Keto Ice Cream: Healthy Treat Or Marketing Trick?

Keto ice cream is a relatively new product on the market, and it's sparked a lot of interest and debate. The question of whether it's healthy or not is a complex one. On the one hand, keto ice cream is designed to fit within the parameters of the keto diet, which is high in fat, moderate in protein, and very low in carbohydrates. This means that keto ice cream has very few carbs, and sugar substitutes are used instead of regular sugar. However, it's important to note that keto ice cream is often higher in fat and calories than regular ice cream due to the addition of oils and other fat sources. While this aligns with the keto diet, it may not be suitable for those on calorie-restricted diets. Additionally, the health benefits of the keto diet itself are still debated, and the ice cream alone will not lead to weight loss or fat-burning without the full dietary restrictions being followed.

Keto ice cream is often higher in calories than regular ice cream

While keto ice cream is often marketed as a healthier alternative to regular ice cream, it is important to note that it is often higher in calories. This is due to its high-fat content, as the keto diet involves drastically reducing your carb intake while eating the majority of your calories from fat.

For example, Rebel Creamery's keto ice cream is made with cream and other high-fat ingredients, making it higher in fat and calories than other brands. A half-cup serving of their ice cream contains 60-91 grams of dietary fat, which rivals or even exceeds the fat content of regular, non-diet ice cream.

Similarly, KETO Foods' ice cream is made with a combination of cream, egg yolks, and erythritol, making it high in fat and relatively low in total carbohydrates. Their peanut butter fudge swirl ice cream, for instance, contains 250 calories and 22 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Halo Top's keto ice cream is also higher in calories and fat compared to regular ice cream. Their Macadamia Nut Cookie flavor contains skim milk, eggs, and prebiotic fiber, with 200 calories or less per serving.

Keto ice cream's higher calorie content may be a concern for those on a calorie-restricted diet. While it can be a good choice for those looking to reduce their added sugar intake, it may not be the best option for weight loss if calories are not taken into consideration.

It's also higher in fat due to ingredients like oil

While keto ice cream is a better option for those on a keto diet, it is important to note that it is higher in fat due to ingredients like oil. This means that it is not necessarily a healthier option for those who are not following a keto diet, especially if weight loss is the goal.

Keto ice cream is designed to be high in fat and low in carbohydrates. This aligns with the keto diet, which involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake while consuming the majority of calories from fat and a moderate amount from protein. A typical serving of regular ice cream contains about 37 grams of carbohydrates, which is almost the entire daily allowance for those on the keto diet.

Keto ice cream achieves its low-carb status by using sugar substitutes, such as sugar alcohols like xylitol and erythritol, and natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit. Additionally, ingredients like chicory root, guar gum, and acacia gum are added to create a creamy texture and mouthfeel. These ingredients also contribute to the higher fat content of keto ice cream.

For example, Rebel Creamery, a brand designed for people on the keto diet, uses cream and other high-fat ingredients like oil, resulting in a product that is higher in fat and calories than other brands. A half-cup serving of their ice cream contains 60-91 grams of dietary fat, which rivals or even exceeds the fat content of regular, non-diet ice cream.

While keto ice cream may be a good option for those on the keto diet, it is important to remember that it is not a weight-loss solution. Indulging in these products is benign and won't harm health goals, but it won't necessarily help achieve a desired body composition either.

It's lower in carbohydrates than regular ice cream

Keto ice cream is a great option for those on a keto diet as it is lower in carbohydrates than regular ice cream. This is because keto ice cream uses sugar substitutes as sweeteners instead of regular sugar.

The keto diet involves drastically reducing your carbohydrate intake while eating the majority of your calories from fat and a moderate amount of calories from protein. A typical keto diet sets a limit of 15 grams of carbohydrates per day, which is roughly equivalent to half of a large banana.

Regular ice cream is high in carbohydrates, with one cup containing about 37 grams of carbs. This is almost the entire daily allowance for someone on the keto diet. By contrast, keto ice cream usually has between 2 and 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving, with some brands offering as little as 4 grams of net carbs per pint.

Keto ice cream achieves its low-carb content by using sugar substitutes such as sugar alcohols like xylitol and erythritol, as well as natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit. These substitutes have about half the calories of sugar. Additionally, keto ice cream often has a higher fat content than regular ice cream, which can help those on the keto diet meet their daily fat goals.

It's important to note that while keto ice cream is lower in carbohydrates, it may be higher in calories due to its high fat content. This could be a detriment to anyone on a calorie-restricted diet. Additionally, the health benefits of the keto diet are debated, and keto ice cream alone will not lead to weight loss. It is also important to check the ingredient list for allergens, as many keto ice creams contain common allergens like nuts, eggs, and dairy.

It's also higher in fibre

Keto ice cream is a relatively new product that has been manufactured with the rising popularity of the ketogenic diet. The keto diet involves drastically reducing your intake of carbohydrates while eating a majority of your calories from fat and a moderate amount of calories from protein. This shift in metabolism is known as ketosis, where the body releases ketones and burns fat for fuel.

Keto ice cream is made with plant fibres and sugar alcohols instead of added sugar, making it suitable for the keto diet. It is also higher in fibre, which has a positive impact on digestion and regulating blood sugar.

Chicory root, guar gum, and acacia gum are added to keto ice cream to create a creamy texture and mouthfeel. Chicory root, made from the root of the chicory plant, is added to increase the fibre content. Fibre slows digestion and absorption of carbs, which in turn helps regulate blood sugar. Guar gum and acacia gum are derived from guar beans and the acacia tree, and they contain soluble fibre, which dissolves in liquid to form a gel-like substance that helps thicken the ice cream.

The higher fibre content in keto ice cream is a positive feature, as it provides additional health benefits beyond those associated with the keto diet. Fibre is known to slow digestion, which can help with regulating blood sugar levels and keeping you feeling fuller for longer. This can be especially beneficial for those following the keto diet, as it can help them stay satiated and on track with their dietary goals.

However, it is important to note that the keto diet is not for everyone, and it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new diet. While keto ice cream may be a good option for those following a keto diet, it is not a magic solution for weight loss. Indulging in these products may not harm your health goals, but it may also not help you achieve your desired body composition.

It's lower in added sugar than regular ice cream

Keto ice cream is lower in added sugar than regular ice cream. This is because keto ice cream uses sugar substitutes as sweeteners instead of regular sugar.

Sugar substitutes are popular swaps used in keto ice cream, such as sugar alcohols like xylitol and erythritol, which have about half the calories of sugar. Sugar alcohols are commonly found in foods labelled "sugar-free" or "no sugar added".

Two natural sweeteners used in keto ice cream are stevia and monk fruit. Stevia is made from plant leaves, and monk fruit comes from a small round fruit native to China.

Keto ice cream may be a good choice for those looking to reduce their added sugar intake. However, it is important to note that keto ice cream is often higher in total calories than regular ice cream due to its high-fat content. Therefore, while it may be a better option in terms of sugar content, it may not be suitable for those on a calorie-restricted diet.

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