Is Breyers Carb Smart A Good Keto Dessert Option?

Is Breyers CarbSmart keto-friendly? This is a question many people on a ketogenic diet are asking. Breyers is a well-known ice cream brand that has expanded its offering to include low-carb options. However, the answer to this question is not straightforward. Some sources claim that Breyers CarbSmart is keto-friendly, as it contains only 3 to 4 grams of net carbohydrates per serving, which is within the acceptable range for a ketogenic diet. On the other hand, other sources argue that it should be avoided on a keto diet due to its high-carb content and the presence of unhealthy ingredients such as acesulfame K, sucralose, and dextrose. So, what is the truth? Well, it seems that while Breyers CarbSmart might not completely derail your keto diet, there are definitely better options out there. The product does contain hidden carbohydrates and high-glycemic sweeteners that could potentially kick you out of ketosis. As an alternative, keto dieters could opt for ice cream brands that use natural sweeteners such as stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol.

Breyers CarbSmart: not keto-friendly due to high-GI sweeteners and high net carbs

Breyers CarbSmart is a range of "frozen dairy desserts" that are marketed as a low-carb alternative to ice cream. However, despite their low-sugar and low-net-carb claims, these products are not keto-friendly due to their high-GI sweeteners and relatively high net carb content.

Firstly, Breyers CarbSmart products contain high-glycemic sweeteners such as maltitol syrup, which has an extremely high glycemic index (GI) of 52. To put this number into perspective, table sugar has a GI of 60, making maltitol syrup almost as bad as sugar for those on a keto diet. Other high-GI sweeteners in Breyers CarbSmart include dextrose and concentrated syrup, which can also raise blood sugar levels and prevent the consumer from reaching ketosis.

Secondly, despite claims of being low in net carbs, Breyers CarbSmart products actually contain a significant amount of net carbs. For example, the Chocolate flavour has 6.33g of net carbs per 100g serving, and each 2/3 cup serving contains 10g of net carbs. This is relatively high considering that, to stay in ketosis, daily net carb consumption should be limited to 20-30g.

In addition to the high-GI sweeteners and high net carb content, Breyers CarbSmart products also contain artificial sweeteners such as acesulfame K and sucralose, which may lead to gut health issues when consumed regularly.

Therefore, while Breyers CarbSmart may be a tasty treat for those looking to reduce their carb intake, it is not a keto-friendly option and should be avoided by those aiming to stay in ketosis. Instead, consumers are advised to opt for naturally-flavoured ice creams that use keto-friendly sweeteners such as stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol.

Rebel Creamery: a good keto alternative with fewer net carbs

Rebel Creamery is a fantastic keto-friendly alternative to Breyers CarbSmart. While Breyers falls under the category of "dirty keto" due to its artificial additives and high GI sweeteners, Rebel Creamery's ice cream is made with simple, natural ingredients and contains no hidden carbohydrates.

Rebel Creamery was founded by a couple who wanted to create an ice cream that was both delicious and allowed them to stay in ketosis. Their product is 100% keto-approved, with flavours ranging from 5 to 8 grams of net carbs per pint. That's seven times less net carbs per calorie than Breyers CarbSmart!

Rebel Creamery's ice cream is made with common, easy-to-pronounce ingredients, and there are no confusing or questionable additives. The first ingredient is cream, which means it can legally be called ice cream. It also doesn't contain any sugar, with monk fruit and erythritol used as sweeteners instead.

The high-fat content of Rebel Creamery ice cream ensures that a half-cup serving will satisfy your sweet tooth. Flavours like cookie dough, vanilla, chocolate, and peanut butter fudge are delicious and don't have the chalky or granular texture often found in "healthier" ice creams.

You can indulge in Rebel Creamery's ice cream without worrying about kicking yourself out of ketosis. It has the perfect keto macros, with a fantastic protein-to-fat ratio. So, if you're looking for a keto-friendly ice cream that tastes amazing, Rebel Creamery is the way to go.

Enlightened: another keto-friendly brand with tasty flavours

Enlightened is a "healthy" ice cream brand that launched a range of keto-friendly ice creams in August 2019. The brand offers a variety of flavours with only 1g of net carbs per serving and less than 1g of sugar. The ice cream is made with real heavy cream and sugar-free sweeteners like monk fruit and erythritol, ensuring it won't kick you out of ketosis.

Enlightened's keto ice cream has received positive reviews for its taste, with people commenting that it doesn't taste like "healthy" ice cream. It has a creamy texture and no aftertaste, making it a great option for those craving ice cream while on a keto diet.

The brand offers a variety of flavours, including Butter Pecan, Chocolate Glazed Donut, Coffee and Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mint Chocolate Chunk, Peanut Butter Fudge, and Red Velvet. They also have keto-friendly bars in four flavours: Dark Chocolate, Marshmallow Peanut Butter, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip.

Enlightened's keto ice cream is a great option for those looking for a tasty, low-carb dessert. With its high-fat, low-carb content and use of natural sweeteners, it fits perfectly into a keto diet without sacrificing flavour or texture.

In addition to their keto options, Enlightened also offers low-calorie, non-keto ice cream with various flavours, such as P.B. Cookie & Brownie Dough, Caramel Double Dough, and Caramel Dark Chocolate Peanut Bars.

So, whether you're on a keto diet or just looking for a delicious, healthier ice cream option, Enlightened has something for everyone. Their creative flavours and dedication to taste and texture have made them a popular choice for those seeking keto-friendly treats.

Sugar alcohols: why they don't count as net carbs and impact everyone differently

Sugar alcohols are a type of carbohydrate that resembles sugar and alcohol in structure but is neither. They are commonly used as artificial sweeteners in processed foods. While they are often included in "diabetes-friendly" or "keto-friendly" products, recent research suggests that they should be consumed with caution.

The Upside of Sugar Alcohols

Sugar alcohols are about 40% to 80% as sweet as natural sugar, providing a similar level of sweetness without the same number of calories. They also break down slowly in the gut, preventing blood sugar and insulin spikes, which is beneficial for individuals with diabetes.

The Downside of Sugar Alcohols

The main issue with sugar alcohols is that they can cause gastrointestinal (GI) problems, such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and loose stools. This is because they are slowly digested, allowing more time to feed bacteria in the gut, leading to fermentation and excess gas. Additionally, their slow digestion can pull extra water into the colon, causing a laxative effect.

Individual Differences

The impact of sugar alcohols can vary depending on various factors, including body weight, health conditions, and the amount and type of sugar alcohol consumed. People with diabetes or gastrointestinal issues may be more susceptible to the negative effects of sugar alcohols. It is recommended to introduce sugar alcohols gradually and monitor how your body responds.

Net Carb Controversy

Net carbs refer to the total carbohydrates in a food minus the fiber content and sugar alcohols. However, the concept of net carbs is not endorsed by the FDA, and there is no legal definition of this term. Critics argue that the idea of net carbs is misleading and may negatively impact weight loss efforts and overall health.

Breyers CarbSmart

As an example of a product containing sugar alcohols, let's look at Breyers CarbSmart. While marketed as a low-carb alternative to ice cream, it contains hidden carbohydrates in the form of maltitol or sorbitol. These sugar alcohols contribute to a significant percentage of total calories from net carbohydrates, which may impact ketosis.

Artificial sweeteners: why they are used and potential health effects

Artificial sweeteners are used in many low-carb products, including keto ice cream, as an alternative to sugar. They are often used to enhance the flavour and texture of the product, making it more appealing to consumers. In the case of Breyers CarbSmart, artificial sweeteners are used to retain moisture, add thickness and sweetness, and reduce calories.

The two main artificial sweeteners found in Breyers CarbSmart are Sorbitol and Maltitol, which are both sugar alcohols. While Sorbitol is found naturally in small quantities in fruits, most of the Sorbitol in packaged foods is made in factories using corn syrup. Maltitol, on the other hand, is mostly manufactured and is also available in small amounts in some fruits.

Although these artificial sweeteners can provide benefits in terms of taste and texture, there are potential health effects to consider. Some experts believe that additives like aspartame may lead to long-term health issues. Additionally, artificial sweeteners with a high glycemic index, such as those found in Breyers CarbSmart, can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which is counterproductive to a keto diet. This sudden release of energy into the bloodstream can lead to increased insulin levels, stomach cramps, and gas.

It is worth noting that the impact of sugar alcohols can vary from person to person. While some individuals may tolerate them well, others may experience digestive issues. Therefore, it is generally recommended to consume products with artificial sweeteners in moderation and to experiment with smaller quantities first.

When it comes to keto-friendly alternatives, natural sweeteners like monk fruit, stevia, and erythritol are considered safer options. These sweeteners do not impact blood sugar levels and are less likely to cause digestive problems. Some recommended keto ice cream brands that use these natural sweeteners include Rebel Creamery, Enlightened, Halo Top, and Keto Pint.

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