The Best Dairy-Free Ice Cream
When the days get hot, sometimes all you want is a cold scoop of ice cream to keep you cool. If you are vegan, lactose intolerant, or have decided to opt for a dairy-free diet, it doesn’t mean that you have to stop enjoying the creamy goodness! Excellent dairy-free ice cream is that which makes the use of good ingredients that have a high fat content.
Here is a quick overview of how to find the best dairy-free ice cream around!
Ingredients
Before we can figure out the best dairy-free ice cream, it is important to understand exactly what it is. Precisely as its name suggests, this ice cream is made without using any dairy products whatsoever. In dairy-free versions, the cow milk that is present in regular ice creams has effectively been replaced by a variety of alternative products. Here are some of the alternatives.
*Coconut milk: coconut milk is increasingly being used in various dairy-free frozen products. It is known to have a greater amount of saturated fat along with a high calorie count.
*Nut milk: non-dairy products often make the use of milk made from a wide range of nuts such as cashew nuts, pine nuts, almonds, and even soy. The use of milk made from these alternative sources has a lower saturated fat and calorie content.
The idea of consuming such an unconventional version of ice cream might sound weird, but the fact that it is gaining immense popularity worldwide is a sign that the flavor of the dessert has not been compromised. It is not hard to see that the best dairy-free ice cream is the one that replaces its animal product ingredients with high-quality non-dairy alternative ingredients.
Excellent Texture and Flavor
It is no secret that the key to finding a favorite dessert lies primarily in how it tastes. As no two people are alike, it is not hard to fathom how taste preferences vary from individual to individual. In order to find the best dairy-free ice cream to treat yourself, one of the most important things is to understand what makes it taste good.
Some people are surprised to hear that the taste of an ice cream depends on the fat level in it. Ice cream that has been made from ingredients with low or reduced milk fat content is unable to emulsify effectively. This means that the ice cream would have a thin and almost watery feel and taste to it, even after it is frozen.
Presence of Additives
A key feature of good quality dairy-free ice cream is the kind of additives added to it. Here is a quick run-down of some ‘make or break’ additives that influence the taste as well as the texture of the sweet treat.
*Thickening Agents: ice cream that has been made from non-dairy products generally has a high level of water content. In order to have ice creams that feel substantial instead of watery, manufacturers use a variety of thickening agents. These agents encourage emulsification while also preventing the formation of water crystals. The most common thickening agent used in ice cream is made from guar beans.
*Mixed milk: the best non-dairy ice creams are made by mixing various combinations of milk for added texture and flavor. Ice creams that have coconut cream and cashew milk are known to have richer tastes and creamier textures.
Conclusion
In order to find the best dairy-free ice cream, it is essential that you evaluate the ingredients used to make it. Ice creams that have been made using non-dairy products that have a high fat content are generally more flavorful and have better texture.
I hope this helps you find the perfect scoop!
