What are the ingredients in Baskin-Robbins no sugar added ice cream?

December 4, 2025 •

2 min read

According to Baskin-Robbins' nutritional information, their no sugar added (NSA) ice cream uses a combination of specialty ingredients to achieve its sweet flavor without traditional sugar. This guide breaks down what are the ingredients in Baskin-Robbins no sugar added ice cream, including the specific sugar substitutes and thickening agents used.

Quick Summary

Baskin-Robbins' no sugar added ice cream contains a blend of sugar alcohols like maltitol and artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, combined with nonfat milk, cream, stabilizers, and emulsifiers to create its creamy texture and sweetness.

Key Points

Primary Sweeteners: Baskin-Robbins no sugar added ice cream uses sugar substitutes like sucralose and sugar alcohols like maltitol for sweetness instead of refined sugar.
Bulking and Fiber: Ingredients like polydextrose and maltodextrin are added to provide bulk, texture, and fiber, replacing the volume lost by removing sugar.
Digestive Effects: Excessive consumption may cause a laxative effect or digestive upset due to the presence of sugar alcohols like maltitol.
Dairy Base and Natural Sugars: The ice cream still contains a dairy base of nonfat milk and cream, meaning it contains naturally occurring milk sugar (lactose).
Stabilizers for Texture: To create a smooth, creamy texture, various gums (guar, cellulose, xanthan) and emulsifiers (mono and diglycerides) are used.
Flavor Variations: Specific ingredients can vary depending on the flavor, with additional components like maltitol-sweetened caramel or chocolate-flavored turtles added accordingly.

The Core Components of Baskin-Robbins No Sugar Added Ice Cream

Baskin-Robbins' no sugar added (NSA) ice cream is a popular option for those monitoring their sugar intake, including diabetics and individuals following specific diet plans. It achieves its taste and texture by replacing traditional sugar with sugar alcohols and high-intensity sweeteners.

The Dairy and Base Ingredients

The base is dairy-rich, similar to regular ice cream, for a creamy consistency:

Nonfat Milk: Provides liquid content and dairy solids.
Cream: Adds fat for a rich texture.
Whey Protein Isolate: A protein source in the base.

Note that milk contains natural lactose, a sugar. The "no sugar added" label means no added sucrose or corn syrup, not necessarily the absence of all sugar.

Sugar Substitutes and Bulking Agents

To replace sugar's sweetness and bulk, Baskin-Robbins uses several alternatives:

Maltitol: A sugar alcohol, less sweet than sugar with fewer calories. Used in the base and flavorings.
Sucralose: A zero-calorie artificial sweetener providing strong sweetness.
Polydextrose: A synthetic polymer acting as a bulking agent and dietary fiber source.
Maltodextrin: A polysaccharide used as a thickener and fat replacer.

Stabilizers and Emulsifiers

To ensure a smooth, uniform texture, stabilizers and emulsifiers are used:

Mono and Diglycerides: Emulsifiers that blend fat and water.
Guar Gum, Tara Gum, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan: Gums that stabilize and provide smooth texture.
Polysorbate 80: Another emulsifier assisting in mixing.

Example: No Sugar Added Caramel Turtle Truffle

Flavor-specific ingredients are added for unique tastes, often containing their own non-sugar components:

Caramel Ribbon: Contains Maltitol Syrup, cream, nonfat milk, glycerin, and pectin.
Caramel Turtles: Made with Maltitol, coconut oil, lactitol, cocoa, and soy lecithin.

Comparison: NSA vs. Regular Ice Cream Ingredients

The following table highlights key ingredient differences:


Ingredient Category	Baskin-Robbins No Sugar Added (NSA) Ice Cream	Baskin-Robbins Regular Ice Cream (Example: Cookies 'n Cream)
Sweeteners	Maltitol, Sucralose	Sugar, Corn Syrup, Sucrose
Bulking Agents	Polydextrose, Maltodextrin	Cornstarch, Flour (from cookies)
Fats	Cream, Refined Coconut Oil, Refined Palm Kernel Oil	Cream, Vegetable Oil (Palm, Soybean, and Palm Kernel Oil)
Thickeners/Stabilizers	Guar Gum, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Tara Gum	Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Mono and Diglycerides, Locust Bean Gum
Emulsifiers	Mono and Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin	Soy Lecithin, Mono and Diglycerides
Notable Add-ins	Maltitol-sweetened caramel ribbon, sugar-free caramel turtles, flavored chunks	Cookie pieces made with sugar, flour, and cocoa

Potential Health Implications and Considerations

Consider potential digestive discomfort from sugar alcohols like maltitol. The ice cream is not calorie-free, so moderation is key.

Conclusion

Baskin-Robbins no sugar added ice cream uses a dairy base with sugar substitutes like maltitol and sucralose for sweetness, and stabilizers and emulsifiers for texture. While a lower-sugar option, be aware of sugar alcohol content and potential side effects. Always check the official allergen guide for detailed information.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Baskin-Robbins' "no sugar added" ice cream is not entirely sugar-free. It does not contain added refined sugars but still has naturally occurring lactose from the milk and cream in the dairy base.

The primary sweeteners are a combination of sugar alcohols, mainly maltitol, and the high-intensity artificial sweetener sucralose.

Yes, due to the sugar alcohols like maltitol, sensitive individuals may experience a laxative effect if they consume the product excessively. It's recommended to enjoy in moderation.

Polydextrose and Maltodextrin are used as bulking agents and texturizers. They help replace the volume and thickness that is normally provided by sugar, contributing to the ice cream's overall mouthfeel.

While it contains fewer calories from sugar, it is not necessarily a low-calorie food. It still contains fats and is not calorie-free, so portion control is important.

Yes, the specific ingredients vary depending on the flavor. For example, the caramel truffle flavor contains ingredients for the caramel ribbon and turtles, which are different from the components in a pineapple coconut flavor.

For the most accurate and up-to-date ingredient and allergen information, it is best to check the official Baskin-Robbins website or contact their Consumer Care department.

The product is designed for those managing sugar intake. However, because it contains carbohydrates from sugar alcohols and milk, and can still impact blood sugar levels, it is best for diabetics to consult their healthcare provider before consumption.