Ice cream doesn’t have to come with a list of mysterious ingredients.
Few things bring joy quite like a scoop of creamy goodness.
If you’re questioning if your ice cream is made with gums or stabilizers, you’re not alone.
“Gums are thickening agents added to ice cream to enhance texture, create creaminess, and prolong shelf life,” says Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board-Certified Sports Dietitian. Examples of these additives include Guar gum, Xanthan gum, and Carrageenan. They serve to improve consistency and prevent separation of fat and water during freezing or thawing. While gums aren’t harmful, some people choose to steer clear due to potential digestive discomfort, including bloating.
Interestingly, many brands use these additives to compensate for lower-quality ingredients or reduced fat content. As Tara explains, “Gums permit manufacturers to create a creamy texture without using real cream or eggs.”
In contrast, brands dedicated to traditional methods prioritize actual cream and eggs. This approach not only results in enhanced digestibility but also provides an overall better experience for those conscious about their food choices.
Here are six remarkable ice cream brands that offer pure, gum-free indulgence.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
This celebrated brand employs a custard-style base featuring milk, cream, and egg yolks to achieve rich texture, eliminating the need for gums. “Egg yolks act as natural emulsifiers, creating a digestively friendly option,” notes Collingwood.
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
McConnell’s stays true to traditional recipes using high-quality butterfat cream and eggs instead of stabilizers. “Using premium dairy minimizes the need for additives and allows for smaller, more satisfying portions,” adds Collingwood.
Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs impresses with its short ingredient list, often featuring just cream, milk, sugar, and eggs. “This brand exemplifies how real ingredients yield natural creaminess, removing the need for stabilizers,” asserts Collingwood.
Straus Family Creamery
Straus Family Creamery advocates for transparency with a minimal ingredient list. “This resonates with consumers who value organic sourcing and simplicity without additives,” Collingwood adds.
Alec’s Ice Cream
Alec’s Ice Cream is crafted from grass-fed milk and eggs, ensuring a focus on high-quality dairy. “When dairy quality is superior, it often leads to an improved flavor and fat profile, reducing the need for added stabilizers,” remarks Collingwood.
Penn State Creamery
Penn State Creamery continues traditional ice cream-making techniques, relying on custard processes. “This is a prime example of how ice cream was originally crafted before stabilizers became commonplace in the industry,” Collingwood explains.
Leah Groth
