Unpacking the Ingredients in Andy's Frozen Custard
For those with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or other dietary restrictions, knowing the exact composition of food items is essential. When it comes to the rich, creamy texture of Andy's Frozen Custard, the key to its signature consistency lies in its dairy-heavy base. The company's publicly available nutritional and allergen information makes it clear that milk and cream are foundational components of its frozen custard recipes.
What's Inside Andy's Custard?
The ingredients list for Andy's core custard flavors removes any doubt about the presence of dairy. The vanilla custard, for instance, is made with a blend of milk, cream, and non-fat dry milk, in addition to other ingredients like egg yolks and corn syrup. The chocolate custard follows a very similar formula, also containing milk, cream, and non-fat dry milk. This deliberate inclusion of multiple dairy products is what provides the dessert its dense, velvety, and rich flavor, distinguishing it from regular ice cream which can have a lighter, airier texture.
- Milk: A primary liquid base, providing fat and sugar content.
- Cream: Contributes significantly to the high butterfat content, making the custard richer and thicker than most ice creams.
- Non-Fat Dry Milk: Used to boost the milk solids content, which helps achieve the desired creamy texture without adding extra fat.
- Egg Yolks: A key ingredient that defines custard, helping it to thicken and adding to its luxurious mouthfeel.
- Sucrose and Corn Syrup: Provide the sweetness in the product.
Dairy-Free Alternatives at Andy's
Recognizing the need for alternatives, Andy's Frozen Custard does offer options for customers who cannot consume dairy. These alternatives, however, are not custard-based. Instead, they come in the form of Italian ice, a water-based frozen dessert.
Why Italian Ice is Dairy-Free
Italian ice is created from fruit and water, and is inherently dairy-free. This makes it a safe and refreshing choice for those with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. Flavors such as lemon and strawberry are often available at participating locations. Customers should always confirm availability, as the specific Italian ice offerings may vary by location and season.
Cross-Contamination Concerns
For individuals with severe dairy allergies, it is important to note that Andy's Frozen Custard is not a dedicated allergen-free facility. The company uses the same equipment to process products containing milk, eggs, gluten, and other common allergens. While employees are trained to minimize cross-contact and can take precautions like using clean utensils, the company cannot guarantee that treats will be completely free of allergens. This is a crucial piece of information for those whose allergies can be triggered by even trace amounts of dairy.
Frozen Custard vs. Ice Cream: A Dairy-Driven Difference
The fundamental difference between frozen custard and traditional ice cream often comes down to the inclusion of egg yolks and butterfat content. Frozen custard, by definition, contains egg yolks, and this ingredient thickens the mixture during the freezing process. This results in a denser, richer, and creamier product. Ice cream, while often containing milk and cream, does not necessarily require egg yolks to be called ice cream. It is churned at a higher speed, incorporating more air, which gives it a lighter texture.
| Feature | Frozen Custard (like Andy's) | Traditional Ice Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy Content | Contains milk, cream, and non-fat dry milk. | Contains milk and cream. |
| Egg Yolks | Mandatory ingredient for thickening and richness. | Not required, though some premium varieties may include it for texture. |
| Butterfat Content | Generally higher, contributing to a denser texture. | Varies widely, but typically lower than frozen custard. |
| Air Content | Minimal amount of air incorporated during churning. | More air is whipped in, giving it a lighter texture. |
| Texture | Dense, rich, and velvety smooth. | Lighter, fluffier mouthfeel. |
Conclusion
To answer the question definitively: yes, Andy's Frozen Custard contains milk. It is a dairy-based product, with both milk and cream being key ingredients for its signature rich and creamy texture. This means it is not a suitable option for anyone with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance. However, the company does provide a refreshing dairy-free alternative in the form of Zarlengo's Italian Ice, which is available in select stores and flavors. For those with severe allergies, it is critical to be aware of the risk of cross-contamination due to shared equipment in their facilities. Informed choices, based on reviewing the company's own allergen information, will ensure a safe and enjoyable treat for everyone. For further details on allergens, consult the official Andy's Frozen Custard menu and FAQs online.
