Ingredient
Ice Cream
What is Ice Cream?
Ice cream is a popular frozen dessert made primarily from dairy ingredients such as cream and milk, along with sweeteners like sugar and flavorings. It is created by churning and freezing these ingredients to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
Ice cream is widely enjoyed for its taste and texture, offering a rich source of calories, sugars, and fats. While it provides some dietary calcium and protein from milk, its high sugar and fat content can be a concern when consumed in large quantities. Studies suggest moderation is key as excessive intake may contribute to health issues such as weight gain and dental cavities.
When choosing ice cream, it's worth checking the label for added sugars, emulsifiers, and artificial flavorings to better understand the overall quality of the product.
Commonly found in: Frozen desserts, Cones, Bars, Sundaes, Milkshakes
What to watch
- High in added sugars which can contribute to health issues if consumed in excess.
- Contains saturated fats that may affect heart health if eaten frequently and in large quantities.
Benefits
- Provides a source of calcium and protein from dairy ingredients.
Ice cream is regulated as a dairy product in the US. It must meet specific standards of identity to be labeled as such, which include certain minimum milk fat and milk solids percentages.
Research indicates that while the calcium in ice cream can be beneficial, its high sugar and saturated fat content might outweigh these benefits if consumed in large amounts.
Traditional ice cream is not vegan as it is made from dairy. Vegan alternatives made with plant-based milks are available.
Sources: Ice Cream
Scout's take
Ice cream is the main component, serving as the foundation of the product with a neutral impact overall.
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