What is Pressed Freeze?
Pressed Freeze is a vegan, plant-based soft-serve dessert created by Pressed Juicery, a company known for its cold-pressed juices and plant-forward products. Unlike traditional ice cream or frozen yogurt, which typically contain dairy and added refined sugars, Pressed Freeze is made with minimal, natural ingredients. Depending on the flavor, the base consists of ingredients like almond milk, coconut cream, oat milk, fruits, and dates. The company promotes it as a simple, healthier alternative for those seeking a sweet treat without compromising their wellness goals.
The Sweetener Source: Natural Sugars, Not Refined
The common assumption that a healthy-sounding dessert like Pressed Freeze is sugar-free is a misconception. It's crucial to distinguish between 'no added refined sugar' and being completely 'sugar-free.' Pressed Freeze falls into the first category. Instead of using cane sugar, corn syrup, or other refined sweeteners, the sweetness comes from whole food sources.
- Dates: This is the most common natural sweetener used in many of the classic Freeze flavors, including Vanilla and Chocolate. Dates provide a rich, caramel-like sweetness along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are a less-processed alternative to refined sugar.
- Fruits: The fruit-based flavors, such as the Greens, Roots, and Citrus options, get their sweetness directly from the fruits and vegetables used in their recipes, such as apples, oranges, and strawberries. While still sugar, this is naturally occurring fructose that comes bundled with fiber and nutrients.
- Maple Syrup: Some modern or seasonal flavors, like the chocolate frozen dessert available in pints, may be sweetened with maple syrup instead of dates.
Because of these natural ingredients, all flavors of Pressed Freeze contain a certain amount of sugar, though it varies significantly depending on the flavor and base.
Pressed Freeze Nutritional Comparison by Flavor
To illustrate how the natural sweeteners affect the final product, here is a comparison of sugar content for several classic 4-ounce (Size 1) Pressed Freeze flavors, according to earlier nutritional information.
| Flavor | Main Ingredients | Total Sugar (per 4 oz) | Sweetener Source | Added Refined Sugar? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanilla | Almonds, dates, vanilla bean, sea salt | 5g | Dates | No |
| Chocolate | Cacao, almonds, dates, vanilla bean, sea salt | 4g | Dates | No |
| Greens | Fruits, vegetables, dates, coconut | 11g | Fruits & Dates | No |
| Roots | Beets, carrots, fruits, dates, coconut | 10g | Vegetables, Fruits & Dates | No |
| Citrus | Orange, apple, pineapple, dates, coconut | 13g | Fruits & Dates | No |
| Fruit | Strawberry, apple, coconut, dates | 12g | Fruits & Dates | No |
It is important to note that nutritional information can change, and it is always best to check the current information provided by Pressed Juicery or on their packaging for the most accurate details for the product you are purchasing. For example, some pints might use maple syrup, which differs from the dates-sweetened soft-serve.
What Makes Natural Sugars Different from Refined Sugars?
From a chemical standpoint, the body processes all sugar molecules similarly. However, the source of the sugar has a significant impact on its nutritional value and how quickly it affects blood sugar levels. Natural sugars found in fruits and dates are packaged with fiber, which slows down digestion and the release of sugar into the bloodstream. This prevents rapid spikes in blood glucose. Refined sugars, in contrast, are stripped of all fiber and nutrients during processing, leading to a much faster absorption rate and more dramatic blood sugar fluctuations.
List of Key Differences:
- Nutrient Density: Natural sweeteners like dates contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while refined sugar is devoid of nutrients.
- Fiber Content: Whole-food sources of sugar like fruits and dates contain fiber, which promotes digestive health and can help manage blood sugar levels.
- Satiety: The fiber and nutrients in natural sugar sources contribute to a feeling of fullness, which can prevent overconsumption. Refined sugars often trigger cravings for more sugar.
- Processing: Refined sugars undergo extensive processing that removes beneficial compounds, while natural sweeteners like dates or maple syrup are minimally processed.
The Takeaway for Conscious Consumers
For those managing their sugar intake, Pressed Freeze offers a more mindful alternative to conventional frozen desserts. While not sugar-free, its sweetness is sourced from whole foods. This makes it a better option for a plant-based diet and can satisfy a craving without the negative effects associated with refined sugar. However, it's still a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
For more information on the company and its philosophy, you can visit the official Pressed Juicery website.(https://pressed.com/our-journey)
Conclusion
In summary, the question "Is Pressed freeze sugar free?" is best answered with a clarification: it contains no added refined sugars, but it is not completely sugar-free. All of its sweetness comes from natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, dates, and sometimes maple syrup. The exact sugar content varies by flavor, with some plant-based juices containing more natural fruit sugar than the creamy almond milk and date-based options. For anyone looking for a sweet, plant-based treat, Pressed Freeze offers a mindful and delicious option that leverages the best of nature's sweeteners.
