Are you tired of reading the ingredient labels on your favorite ice cream brands and finding corn syrup listed?
You’re not alone. Many people are looking for ice cream options that are made with high-quality ingredients and without artificial sweeteners.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ice cream brands that don’t use corn syrup in their recipes. From classic vanilla to unique flavors, there’s something for everyone on this list.
So sit back, grab a spoon, and get ready to indulge in some delicious, corn syrup-free ice cream.
Who Makes Ice Cream Without Corn Syrup?
There are several ice cream brands that make their products without corn syrup. Tillamook® Ice Cream is one such brand that prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, more cream and less air than the industry standard, and no artificial flavors or sweeteners. Blue Bunny Vanilla Bean is another option, made with milk, cream, skim milk, sugar, egg yolks, natural flavors with vanilla extract, and vanilla bean specks.
Breyers® Natural Vanilla is a classic option made with fresh cream, sugar, milk, and Rainforest Alliance Certified vanilla beans. The milk and cream used in this ice cream come from American cows not treated with artificial growth hormones. Halo Top is another popular brand that uses sugar and erythritol as sweeteners and boasts a low calorie count and high protein content.
The Problem With Corn Syrup In Ice Cream
Corn syrup is a common ingredient found in many ice cream products. While it does help bind more water and prevent the ice cream from freezing too hard, there are concerns about its impact on the texture and taste of the final product. As the DE (dextrose equivalent) of a corn syrup increases, so does its sweetness, but its ability to enhance smoothness and creaminess, contribute to body and mouthfeel, and increase shelf-life during storage decreases. This means that excessive use of corn syrup can result in a less desirable texture and reduced flavor perception.
Additionally, many ice creams are sweetened with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which has been linked to negative health effects such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. While some brands have started using alternative sweeteners like sugar and erythritol, there are still concerns about the use of corn syrup in ice cream products.
Furthermore, many consumers are looking for more natural and high-quality ingredients in their food products. Brands like Tillamook® Ice Cream and Breyers® Natural Vanilla have responded to this demand by using simple ingredients like fresh cream, sugar, and milk. By avoiding corn syrup and other artificial sweeteners, these brands are able to offer a more natural and authentic ice cream experience.
The Benefits Of Choosing Corn Syrup-Free Ice Cream
Choosing corn syrup-free ice cream can have several benefits. Corn syrup is often added to ice cream to prevent the formation of sugar crystals and to keep the ice cream soft and scoopable. However, corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener that has been linked to several health concerns, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
By choosing corn syrup-free ice cream, you can avoid these health risks and enjoy a more natural and wholesome dessert. Additionally, corn syrup-free ice cream often uses alternative sweeteners such as cane sugar or natural fruit extracts, which can provide a unique and delicious flavor profile.
Furthermore, corn syrup-free ice cream can be a great option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. Many people choose to avoid corn syrup due to its high fructose content or because it is often derived from genetically modified corn. By choosing corn syrup-free ice cream, you can enjoy a dessert that fits your dietary needs and values.
Top Ice Cream Brands Without Corn Syrup
For those looking to avoid corn syrup in their ice cream, there are several top-quality brands to choose from. Tillamook® Ice Cream is a great option, as it uses high-quality ingredients and no artificial flavors or sweeteners. Blue Bunny Vanilla Bean is another excellent choice, made with real milk, cream, and sugar, as well as natural flavors with vanilla extract and vanilla bean specks.
Breyers® Natural Vanilla is a classic brand that uses fresh cream, sugar, milk, and Rainforest Alliance Certified vanilla beans. This ice cream is made with milk and cream from American cows not treated with artificial growth hormones. Halo Top is another popular brand that uses sugar and erythritol as sweeteners, and has a low calorie count and high protein content.
For those who want to avoid not just corn syrup but also gums and stabilizers, Strauss, McConnells, Jeni’s, and Three Twins are all great options. Strauss is the most affordable of the four, while Jeni’s is the most expensive. All of these brands use high-quality ingredients and do not use any gums or stabilizers in their products.
Classic Flavors Without The Corn Syrup
When it comes to classic ice cream flavors, it can be challenging to find options without corn syrup. However, there are a few brands that offer classic flavors without this ingredient. Tillamook® Ice Cream’s Old-Fashioned Vanilla is a creamy and rich option made with cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. This flavor is perfect for those who want a classic taste without any added artificial flavors or sweeteners.
Breyers® Natural Strawberry is another classic flavor that is free of corn syrup. This flavor is made with fresh cream, sugar, milk, and real strawberries. The strawberries used in this ice cream are picked at their peak and blended with the creamy base to create a deliciously fruity and refreshing treat.
For chocolate lovers, Haagen-Dazs® Chocolate is a great option without corn syrup. This flavor is made with simple ingredients like cream, skim milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and egg yolks. The result is a rich and velvety chocolate ice cream that is perfect for any chocolate craving.
Lastly, Ben & Jerry’s® Chunky Monkey is a classic flavor that does not contain corn syrup. This flavor is made with banana ice cream, fudge chunks, and walnuts. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and nutty flavors that will satisfy any ice cream lover’s cravings.
Unique And Creative Corn Syrup-Free Options
If you’re looking for more unique and creative corn syrup-free options, there are plenty of choices available. For example, you can try making your own ice cream at home using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup. There are also dairy-free and vegan options available, such as coconut milk-based ice creams like So Delicious Dairy Free and NadaMoo!.
Additionally, you can experiment with different flavors and mix-ins to create your own unique ice cream creations. For example, you can add fresh fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips to your ice cream base for added texture and flavor. Another option is to use alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract to create a low-sugar or sugar-free ice cream.
Finally, some brands are taking a more innovative approach to creating corn syrup-free ice cream. For example, Alden’s Organic has introduced clean, organic versions of classic favorites like Birthday Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Peanut Butter Fudge. These ice creams are made with organic milk and cream from cows not treated with artificial growth hormone rBST or antibiotics and are free of high-fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients.
Making Your Own Corn Syrup-Free Ice Cream At Home
If you’re looking to make your own corn syrup-free ice cream at home, there are several substitutes you can use to achieve the desired texture and sweetness. One popular substitute is using honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup. Another option is using a combination of sugar, water, cream of tartar, and lemon juice to create a candy-like sauce that cooks up thick and sweet.
When making homemade ice cream, it’s important to prevent large ice crystals from forming in the mixture, which can cause the ice cream to become icy. To achieve a creamy texture, you can increase the fat content of the mixture by using cream or half and half instead of milk. Adding soft cheese like cream cheese or mascarpone can also help create a creamier texture.
To reduce iciness, you can substitute part of the sugar with corn syrup or add cornstarch to the mixture. When using corn syrup, it’s best to add it after taking the custard off the heat. For cornstarch, make sure to add it as a slurry just before taking the custard off the heat.
When making homemade ice cream, it’s important to have the right tools on hand. An ice cream maker is essential for churning and freezing the mixture properly. A good scoop will help you easily serve up your delicious creation. Other helpful tools include a heavy-duty blender or food processor for incorporating ingredients, a saucepan for heating up mixtures, and a fine-mesh strainer for removing any lumps or impurities from the custard.
By using these tips and tools, you can easily make your own corn syrup-free ice cream at home with a creamy texture and delicious flavor.
