National Ice Cream Day

Jolie Wiener

Jolie Wiener

July 18 is National Ice Cream Day and for good reason - it's everyone’s favorite summer time treat! According to USA Today, Ice Cream Day became a...

July 18 is National Ice Cream Day and for good reason - it's everyone’s favorite summer time treat! According to USA Today, Ice Cream Day became an official food holiday in 1984 when President Ronald Reagan declared the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day and the month of July as National Ice Cream Month.  Reagan’s proclamation noted the ice cream industry generated $3.5 billion in annual sales. 

The International Dairy Foods Association notes that July is the busiest production month for ice cream makers.  About 6.4 billion pounds of ice cream and frozen yogurt were produced in the U.S. in 2019 (most recent data).  The ice cream industry has a $13.1 billion impact on the U.S. economy, supports 28,800 direct jobs, and generates $1.8 billion in direct wages, according to IDFA’s Dairy Delivers®.The majority of U.S. ice cream and frozen dessert manufacturers have been in business for more than 50 years and many are still family-owned businesses. So how can you enjoy this festive summer treat in a healthier way and turn ice cream day into a diabetic friendly holiday? Know the options, buy or make and enjoy!

What are the differences between ice cream and other frozen treats?

When looking for frozen favorites there are many options. So what is the difference between ice cream and sorbet, gelato, custard or yogurt? The two biggest differences are the amount of milk fat, density and temperature. Sorbet, for example, is dairy free whereas traditional ice cream is made with dairy. The different frozen desserts can have various amounts of sugar and fat which is important in choosing the best option for your body!

For those of us with type 2, eating too much sugar or foods high in fat, can make our symptoms worse. If you're looking for a frozen dessert without sugar OR dairy, there are many new options that are plant based or use dairy or sugar substitutes.  So Delicious is a dairy free “ice cream” without added sugar.  It’s a great example of a frozen dessert made with coconut milk and sweetened with erythritol and monk fruit extract, with chicory root for added fiber. 

How do you make your own?

This Ice Cream Day you can even enjoy making your own no sugar added ice cream! https://thebigmansworld.com/sugar-free-ice-cream/ gave us an amazing, easy to follow recipe for you to try at home!

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place a loaf pan in the freezer.
  • From the cans of chilled coconut milk, separate the cream portion from them and place it in a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat together until smooth and creamy.
  • In a separate bowl, add your heavy cream and beat together until soft peaks form. Add the sweetener, vodka, and vanilla extract, if using them, and beat until combined.
  • Slowly fold the whipped cream into the heavy cream mixture and mix until combined. Transfer to the chilled loaf pan and cover completely. Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours to firm up.
  • Let your ice cream sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, before serving.

While this ice cream tastes delicious on its own, here are some fun flavor options for some variety! 

  • Chocolate– Add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. 
  • Chocolate chip– Fold through 1/2 cup sugar free chocolate chips.  
  • Mint- Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and chopped up peppermint bark.
  • Strawberry– Fold through 1/4 cup sliced strawberries. 
  • Salted caramel– Drizzle 1/2 cup keto caramel sauce.

Notes

* You can substitute this with 1/3 cup of allulose. 

TO STORE: Ice cream should always be stored in the freezer completely covered. If there are any open pockets, the ice cream will get freezer burnt. 

TO RE-FREEZE: I don't recommend re-freezing your ice cream more than once, or it will become icy. Instead, place the ice cream into several sealable containers or individual plastic tubs for smaller servings. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 22g | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 875IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg | NET CARBS: 1g

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