24 Jun 2019
vegan ice cream
Posted by Nicole Senior on Monday, June 24, 2019
VEGAN ICE CREAM – is it the answer to better health and sustainability?
‘You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream’ is a popular soundtrack to food joy. Now vegans, sustainable shoppers and calorie-conscious consumers can get their fix with many big name ice cream brands launching products to cater for these dietary desires. Are these alternative ice creams healthier and better for the planet? Or are we better off sticking with the real deal?
Are vegan ice creams better for the planet?
Plant-based foods generally use fewer resources (e.g. water, feed, energy) and have lower greenhouse gas emissions. However, not all vegan foods are sustainable options due to their high level of processing. Highly processed foods use more energy and their long supply chains add transport inputs and create emissions. For example, the new Magnum Classic Dairy-Free ice cream contains pea protein, but quite a number of steps and resources would be required to turn peas into pea protein and then add it to ice cream. These vegan products are developed to meet consumer demand, not necessarily to boost sustainability. In the big picture, the planet could do with fewer ice creams (and highly processed foods generally) rather than vegan ones.
Are some ice creams ‘healthier’ than others?
There are ice creams on the market to cater for nearly every diet: vegan, low-calorie, higher protein, gluten-free and even ‘guilt-free’. We compared the nutrients in Magnum Classic to the new Magnum Classic Dairy-free (Unilever Australia). The nutritional profiles are quite similar, with a similar ratio of fat to sugar to obtain the desired flavour and texture. The protein content of the Magnum Classic is slightly higher than its dairy-free counterpart. They are both still highly processed, discretionary (treat) foods. They contain plenty of sugar and calories and roughly half your daily saturated fat allowance (12g for Magnum Classic and 10.1g for Magnum Classic Dairy-Free out of 24g).
The ‘low-calorie and ‘guilt-free’ ice creams are also not as virtuous as they appear. While they may be lower in sugar and calories they are still highly processed treat foods best enjoyed occasionally. As Philippa discussed in her article, these ice creams are often sweetened with sugar alcohols, so for some people they may come with an unwanted side of diarrhoea, bloating or gas.
Nutrient |
Magnum Classic |
Magnum Classic Dairy-Free 71g |
||
Per 82g serve |
Per 100g |
Per 71g serve |
Per 100g |
|
Energy |
1090kJ 262 calories |
1330kJ 320 calories |
980kJ 234 calories |
1380kJ 330 calories |
Protein |
3.2g |
3.9g |
1.2g |
1.6g |
Fat - Includes saturated fat |
17.5g 12g |
21.3g 14.6g |
14.4g 10.1g |
20.4g 14.3g |
Carbohydrates - Includes sugars |
22.2g 21.9g |
27.1g 26.7g |
24.0g 19.6g |
33.8g 27.6g |
Sodium |
50mg |
60mg |
30mg |
45mg |
How to curb cravings
Similar to chocolate, cookies and other treats, ice cream is a food people crave. This is due in part because ice cream is considered naughty or ‘off-limits’. We want what is forbidden, and often eat large amounts when we give in. The answer is, occasionally, choose a modest portion of excellent and delicious ice cream and savour every mouthful.
At other times choose healthy and satisfying sweet foods such as fruit. Our favourite satisfying sweet combos include Greek yoghurt with honey and walnuts or seasonal fresh fruit salad with vanilla yoghurt. Try Kate McGhie’s Banana and Peanut ‘Ice Cream’ recipe in this issue of GI News for a frozen treat that satisfies. Trick your brain into believing that you are eating more by serving it in a smaller dish. Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate if you fancy it.
Ice Cream in a Nut Shell
- Vegan and low-calorie ice creams are still highly processed ‘sometimes’ foods that have an impact on our environment and health, just like regular ice cream.
- No foods are off-limits; enjoy a good quality ice cream from time to time.
- For everyday sweet treats, choose satisfying wholefoods such as fruit and yoghurt
