn Syrup
Making your own ice cream at home is a great way to avoid high fructose corn syrup and other processed ingredients. Here are two DIY ice cream recipes to try:
1. Vanilla Custard Ice Cream – This recipe uses egg yolks to create a super silky base that’s less prone to crystallization. Combine 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 6 egg yolks, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a saucepan. Heat it over medium-low heat, whisking slowly but constantly until it thickens and coats a spoon. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer and let it cool in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. Churn it in an ice cream maker for 20-25 minutes until it reaches 21°F, then freeze for at least 4 hours.
2. Chocolate Sauce Ice Cream – This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a delicious chocolate sauce that’s perfect for topping ice cream. Combine 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat, whisking constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let it cool to room temperature before using as a topping for your favorite ice cream.
Making your own ice cream allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. Plus, it can be a fun activity to do with family or friends!
