Sugar-Free Icees: A Keto Treat?

Sugar-free ice cream is a popular treat for those on a keto diet, but what about sugar-free Icees? Icees are a frozen, slush-like drink that is typically high in sugar. However, with a few simple substitutions, it is possible to make a keto-friendly version that is both refreshing and tasty. This paragraph introduces the topic of whether sugar-free Icees are suitable for a keto diet and will explore the ingredients and methods needed to create a delicious, low-carb treat.

Sugar-free iced tea recipes

Overview

Sugar-free iced tea is a refreshing drink that can be enjoyed on a keto or low-carb diet. It is easy to make and can be customised with different ingredients. Here are some recipes to get you started.

Basic Sugar-Free Iced Tea

This recipe is a simple way to make sugar-free iced tea at home. It uses black tea bags, water, ice, and a sweetener of your choice.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups of water (cool or room temperature)
• 8-12 black tea bags
• Sweetener to taste (such as erythritol)
• 2 cups of ice cubes
• Lemon or lime slices (optional)

Directions:

• Place the tea bags into a large jug and pour over the water. Mix well.
• Cover and place in the fridge overnight.
• Remove the tea bags and squeeze out any excess liquid.
• Add sweetener, lemon or lime slices (if using), and mix well.
• Top with ice cubes and pour into glasses to serve.

Lemon Basil Iced Tea

This recipe adds a twist to the basic iced tea with the addition of lemon and basil. It uses green tea bags, lemon, basil, and optional honey to sweeten.

Ingredients:

• ½ lemon, thinly sliced
• 6 fresh basil leaves
• 2 green tea bags
• 3 cups of hot water
• Raw honey (optional)

Directions:

• Add the lemon slices, basil leaves, and tea bags to a 1-quart mason jar or pitcher.
• Pour in the hot water and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Then, remove the tea bags.
• Refrigerate for 3-4 hours to chill and release the flavours.

Coconut Lime Iced Tea

This recipe uses coconut water as a natural sweetener, along with lime and black tea.

Ingredients:

• 2 black tea bags
• ½ lime, thinly sliced
• 3 cups of coconut water, heated
• Raw honey (optional)

Directions:

• Add the tea bags and lime slices to a 1-quart mason jar or pitcher.
• Pour in the heated coconut water and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Then, remove the tea bags.
• Refrigerate for 3-4 hours to chill and release the flavours.

Blackberry Mint Iced Tea

This recipe combines fresh blackberries, mint, and green tea for a refreshing summer drink.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup fresh blackberries
• 6 leaves fresh mint
• 2 bags green tea
• 3 cups hot water
• Raw honey (optional)

Directions:

• Add the blackberries, mint leaves, and tea bags to a 1-quart mason jar or pitcher.
• Pour in the hot water and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Then, remove the tea bags.
• Refrigerate for 3-4 hours to chill and release the flavours.

Iced Peach Ginger Tea

This recipe uses fresh peaches, ginger, and green tea for a unique and tasty iced tea.

Ingredients:

• 1 peach, pitted and sliced
• A few slices of ginger (optional)
• 2 green tea bags
• 3 cups hot water
• Raw honey (optional)

Directions:

• Add the sliced peach, ginger (if using), and tea bags to a 1-quart mason jar or pitcher.
• Pour in the hot water and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Then, remove the tea bags.
• Refrigerate for 3-4 hours to chill and release the flavours.

Sugar substitutes

There are three categories of sugar substitutes: artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, and novel sweeteners.

Artificial Sweeteners

Most artificial sweeteners are created from chemicals in a lab, although some are made from natural substances like herbs. They can be 200 to 700 times sweeter than table sugar and don't contain any calories or sugar. They also don't contain beneficial nutrients like vitamins, fibre, minerals, or antioxidants. Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) is an example of an artificial sweetener approved by the FDA.

Sugar Alcohols

Sugar alcohols are created synthetically, typically from sugars themselves. They are used in many processed foods and are not as sweet as artificial sweeteners. They add texture and taste to foods like chewing gum and hard candies. Examples of sugar alcohols include xylitol, maltitol, erythritol, sorbitol, and sucralose.

Novel Sweeteners

Novel sweeteners, also known as "plant-derived noncaloric sweeteners," are derived from natural sources. This group provides many of the benefits of both artificial and natural sweeteners. They are not a significant source of calories or sugar, so they don't lead to weight gain or blood sugar spikes, and they are typically less processed than artificial sweeteners. Stevia and monk fruit are examples of novel sweeteners that are derived from plants and have a flavour similar to regular sugar.

While sugar substitutes can be a helpful way to reduce calorie intake and manage blood glucose levels, some experts believe they may pose health hazards, including weight gain and cancer. However, research on this is ongoing, and studies on humans have shown these products to be generally safe if consumed in moderation.

Keto-friendly ice cream brands

There are several keto-friendly ice cream brands on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Here are some of the best keto-friendly ice cream brands in no particular order:

Rebel Creamery

Rebel Creamery is a keto ice cream brand made with a rich, full-fat base of cream and egg yolks, giving it a custard-like taste and a velvety texture. Their ice cream contains healthy fats and sweeteners like erythritol, with 56-79 grams of fat per pint. A two-thirds cup serving has 270 calories, 26 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, and 2 grams of net carbs. Rebel Creamery sources its cream from hormone-free cows, and its ingredients won't raise your blood sugar. They offer classic flavors such as Butter Pecan, Cookie Dough, and Mint Chip.

Enlightened

Enlightened is a popular low-carb ice cream brand among keto dieters, offering a variety of tasty flavors in pints and ice cream bars. Their P.B. Cookie & Brownie Dough flavor, for example, has 200 calories, 18 grams of fat, and 4 grams of protein per half-cup serving. While Enlightened uses erythritol, a sweetener that is unlikely to be absorbed by the body, each serving still contains one gram of real sugar. Eating an entire pint may be too much for your daily sugar intake. Enlightened's ice cream is accessible and can be found in many grocery stores and online.

Keto Pint

Keto Pint is a recently launched ice cream line made with high-quality, keto-friendly ingredients. The brand is keto-certified, soy-free, and gluten-free, and they don't use milk with rBST hormones. Their ice cream comes in a variety of flavors in pints and chocolate-covered bars. However, a full pint contains 660 calories, 60 grams of total fat, and 11 grams of net carbs. It's best to stick to the suggested serving size of two-thirds of a cup, which has 220 calories, 20 grams of fat, and 3 grams of net carbs.

Halo Top

Halo Top is a well-known low-carb ice cream brand that offers a keto series of flavors with 2 to 10 grams of net carbs per pint. They use sweeteners like erythritol and stevia leaf extract, and their Jelly Donut flavor, for example, has 11 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein per small serving. However, an entire pint will give you 33 grams of fat and 18 grams of protein. Halo Top also makes keto-friendly ice cream bars, but be sure to look for their specific keto series, as some of their other flavors may have more carbs than expected.

So Delicious No-Sugar-Added

So Delicious offers a no-sugar-added line that is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a good option for those on a low-carb diet. The Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk bars, for example, have 15 grams of fat and 2 grams of net carbs per serving. However, finding this particular line in stores can be challenging, and it may be best to order it online.

Other Brands

There are also a few other keto-friendly ice cream brands worth mentioning, such as Arctic Zero, which offers a plant-based, certified keto-friendly option, and Killer Creamery, which has been recommended by some sources. Additionally, some people may prefer to make their own keto-friendly ice cream at home, allowing for more control over the ingredients and flavors.

Starbucks keto drinks

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan. This means consuming about 70% of your daily calories from fat, 25% from protein, and only 5% from carbs. Sticking to keto can make eating out challenging, but it's possible if you know what to order. Here are some keto-friendly drink options at Starbucks:

Basic Coffee and Tea

The simplest option is to order a freshly brewed hot coffee, such as the Pike Place roast, blonde roast, or dark roast. These are carb-free and can be customised with keto-friendly add-ins. Similarly, unsweetened iced tea and iced coffee are also good keto bases. You can ask for a few pumps of sugar-free syrup, such as vanilla, to sweeten your drink without adding carbs.

Americano

An Americano is a combination of espresso shots and hot or cold water. This drink is already keto-friendly, but you can add a splash of heavy cream or sugar-free syrup for extra flavour if you like.

Peach Tranquility Tea

Order an unsweetened peach tranquility tea with a splash of heavy cream and two to four pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup. This drink will remind you of peach cobbler while keeping the carb count low.

Espresso Con Panna

For a decadent treat, try an espresso con panna. This drink tops a shot of espresso with a dollop of whipped cream. However, keep in mind that the Starbucks whipped cream is sweetened, so enjoy this one in moderation.

Flat White

A flat white is usually made with espresso and steamed milk. To make it keto-friendly, replace the milk with half heavy cream and half hot water. This modification will give you a rich, creamy texture.

Latte

You can also turn a latte into a keto-friendly option. Order a grande cafe latte with three parts water and one part heavy cream, then sweeten it with stevia packets to taste.

Frappuccino

Creating a keto Frappuccino takes a little creativity. Order an unsweetened iced coffee with extra ice, a generous amount of heavy whipping cream, and two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup. Then, ask for it to be blended Frappuccino-style without any Frappuccino base or syrups.

Cappuccino

To make a cappuccino keto-friendly, simply ask for heavy cream instead of milk. The heavy cream will add a rich texture, even if you don't get the usual foam. You can also add a pump or two of sugar-free syrup for extra sweetness.

Iced Blonde Vanilla Latte

You can still enjoy a latte on a keto diet. Just replace the dairy milk with heavy cream or almond milk and ask for three pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup.

London Fog

For a more unique option, try a London Fog. This drink is usually made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a high-sugar syrup. To make it keto-friendly, ask for Earl Grey tea with a shot of heavy whipping cream and a pump of sugar-free syrup instead.

Chai Tea

Instead of ordering a chai latte, ask for a chai tea with a couple of splashes of heavy cream and two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup. This way, you can still enjoy the classic comfort drink while sticking to keto.

Cinnamon Dolce Latte

While the traditional cinnamon dolce latte is not keto-friendly, you can make it keto by ordering an Americano with 3/4 water, a large splash of heavy cream, two pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup, and a pinch of ground cinnamon.

Pink Drink

If you're a fan of the Starbucks Pink Drink, you can make it keto with a few simple swaps. Order the tall Pink Drink with heavy cream and sugar-free syrup. However, keep in mind that it still contains 6g of net carbs, so it's an occasional indulgence.

Sugar-free iced coffee recipes

Iced Coffee with Vanilla Syrup

This recipe uses vanilla syrup to add a sweet taste to your coffee. It also includes milk and caramel sauce, and you can add ice cubes to keep your drink cool.

Ingredients:

• Sugar-free vanilla syrup
• Milk (almond milk or other vegan milk can be used as an alternative)
• Brewed coffee (Starbucks espresso or cold brew concentrate are good options)
• Sugar-free caramel sauce
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

• Place ice cubes in the bottom of your mug.
• Pour the vanilla syrup over the ice cubes.
• Add the remaining ice to your mug.
• Add milk or dairy alternative.
• Top up with coffee.
• Finish with caramel sauce and any other desired toppings.

McDonald's Sugar-Free Vanilla Iced Coffee

This recipe is a copycat of McDonald's popular sugar-free vanilla iced coffee. It uses Torani flavouring syrup and half-and-half to create a similar taste.

Ingredients:

• Torani flavouring syrup (sugar-free French vanilla)
• Half-and-half
• Cold-brewed coffee

Instructions:

• Brew your coffee as usual.
• Refrigerate the coffee for 2-3 hours to cool it down.
• Once cooled, add the half-and-half and syrup to the coffee and mix.
• Store the mixture in the refrigerator.

Healthy Iced Coffee

This recipe is a basic guide to making a healthy iced coffee with almond milk and no added sugar. You can adjust it to your taste by adding flavours and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Ingredients:

• Ice
• Coffee (cold or leftover)
• Milk (almond milk or other alternatives like coconut milk can be used)
• Vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Combine the cold coffee, milk, vanilla extract, and ice in a glass.
• Stir and adjust to taste.

Sugar-Free Caramel Mocha Iced Coffee

This recipe includes a range of ingredients, including SweetLeaf® No-Added Sugar Vanilla Frosting and heavy cream. It requires a high-powered blender to combine all the ingredients.

Ingredients:

• SweetLeaf® No-Added Sugar Vanilla Frosting
• Heavy cream
• Brewed coffee
• Sugar-free caramel syrup
• Ice

Instructions:

• Place all ingredients into a high-powered blender.
• Blend on high until smooth.
• Taste and adjust sweetener as needed.
• Enjoy with optional toppings.

Healthy Iced Coffee Cubes

This recipe involves freezing coffee into ice cubes, which can then be added to a glass with your choice of milk. You can also add sweeteners like honey, agave, or stevia to taste.

Ingredients:

• Coffee (cold or room temperature)
• Sweetener (optional)
• Milk (low-fat or skim milk, or dairy-free alternatives)
• Additional sweetener (optional)

Instructions:

• Add your chosen sweetener to the coffee before freezing (optional).
• Pour the coffee into ice cube trays and freeze until solid.
• Add 5 iced coffee cubes to a glass.
• Pour your choice of milk over the iced coffee cubes.
• Add more sweetener if desired.

Frequently asked questions