Vegan Ice Cream: Keto-Friendly Treat Or Misleading Myth?

Vegan ice cream is usually made with coconut milk, almond butter, and a sweetener such as maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar. It is possible to make vegan ice cream keto-friendly by substituting the sweetener with a low-carb option such as stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. There are also commercially available keto-friendly ice cream brands such as Halo Top, Edy's, Enlightened, So Delicious, and Rebel.

Vegan ice cream ingredients

Vegan ice cream is usually made with a mix of coconut milk, nut butter, and a sweetener.

Coconut milk is a staple ingredient in vegan ice cream. It provides a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that pairs well with other flavours. The full-fat variety is typically used, as it has a higher fat content and produces a richer, creamier ice cream.

Nut butter, such as almond, cashew, or peanut butter, is another key ingredient. It adds healthy fats, a creamy texture, and a subtle nutty flavour to the ice cream.

For sweetening, various options are available, including maple syrup, honey, stevia, or granulated sugar. The choice of sweetener can be tailored to individual preferences and dietary needs.

Some recipes also include cacao butter, coconut oil, and vanilla extract to enhance the flavour and texture of the ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk
• 3/4 cup nut butter (almond, cashew, or peanut)
• 1/4 cup sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or granulated sugar)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional)
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
• Transfer the mixture to a freezer-friendly container and freeze for 3-6 hours, stirring occasionally, until firm.
• Remove from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

Feel free to experiment with different flavours and add-ins, such as chocolate chips, fruit purees, or cookie dough pieces, to create your own unique vegan ice cream creations!

Vegan ice cream recipes

There are many vegan ice cream recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. Here are some ideas and tips to get you started:

Ingredients and Preparation:

Vegan ice cream typically uses a combination of full-fat coconut milk, nut butter or seeds (such as tahini), and a sweetener like maple syrup or sugar. Some recipes also include cacao butter, coconut oil, and/or vanilla extract to enhance the flavour and texture. It's important to note that the coconut milk should be canned and full-fat, as coconut milk from a carton will not yield the desired creamy texture.

To prepare, simply blend all the ingredients until smooth, then chill the mixture. If you have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into the machine and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a freezer-friendly container and stir it periodically during the first hour of freezing to prevent it from solidifying too quickly.

Flavour Variations:

The beauty of vegan ice cream is that it's easy to experiment with different flavours. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Peanut butter: Swap out the almond butter for creamy peanut butter.
• Cookie dough: Fold in some edible cookie dough and chocolate chips.
• Mint chocolate chip: Add peppermint extract and chocolate chips.
• Caramel pecan: Swirl in some caramel syrup and chopped pecans.
• Strawberry: Add frozen strawberries.
• Chocolate: Include cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
• Lemon coconut: Infuse with lemon extract and coconut flakes.

Storage and Serving:

Vegan ice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. However, it tends to harden over time, so it's best to consume it within the first week. To serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften before scooping. You can also heat your ice cream scoop in hot water to make scooping easier.

Recipe Example: 4-Ingredient Dairy-Free Keto Ice Cream

Here's a simple recipe for vegan keto ice cream that you can make at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 x 13.7 oz canned coconut milk (full-fat)
• Heaping 1/3 cup natural almond butter (add a pinch of salt if unsalted)
• 2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp pure stevia powder (to taste)

Instructions:

• Place the ice cream bowl in the freezer for 24 hours or until completely solid.
• Blend all ingredients in a small blender and adjust to taste.
• Chill the mixture in the freezer for 1 hour before churning.
• Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for about 10 minutes or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
• Transfer the ice cream to a loaf pan or shallow dish and freeze for an additional hour.
• Let the ice cream thaw on the counter for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Vegan ice cream and ketosis

Yes, it is possible for vegans to eat keto ice cream. Keto ice cream is usually made with coconut milk, nut butter, and a sweetener. These ingredients are blended together and frozen, resulting in a creamy and smooth texture. Some recipes also include a small amount of alcohol, such as vodka, to prevent the ice cream from becoming too hard in the freezer.

Vegan ice cream can be made keto-friendly by using ingredients that are low in carbohydrates and high in fat. For example, full-fat coconut milk is a good base for keto ice cream as it is rich and creamy. Nut butter, such as almond or cashew butter, adds healthy fats and a creamy texture. Sweeteners such as stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol can be used to replace sugar.

To make vegan keto ice cream at home, simply blend together coconut milk, nut butter, and a sweetener of your choice. You can also add a small amount of alcohol to prevent the ice cream from becoming too hard. Pour the mixture into a pre-frozen container and freeze for 3-6 hours, stirring occasionally during the first hour. Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it thaw for a few minutes before scooping and serving.

Where to buy vegan keto ice cream?

There are several brands that offer vegan keto ice cream options, including So Delicious, Rebel, and Enlightened. So Delicious makes dairy-free ice cream from full-fat coconut milk, sweetened with erythritol and monk fruit extract. Rebel is an ice cream brand specifically designed for people on the keto diet, made with cream, high-fat ingredients, erythritol, and monk fruit. Enlightened offers both keto and low-calorie non-keto options, sweetened with allulose, sugar alcohol, and monk fruit extract.

Vegan keto ice cream can be a healthier option compared to traditional ice cream as it does not contain any refined sugar or dairy. However, it is important to note that keto ice cream is still a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Vegan ice cream brands

There are a plethora of vegan ice cream brands available on the market, with new options popping up everywhere. Here is a list of some popular brands:

• Breyers : Breyers offers a range of delicious vegan ice cream pints, including Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Vanilla Peanut Butter, and Mint Chocolate Chip. Their larger tubs are perfect for ice cream parties or big families.
• Häagen-Dazs : This indulgent frozen treat brand offers three vegan ice cream pints: Chocolate Salted Fudge Truffle, Coconut Caramel, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge. They also have vegan ice cream bars that are worth checking out.
• Alden's Organic : Alden's Organic provides a wide range of vegan ice cream pints and dairy-free bars. Their Sweet Southern Pecan, Cookie Crumble, and Peanut Butter Chip flavours are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Ben & Jerry's : Ben & Jerry's has a variety of non-dairy pints, including classic flavours like Bananas Foster, Phish Food, and Netflix & Chilll’d. They also have unique options like Lights! Caramel! Action! and Oatmeal Dream Pie.
• Van Leeuwen : This brand offers a range of vegan ice cream flavours, such as Sicilian Pistachio, Cookie Crumble Strawberry Jam, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl, and Mint Chip. You can find their products in select grocery stores, online, or at their shops and food trucks in Los Angeles and New York.
• NadaMoo : NadaMoo uses coconut milk as the base for their delicious ice cream. They offer an array of flavours, including Cookies & Crème, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mint Chip, and Birthday Cake Cookie Dough.
• Mauna Loa : This brand makes vegan ice cream with macadamia milk, and their flavours are inspired by Hawaii. Try the Big Island Mac Nut, Mango Liliko‘i, Rocky Road to Hana, or Kona Coffee for a taste of tropical paradise.
• Trader Joe's : Trader Joe's offers several vegan ice cream options, both classic and unique. Their flavours include Very Chocolatey With Fudge Brownies, Okie Dokie Oat, Soy Creamy Cherry Chocolate Chip, and Black Tea and Boba Coconut.
• Oatly : Oatly is known for its oat milk products, and their frozen desserts are just as delicious. Indulge in fun flavours like Raspberry Swirl, Coffee, Fudge Brownie, and Mint Chip, or stick to classics like Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry.
• So Delicious : This brand offers a variety of vegan ice cream bases and plenty of flavours. Try their Snickerdoodle Cashew Milk, Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie Oat Milk, Cookie Dough Coconut Milk, or Strawberry Wondermilk ice creams.
• JD's Vegan : Created by Grammy-winning producer and longtime vegan Jermaine Dupri, JD's Vegan ice cream starts with a coconut cream base and offers unique and tasty flavours. Options include Key Lime Pie, Welcome to Atlanta Peach Cobbler, Apple Butter, and (404) Cookies & Cream.
• Wicked Kitchen : This brand uses lupini beans as the secret ingredient in their ice cream pints. Their flavours include Vanilla, Chocolate, Cookie Dough, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Birthday Cake. They also offer rich cones and frozen dessert sticks.

With so many options available, you're sure to find a vegan ice cream brand that suits your taste preferences and satisfies your sweet tooth!

Making vegan ice cream

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For a simple vegan ice cream, you'll need full-fat coconut milk, a sweetener such as maple syrup or dates, and a flavouring agent like vanilla extract. You can also add nut butter or alcohol to enhance the creaminess and prevent the ice cream from becoming too icy.

Step 2: Blend the Ingredients

Combine all your ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or flavouring as needed. At this stage, you can also add mix-ins such as cookie dough, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Place the blended mixture in the refrigerator to chill for about an hour. This step helps to prevent the ice cream from sticking to the sides of your ice cream maker and ensures a smoother texture.

Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream

Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. Churning incorporates air into the mixture and helps create a light and fluffy texture. Churn until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.

Step 5: Freeze the Ice Cream

Transfer the soft-serve ice cream to a loaf pan or freezer-safe container and smooth the top. Cover the container and place it in the freezer to set completely. This usually takes a few hours, depending on your freezer settings.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and serving. Top with your favourite toppings, such as vegan hot fudge, whipped cream, nuts, or fresh fruit.

Tips for Success:

• Soak cashews or other nuts in hot water before blending to create a creamy base.
• Freeze the bowl of your ice cream maker overnight or for at least 12 hours before churning.
• If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and stir it every 10-15 minutes for the first hour to prevent ice crystals from forming.
• To make different flavours, add ingredients such as cocoa powder, peanut butter, or fresh or frozen fruit to the base.
• For a softer, creamier texture, add a small amount of alcohol, such as vodka or rum, to the mixture before freezing.

Frequently asked questions