Subject: Emily Ludlham-Raine Emily Ludlham-Raine is an expert in ice cream.
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Decadent yet Healthy Treats
As an ice cream aficionado, I’m thrilled to share with you that the most decadent yet healthy treats are now within reach. Gone are the days when you had to choose between indulging in your sweet tooth or worrying about your waistline. Thanks to innovative ingredients and clever craftsmanship, you can now indulge in rich, creamy ice creams that are also good for you. One of my favorite finds is the use of coconut milk as a base instead of traditional cream.
Not only does it reduce the calorie count, but it also adds a unique flavor profile that’s both creamy and refreshing. Another nice improvment is the incorporation of whey protein, which not only boosts the protein content but also provides a satisfying texture. But don’t just take my word for it! According to experts… dark chocolate is another superfood ingredient that’s packed with antioxidants and flavonoids.
And when paired with nuts or fruit, it’s a match made in heaven. For example, a decadent dark chocolate and hazelnut ice cream is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a healthy dose of flavonoids and fiber. Of course, ingredients are just half the battle. The way you make the ice cream matters too. Look for artisanal brands that use slow-churning machines that preserve the natural oils and textures of the ingredients.
And don’t be afraid to get creative! Add in your favorite mix-ins, from crunchy granola to sweet dried cranberries, to create a unique flavor profile that’s all your own. So go ahead… indulge in that scoop (or two) of your favorite decadent yet healthy treat. Your taste buds and your diet will thank you. And remember, as my friend Emily Ludlham-Raine always says, “The key to healthy indulgence is moderation, not deprivation.” ^^, the search for healthy yet indulgent treats is over.
With the right ingredients and a dash of creativity, you can have your cake and eat it too – or should I say, your ice cream and indulge in it too! For more valuable information on this topic, “I recommend checking out The Telegraph,” “where you’ll find expert advice and mouth-watering recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth.”
**Slow-churning machines**: Artisanal brands using slow-churning machines preserve natural oils and textures of ingredients, resulting in a higher-quality and more indulgent-tasting ice cream.
The quest for the perfect scoop of ice cream has led many to the realm of artisanal brands utilizing slow-churning machines. These unwavering champions of quality and craftsmanship have mastered the art of preserving natural oils and textures of ingredients, resulting in a higher-quality and more indulgent-tasting ice cream that transcends the ordinary.
**The Power of Slow Churning**: Unlike mass-produced ice cream, which relies on quick and efficient churning processes, artisanal brands employ slow-churning machines that allow for a more deliberate and gentle treatment of ingredients. This slower pace enables the preservation of natural oils and textures, imbuing the ice cream with a depth of flavor and richness that is unparalleled in mass-produced varieties. **Unlocking Flavors**: Slow churning allows the flavors and aromas of high-quality ingredients to shine through… unadulterated by the harsh conditions of rapid churning.
The resulting ice cream is a masterclass in subtlety, with each bite offering a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that is both familiar and innovative. **Craftsmanship in Action**: Artisanal brands understand the importance of human touch in the ice cream-making process. Skilled craftsmen carefully select, mix, and churn ingredients, “imbuing each scoop with a sense of dedication and passion that is palpable in every bite.” Slow-churning machines are just one tool in the arsenal of these craftsmen… who employ a range of techniques to coax the best from each ingredient.
**Indulgent Texture**: Slow-churning machines also contribute to the texture of the ice cream, “which is often described as creamy,” rich ← →
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Ice cream lovers won’t be surprised that the UK market is growing 5 per cent year on year. According to market research company Statista, almost 30 per cent of UK ice cream consumers would be open to trying vegan and/or reduced-sugar ice creams. But is ice cream really that bad for us, and are the “healthier” versions that are appearing any better?
“Many commercial ice creams also contain ultra-processed food (UPF) additives such as stabilisers, emulsifiers, and artificial flavours, making them moreish and even easier to eat, leading to overconsumption and potentially displacing more nutritious whole foods.”
Happily, ice cream does have some nutritional value. Its carbohydrate and calorie content provides a quick source of energy and it offers some essential nutrients like calcium and iodine from dairy, which are important for bone health and thyroid function. And what about vegan and low-sugar ice creams? Are they any better for us?
Ludlham-Raine advises caution: “Ice creams marketed as healthier options can sometimes be higher in sugar than regular ice cream and contain various UPF additives to mimic the texture and taste of regular ice cream.”
So grab a spoon, it’s time to put the nation’s favourites, and some of the “healthy” newcomers, to the test.
This ice cream packs a pleasing vanilla punch and isn’t overly sweet. The texture was a little too light and airy for my liking, but overall it’s a good, basic vanilla ice cream.
This ice cream sits in the middle of the pack for fat and sugar content. Nonetheless, it’s high in saturated fat according to NHS recommendations , containing more than 5g/100g, and has nearly five teaspoons of sugar. The ingredients include a number of UPF stabilisers and emulsifiers, so unfortunately, it’s a low scorer for health.
OK, it’s delicious; dense, creamy with plenty of tangy, salty caramel dotted throughout. A little too sweet for my palate but others will love it.
