Madeleine Hull
Sugar-free ice cream is a popular treat for those on a keto diet, which involves reducing your carbohydrate intake and increasing your fat intake. While traditional ice cream is high in sugar and carbs, there are plenty of keto-friendly options available in stores or recipes to make at home. These sugar-free ice creams use sweeteners such as monk fruit, stevia, erythritol, and allulose to replace the sugar and keep the carbohydrate content low. Some popular brands include Halo Top, Rebel, So Delicious, and Enlightened.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sugar content | Sugar-free |
| Carbohydrates | Low-carb |
| Sweeteners | Monk fruit, stevia, erythritol, chicory root, guar gum, acacia gum, sugar alcohols, allulose, xylitol |
| Fat content | High-fat |
| Calories | High-calorie |
| Customization | Customizable with different extracts and add-ins |
| Dairy-free | Coconut milk |
| Recipe | Coconut milk, sweetener, vanilla extract, salt |
| Texture | Creamy |
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What You'll Learn
Sugar-free ice cream ingredients
Sugar-free ice cream is a great option for those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth without the sugar rush. This dessert is also keto-friendly, making it perfect for those on a ketogenic diet.
There are several sugar-free ice cream recipes available, and most of them use only a few basic ingredients. Here are some common ingredients used in sugar-free ice cream:
- Coconut milk: This is a dairy-free option that provides a creamy texture. It is important to use full-fat canned coconut milk, not lite coconut milk or coconut milk beverages.
- Sweeteners: Sugar substitutes are a key ingredient in sugar-free ice cream. Popular options include erythritol, xylitol, stevia, monk fruit extract, and allulose. These sweeteners have fewer calories than sugar and do not have the same impact on insulin or blood sugar levels.
- Vanilla: Vanilla is a classic flavour for sugar-free ice cream. You can use pure vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, or scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is added to enhance the flavours and balance the sweetness of the ice cream.
- Heavy cream: Also known as double or thickened cream, heavy cream is used to create a rich and creamy texture. For a vegan option, coconut cream can be used instead.
- Thickening agents: Some recipes call for thickening agents such as xanthan gum or guar gum to add texture and body to the ice cream.
- Flavourings: Sugar-free ice cream can be customised with various flavourings. Popular options include cocoa powder, fruit (such as strawberries or raspberries), mint extract, cinnamon, and peanut butter.
Sugar-free ice cream can be made with just a few basic ingredients and a hand mixer. It is a perfect treat for those on a keto diet or anyone looking for a delicious, sugar-free dessert option.
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Keto-friendly ice cream brands
While ice cream is traditionally high in sugar and carbohydrates, there are several keto-friendly ice cream brands available in the market. These brands use sugar substitutes to reduce the carbohydrates in their products and help consumers stay in ketosis. Here are some of the top keto-friendly ice cream brands:
Rebel
Rebel is an ice cream brand specifically designed for individuals on the keto diet. It offers a range of flavours, including Chocolate Caramel Nut, Pistachio, Banana Peanut Butter Chip, Cherry Chip, and Mint Chip. Rebel ice creams are made with cream and other high-fat ingredients, making them higher in fat and calories than some other keto-friendly options. However, they are well-known and widely available.
So Delicious
So Delicious offers dairy-free ice cream made from full-fat coconut milk. Their "No Sugar Added" varieties have negligible amounts of sugar. The brand uses a combination of sugar alcohols like erythritol and natural sweeteners like monk fruit extract. So Delicious is a good option for those seeking a dairy-free and low-sugar ice cream experience.
Arctic Zero
Arctic Zero is another popular keto-friendly ice cream brand that offers a range of flavours, including Strawberry Shortcake, Vanilla Latte, Pistachio, and Cake Batter. Each serving contains 11 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fibre. Similar to So Delicious, Arctic Zero uses allulose and monk fruit extract as sweeteners. Allulose is metabolised differently by the body, providing only 0.4 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram from sugar.
Halo Top
Halo Top is a well-known brand in the keto space, offering a range of keto-friendly ice cream options. While some consumers enjoy their products, others have noted that their ice cream can have a gritty texture. Halo Top ice creams are available in various flavours, allowing consumers to choose based on their preferences.
Enlightened
Enlightened is considered by some to be the best keto ice cream brand due to its creamy texture and lack of weird aftertaste. They offer a range of flavours, and their website provides sales on 8-pint packs and free shipping on orders over $50. Enlightened's Red Velvet flavour, in particular, has received positive reviews.
In addition to these brands, there are other keto-friendly ice cream options available, such as Edy's and Aldi's Keto Ice Cream, which comes in three flavours. It is always a good idea to check the nutritional information and ingredient lists to ensure the product aligns with your dietary needs and preferences.
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Making sugar-free ice cream at home
Sugar-free ice cream is a great option for those on a keto diet, and it can be easily made at home. Here is a simple guide to making sugar-free ice cream with a basic vanilla base that can be customised with various flavours.
Ingredients
To make sugar-free ice cream at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- Coconut milk (full-fat canned)
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sweetener (erythritol, xylitol, or a powdered sugar substitute)
- Vanilla extract (optional, for flavour)
- Salt (a pinch, for texture)
- Vodka (optional, for scoopability and texture)
Optional Add-Ins for Flavour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Sugar-free chocolate chips
- Chopped nuts
- Fresh or frozen fruit (strawberries, for example)
- Fruit extracts (strawberry, peppermint, or banana)
- Butter extract
- Coffee
- Crushed keto cookies
- Crumbled keto cookie dough
- Sugar-free sprinkles
- Chopped keto brownies
Method
- First, chill your loaf pan by placing it in the freezer overnight.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the coconut cream using a hand mixer until creamy.
- In a separate bowl, add the heavy cream and beat until soft peaks form.
- Combine all the ingredients in a deep jar or mixing bowl.
- Using an immersion or stick mixer, blend the mixture until it has thickened and soft peaks form.
- Cover the jar or bowl and place it in the freezer.
- For a soft-serve consistency, freeze for 1-2 hours. For a scoopable ice cream, freeze for at least 4 hours, stirring every 30-40 minutes to prevent crystallisation.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 10-20 minutes to soften.
Tips
- To make the ice cream vegan, swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative.
- Xanthan gum can be used as a thickening agent and to prevent crystallisation.
- If making for kids, replace the vodka with ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum.
- Check the ice cream frequently while it freezes, and give it a quick mix to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months.
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Sugar substitutes and their effects
Sugar substitutes are often used in foods labelled "sugar-free", "keto", "low carb", or "diet". They can be categorised into artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, and novel sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners, also known as nonnutritive sweeteners, are usually created from chemicals in a lab, though some are made from natural substances like herbs. They are significantly sweeter than table sugar, contain no calories or sugar, and are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as food additives. However, they also lack beneficial nutrients such as vitamins, fibre, minerals, or antioxidants. While traditionally they have been the only option for people monitoring their blood glucose levels or weight, some experts believe they pose health hazards, including weight gain and cancer.
Sugar alcohols, which are commonly included in artificial sweeteners, must be listed on nutrition facts labels. One such sugar alcohol, erythritol, is a popular sugar substitute and is often used in keto ice cream recipes. It has about half the calories of table sugar and does not have the same effect on insulin or blood sugar levels. However, it has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Another sugar alcohol, xylitol, has similar health concerns when used in processed food, though it is safe for use in oral care products.
Novel sweeteners, also known as plant-derived noncaloric sweeteners, are derived from natural sources. They provide the benefits of both artificial and natural sweeteners, such as fruit or honey, without being a significant source of calories or sugar. This means they do not lead to weight gain or blood sugar spikes, and they are typically less processed than artificial sweeteners. Examples include stevia and monk fruit, which are naturally derived from plants and have a flavour similar to regular sugar. The FDA considers these sweeteners to be "generally regarded as safe".
While sugar substitutes can be useful for reducing sugar intake, it is important to remember that they are not necessarily healthier in excess. Some experts suggest that artificial sweeteners may contribute to health conditions such as obesity, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Therefore, it is recommended to challenge yourself to reduce your consumption of sweet-tasting foods and beverages.
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Sugar-free ice cream reviews
Sugar-free ice cream is a great option for those who want to cut down on their sugar intake without compromising on taste. While ice cream is traditionally high in sugar and carbohydrates, there are several keto-friendly ice cream options available in the market today.
Some popular keto-friendly ice cream brands include Halo Top, Edy's, Arctic Zero, So Delicious, and Rebel. These brands use sugar substitutes like monk fruit, stevia, erythritol, and xylitol to reduce carbohydrates and support ketosis. For instance, one serving of Rebel's Mint Chip ice cream provides a delicious treat without the sugar. Similarly, So Delicious' No Sugar Added ice cream is made from full-fat coconut milk and contains negligible amounts of sugar.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also make your own keto ice cream at home with just a few basic ingredients. A simple recipe includes heavy cream, a sweetener of your choice (such as erythritol or xylitol), and xanthan gum for thickening. You can experiment with different extracts and add-ins to create endless flavors. For example, adding strawberries can make strawberry ice cream, while pecans and butter extract create a delicious butter pecan flavor.
Reviews for sugar-free ice cream vary. Some people enjoy the taste and find it indistinguishable from regular ice cream, especially when paired with sugar-free root beer to make a float. However, others have noted a strange aftertaste, describing it as chemical-like or similar to burnt rubber. It's important to remember that not all sugar-free ice creams are created equal, and some brands may use different sweeteners or ingredients that can affect the taste and texture.
Overall, sugar-free ice cream provides a sweet treat for those on a keto diet or looking to reduce their sugar intake. Whether you choose a store-bought option or make your own at home, it's a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying on track with your dietary goals.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can eat sugar-free ice cream on keto. There are many keto-friendly ice cream options available in the market, such as Halo Top, Rebel, Enlightened, Edy's, Arctic Zero, and So Delicious. These brands use sugar substitutes like monk fruit, stevia, erythritol, chicory root, guar gum, acacia gum, allulose, and xylitol.
Some popular sugar-free ice cream brands that are keto-friendly include Halo Top, Rebel, Enlightened, Edy's, Arctic Zero, and So Delicious.
Sugar substitutes used in keto ice cream include monk fruit, stevia, erythritol, chicory root, guar gum, acacia gum, allulose, and xylitol.
Yes, you can make sugar-free keto ice cream at home with just a few basic ingredients. A simple recipe includes heavy cream, a sweetener of your choice, and xanthan gum. You can also add vanilla extract or other flavorings like cocoa powder or peppermint extract.
There are many recipes for sugar-free keto ice cream that you can make at home. For a basic vanilla flavor, you can use heavy cream, a sweetener, and xanthan gum. For chocolate ice cream, add cocoa powder to the vanilla base. You can also make flavors like strawberry, mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, and butter pecan by adding fresh strawberries, sugar-free chocolate chips, crushed keto Oreos, or butter extract and pecans, respectively.
