Keto Ice Cream: Natural Sweeteners For Your Favorite Treat

When it comes to keto-friendly ice cream, there are plenty of options to choose from. From store-bought pints to homemade recipes, you can enjoy a sweet treat without compromising your keto diet.

For store-bought options, brands like Enlightened, Halo Top, Rebel Creamery, and Keto Pint offer a variety of flavors with low-carb counts. These ice creams typically use sugar alternatives like stevia, monk fruit, vegetable glycerin, and erythritol to keep the carb count low.

If you're looking for a homemade option, there are recipes that use ingredients like heavy cream, sweetener, and xanthan gum to create a creamy, keto-friendly treat. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding cocoa powder, cookie dough, or strawberry slices to your ice cream base.

Whether you choose a store-bought or homemade option, be sure to check the ingredient list and nutrition facts to ensure it aligns with your keto diet. Enjoy your keto-friendly ice cream!

Erythritol

While erythritol is generally recognised as safe by the FDA, there is increasing scientific evidence that it and other artificial sweeteners can have serious negative health effects. Some studies have associated erythritol with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and even death. It can also cause mild to severe digestive issues if consumed in large amounts, including bloating, cramping, excess gas, and diarrhoea.

When used in ice cream, erythritol can help create a soft, scoopable texture, as it has a higher freezing point than sugar. It also dissolves well and does not have a cooling aftertaste like some other sugar alcohols. However, it is important to note that erythritol may not be suitable for everyone, and some people may experience adverse side effects.

Monk fruit

When making keto ice cream with monk fruit, it is essential to use a low-carb milk alternative such as coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew milk. Heavy whipping cream can also be used but will result in a higher fat and calorie content. Other ingredients to include are egg yolks, vanilla extract, and beef gelatin, which helps to emulsify the ice cream and give it a creamy texture.

It is also possible to make no-churn monk fruit ice cream by simply blending all the ingredients and freezing the mixture in a freezer-safe container. However, using an ice cream maker will result in a creamier and smoother texture.

Allulose

When making keto ice cream with allulose, it is important to note that the sweetener needs to be well incorporated into the mixture. This can be done by whisking the allulose into the cream mixture while it is heating up. It is also important to chill the ice cream mixture before churning, as this will result in a better texture.

Overall, allulose is a great choice for keto ice cream as it keeps the ice cream soft, scoopable, and tasty, without affecting blood sugar levels.

Xylitol

However, a recent study suggested that higher blood levels of xylitol were associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in people. More research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the long-term cardiovascular health risks of xylitol.

Stevia

To make stevia ice cream, combine 3/4 cup of xylitol, 1-2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, 1 cup of milk, 2 cups of heavy cream, and 30 drops of liquid stevia. Warm the milk on the stove, being careful not to let it boil, and add the xylitol, whisking until dissolved. Refrigerate the mixture for 1-2 hours, then add the cream and vanilla and mix well. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Frequently asked questions