However, the good news is that with the greater consciousness toward healthy food-trends, one can still enjoy ice cream, gelato and frozen-yogurt by exercising caution and picking healthier alternatives. Here is an analysis of the deliciously sinful treats.
This oldie needs no introduction. Ice cream first emerged in the 1600s when an Italian/French chef of King Charles I brought the highly guarded secret recipe (under threat) daily onto the royal table, only to have it all spilled right after the king’s death. Should we owe our respects for once to someone with a telltale tongue or what? (I know I’m not complaining)
Today, the treat is not only enjoyed across all socio-economic groups, but we are spoilt with choice in rainbow colors, crazy flavors, rich toppings, and more recently, by the industry’s move into the healthy ice cream produce.
Low-fat, light or reduced fat ice cream: Less fat and lower calorie content than traditional ice cream with some of the same health benefits.
Soft-serve ice cream: Contains twice the amount of air as traditional ice cream, giving it a lighter texture with less fat and lower calorie content, but often contains unwanted fillers and additives.
Sherbet: Contains less milk than traditional ice cream along with egg whites or gelatin for thickness, giving it less fat than regular ice cream but a higher sugar content than low-fat ice cream.
Non-dairy ice cream: Typically soy-based containing the same protein and nutrients with less fat and lower calorie content than regular ice cream.
While ice cream isn't typically consumed for its nutritional value, there are several health benefits associated with this frozen treat, including bone-strengthening calcium, vitamins A, D, K, B12 and protein. However, its high calorie, sugar and saturated fat content make it a bad choice for those looking for healthier alternatives. Ice cream can also be a dangerous "trigger" food that can be easily overeaten.
Furthermore, certain types of ice creams include added toppings like chocolate, peanut butter, fudge and other forms of candy, which increase their calorie and sugar content. This completely negates its health benefits health benefits of ice cream and can lead to major health risks like diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity.
Gelato is all the rage these days, as it is becoming a much sought-after dessert choice over the common confection: Ice cream.
Gelato means “frozen” in Italian with no implication however towards a gelatin product and has actually been around since the 16th century. Gelato contains less air than ice cream, which lends it its soft, creamy and velvety texture. In addition, it is served 10-15 degrees warmer than ice cream. Since it is less solidly frozen, gelato has a more luxurious taste as it melts in the mouth.
Unlike ice cream, which contains between 10-20 percent butterfat, gelato typically contains a mere 4-8 percent, making it a far likelier treat for dieters and health-conscious individuals.
While gelato is not a "diet" product, its flavors are appealing to the health conscious gourmet market with flavors such as watermelon, lemon, blackberry, pistachio and other healthy fruits and nut toppings.
Frozen yogurt, aka fro-yo, is a frozen dessert containing yogurt and other dairy products. Frozen yogurt got its start in the 1980s — a decade that was characterized by a health craze that spawned celebrity exercise videos, celebrity-endorsed weight-loss products and Jane Fonda.
It is lower in fat than traditional ice cream and gelato (due to the use of milk instead of cream) with milk fat comprising between 0.5 to 6 percent. If served as low-fat yogurt, it is an excellent source of calcium, all for a little under 160 calories.
An increased interest in probiotics, the healthy bacteria found in yogurt, may be a factor in the popularity of this alternative to regular ice cream. It is also a better alternative for those who are lactose-intolerant and it helps ease gastrointestinal infections.
In general, frozen yogurt can be viewed as a healthier alternative to ice cream and gelato. However, it should not be viewed as a “healthy” food because it still contains relatively high levels of fat and might have extremely high amounts of sugar if it contains additions like chocolate-chips and other candies.
Also, not all products termed "frozen yogurt" actually contain live and active bacteria cultures. Some so-called "frozen yogurts" use heat-treated yogurt, which kills the cultures while others may simply add cultures to the mix along with acidifiers and skip the fermentation step all together.
Consumers should realize that although frozen yogurt is richer in many minerals and nutrients than ice cream or gelato, it is not as healthy as regular plain yogurt, especially if it has a high sugar content and no live and active bacteria cultures.
