There’s nothing like curling up in your blanket with a bowl of ice cream at the end of a long day. Like most of us, we are sure you have caught yourself worrying about the calories and how this little indulgence will impact your health. Enter organic ice cream. The latest confectionery is quickly gaining popularity, especially given the shift to adopt healthier lifestyles. Even so, it’s only natural to wonder about its health aspect or what kind is the healthiest for you. We’re here to help you with this dilemma as you explore the world of organic ice creams.
What is Organic Ice Cream?
By definition, organic ice cream is produced from organic milk from cows, which in turn obtain at least 30% of their diet from pasture. Even then, for ice cream to be called organic, it needs to meet multiple requirements. Everything printed on the label should be organic, natural, and exactly what it says on the pack, which may only sometimes be true for regular ice cream.
In the case of organic ice cream, milk, and cream need to come from cows whose diets have not been subjected to any antibiotics or growth hormones. These cows are fed organic feed and graze in pastures with deep-rooted grass without pesticides or fertilizers. Apart from the main base ingredients, organic ice creams also do not contain chemical additives or preservatives or any additives or flavorings included. All ingredients in the recipe, such as sugar, fruits, pulp, nuts, etc., are organically cultivated without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Organic ice cream will not contain preservatives as it is prepared fresh, usually in small batches.
What Makes it Good?
Your regular, non-organic ice cream is processed using a host of chemicals. It is subjected to various manufacturing practices, stripping the final product of all its goodness and nutrients. Sure, it tastes good, but your scoop is almost always loaded with a tonne of artificial sugars and sweeteners to enhance the flavor, which is also unnatural. On the other hand, organic ice creams contain a decent amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, which form a part of beneficial, heart-healthy fats.
Using natural, organic ingredients further ramps up the nutrition profile compared to conventional ice creams. Additionally, organic ice creams may contain nutrients and minerals such as vitamins C, E, D, B6, B12, and K.
The Way Forward
The shift towards healthy living and holistic eating has contributed largely to the rise in the demand for organic ice cream. The increasing curiosity about foods and their sourcing is yet another factor that could push the demand for organic ice cream in the near future.
Manufacturers, too, are rising to meet the demands of consumers to formulate products aligned with consumer preferences, such as organic fruit powder, organic cocoa, etc. Guar gum derived organically is another popular trace ingredient in the recipe, as it helps keep the ice cream smooth and creamy while also fulfilling the organic, biodiverse requirement for the final product.
Current statistics reflect that the organic ice cream industry is growing by a solid rate of 4% every year. This number is only expected to rise in the coming years as the demand for an organic food chain increases with increasing awareness.
