Is it possible to enjoy ice cream while on a keto diet? Breyers certainly thinks so, with their CarbSmart™ ice cream, which comes in a variety of flavours, including vanilla, chocolate, and mint fudge cookie. However, some people on keto diets have questioned whether this product is truly keto-friendly, due to its sugar alcohol content and other ingredients. So, can Breyers' CarbSmart™ ice cream be enjoyed as a low-carb treat, or should it be avoided?
What You'll Learn
- Breyers CarbSmart™ products are low in carbs but not keto-friendly
- CarbSmart™ contains hidden carbohydrates like maltitol syrup and sorbitol
- Rebel Creamery is a keto-friendly alternative to Breyers CarbSmart™
- Rebel Creamery ice cream has 7x fewer net carbs per calorie than Breyers CarbSmart™
- Rebel Creamery sources its cream from hormone-free cows
Breyers CarbSmart™ products are low in carbs but not keto-friendly
Breyers offers a range of CarbSmart™ products, including ice cream and bars, that are marketed as being part of a low-carb lifestyle. While these products do contain fewer carbs than regular ice cream, they are not keto-friendly.
The CarbSmart™ products typically have 3-5g net carbs and 60-150 calories per serving. For example, the CarbSmart™ Creamy Vanilla has 110 calories and 4g net carbs per serving. However, the ingredients in these products are not considered keto-friendly.
The main issue with the CarbSmart™ products is the presence of hidden carbohydrates, specifically maltitol and sorbitol. These sugar alcohols can have a similar impact on blood glucose levels as regular sugar and are not recommended for a keto diet. Additionally, they can cause digestive issues such as gas and stomach aches.
Other questionable ingredients in the CarbSmart™ products include soluble corn fiber, mono- and diglycerides, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose (Splenda). These artificial sweeteners and additives can sap your energy, alter your gut microbiome, and lead to more sugar cravings.
While the Breyers CarbSmart™ products are low in carbs, they are not a good choice for those following a keto diet due to the presence of hidden carbohydrates and other unhealthy ingredients. It's important to read the ingredient list and not just rely on the macronutrient profile when choosing keto-friendly foods.
There are other keto-friendly ice cream options available on the market, such as Rebel Creamery, Enlightened, Keto Pint, and Halo Top, that use healthier sweeteners and ingredients. These brands offer delicious ice cream with lower net carbs and healthier fats, making them a better choice for those following a ketogenic diet.
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CarbSmart™ contains hidden carbohydrates like maltitol syrup and sorbitol
While Breyers® ice cream is not marketed as keto-friendly, they do offer a range of low-carb ice cream products under their CarbSmart™ line. These products are advertised as having 3-5g net carbs and 60-150 calories per serving. However, it is important to scrutinize the ingredients list of these products to determine whether they align with keto diet principles. Notably, CarbSmart™ contains hidden carbohydrates in the form of maltitol syrup and sorbitol.
Maltitol is a sugar alcohol, or polyol, that is produced from starches rich in the sugar maltose. It is a popular sugar substitute, as it has fewer calories than sugar (2.1 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram for sugar) and is nearly as sweet (approximately 90% as sweet as sugar). Maltitol is commonly used in sugar-free products, including baked goods, chewing gum, chocolates, and ice cream. It is valued for its ability to provide a creamy texture and sweetness while also acting as a humectant, helping to keep food moist.
Despite its benefits, maltitol is still a carbohydrate and can affect blood glucose levels and weight management efforts. While it does not have the same unpleasant aftertaste as some other sugar substitutes, consuming excessive amounts of maltitol can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including stomach pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. These side effects can vary depending on individual tolerance and the amount consumed.
Sorbitol, another sugar alcohol, is a byproduct of maltitol digestion. Like maltitol, sorbitol can also cause gastrointestinal issues, especially when consumed in large quantities. Packaged foods containing significant amounts of sorbitol are required to include a warning about its potential laxative effects.
Therefore, while Breyers® CarbSmart™ ice cream may offer reduced carb and calorie counts, the presence of maltitol syrup and sorbitol as hidden carbohydrates may be a concern for those following a keto diet or monitoring their blood glucose and weight management. It is always advisable to carefully read the ingredient lists and nutritional information on food products to make informed choices that align with your dietary goals and restrictions.
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Rebel Creamery is a keto-friendly alternative to Breyers CarbSmart™
On the other hand, Rebel Creamery is a true keto ice cream brand, with an average of seven times less net carbs per calorie than Breyers CarbSmart™. Rebel Creamery's ice cream is made with a rich, full-fat base of cream and egg yolks, resulting in a custard-like texture. Their ingredients include healthy fats and sweeteners like erythritol, and their products are sourced from hormone-free cows. With Rebel Creamery, you can enjoy classic ice cream flavors such as Butter Pecan, Cookie Dough, and Mint Chip without compromising your keto diet.
In addition to its keto-friendly profile, Rebel Creamery also offers a superior taste experience. In a direct comparison with Breyers CarbSmart™, Rebel Creamery's ice cream has been described as "the most delicious keto-friendly ice cream" by those who have tried both products. This preference may be due to Rebel Creamery's higher fat content and the use of natural sweeteners, creating a more indulgent and satisfying dessert option.
Furthermore, Rebel Creamery provides a range of flavors that cater to different taste preferences. From Peanut Butter Fudge to Chocolate Peanut Butter, Rebel Creamery offers a variety of options that rival traditional ice cream choices. Their products are easily accessible through their store locator, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite flavors whenever the craving strikes.
In conclusion, Rebel Creamery is a superior choice for those following a keto diet. With its low net carb content, natural ingredients, and delicious flavors, it offers a true keto-friendly ice cream experience without sacrificing taste. So, if you're looking for an alternative to Breyers CarbSmart™, Rebel Creamery is the perfect option to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying true to your keto lifestyle.
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Rebel Creamery ice cream has 7x fewer net carbs per calorie than Breyers CarbSmart™
Rebel Creamery ice cream is a keto-friendly ice cream that contains significantly fewer net carbs per calorie than Breyers CarbSmart™. While Breyers CarbSmart™ ice cream products contain 3-5g of net carbs and 60-150 calories per serving, Rebel Creamery ice cream has as few as 1-6 grams of net carbs per pint, depending on the flavor. This means that Rebel Creamery ice cream has around 7 times fewer net carbs per calorie than Breyers CarbSmart™.
Rebel Creamery ice cream was founded by Austin and Courtney Archibald of Heber City, Utah, who wanted to create a delicious, creamy, low-net-carb ice cream that would allow them to enjoy their favorite treat while staying in ketosis. The result is an ice cream that is 100% keto-approved, with a simple and transparent list of ingredients that will satisfy even the most stringent keto followers.
The ice cream is made with premium, keto-friendly ingredients such as cream, erythritol, chicory root fiber, and monk fruit, which provide sweetness without raising blood sugar or insulin levels. The high-fat content of the ice cream ensures a creamy mouthfeel and a satisfying experience, with generous serving sizes that won't kick you out of ketosis.
In comparison, Breyers CarbSmart™ ice cream may be a lower-carb alternative to regular ice cream, but it still contains net carbs and calories that can add up, especially when considering the impact of sugar alcohols like maltitol, which can have a similar effect on the glycemic index as regular sugar. For those strictly following a ketogenic diet, the net carb and calorie difference between Rebel Creamery ice cream and Breyers CarbSmart™ can be significant.
Therefore, for those on a ketogenic diet or looking to reduce their net carb intake, Rebel Creamery ice cream is a better option than Breyers CarbSmart™, offering a truly keto-friendly treat without compromising on taste or texture.
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Rebel Creamery sources its cream from hormone-free cows
Rebel Creamery is a keto-friendly ice cream brand that sources its cream from hormone-free cows. The company was founded by Austin and Courtney Archibald, a couple from Heber City, Utah, who wanted to create an ice cream that was both delicious and low-carb. The result is an ice cream that is not only keto-friendly but also made with premium, natural ingredients.
Rebel Creamery's ice cream is made with cream from cows that are rBST and hormone-free. This ensures that the ice cream has a superior taste and texture while also being keto-compliant. The fat from the cream is crucial to achieving the desired taste and structure of the ice cream. By using cream from hormone-free cows, Rebel Creamery ensures that their ice cream maintains the taste and mouthfeel that consumers expect from a premium ice cream product.
In addition to using hormone-free cream, Rebel Creamery also uses other high-quality, keto-friendly ingredients. Their ice cream is sweetened with erythritol, a natural sweetener found in fermented fruits and vegetables, and monk fruit, a natural, high-intensity sweetener with no aftertaste. The combination of these two sweeteners creates the perfect level of sweetness without affecting blood glucose levels.
Rebel Creamery's attention to ingredient quality and sourcing sets them apart from other ice cream brands. By using cream from hormone-free cows and carefully selecting natural sweeteners, they have created a keto-friendly ice cream that tastes delicious and indulgent. This makes Rebel Creamery a popular choice for those following a ketogenic diet who want to enjoy a sweet treat without compromising their health goals.
The company offers a variety of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookie dough, peanut butter fudge, and more. With their innovative use of natural ingredients and hormone-free cream, Rebel Creamery has revolutionized the keto ice cream market, providing a truly indulgent experience for health-conscious consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Breyers Carb Smart ice cream is not keto-friendly. Although it is marketed as a low-carb option, it contains artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols such as maltitol, sucralose, and sorbitol, which can negatively impact ketosis.
There are several keto-friendly ice cream brands available, including Rebel Creamery, Enlightened, Keto Pint, and Halo Top. These brands use healthy fats and sweeteners like erythritol and stevia, and have a lower impact on ketosis.
Non-keto ice creams can contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and additives that can negatively impact health and weight loss goals. They may also contain high levels of sugar and carbohydrates, which can kick you out of ketosis.
Besides keto-friendly ice cream, those on a ketogenic diet can enjoy treats such as avocado, coconut milk, or heavy cream-based desserts. You can also make your own ice cream at home using keto-safe sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.