Core Dairy and Low-Calorie Sweeteners
Blue Bunny Sweet Freedom is a 'no sugar added' ice cream, using alternative ingredients for sweetness. Its dairy base commonly includes milk, skim milk, buttermilk, and cream, similar to other ice creams. Sugar substitutes like maltitol, polydextrose, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose are key to its low sugar content. Maltitol is a sugar alcohol, while acesulfame potassium and sucralose are non-nutritive artificial sweeteners.
Sweeteners and Other Additives
A range of stabilizers and emulsifiers are used to create the desired texture and structure without traditional sugar. These include mono and diglycerides, guar gum, carob bean gum, cellulose gel, cellulose gum, and carrageenan to prevent ice crystals and maintain smoothness. Some versions also contain tara gum and xanthan gum. Natural and artificial flavors are used to replicate tastes like vanilla, chocolate, or fruit.
Comparison of Blue Bunny Sweet Freedom and Regular Ice Cream Ingredients
Comparing Sweet Freedom to a standard Blue Bunny ice cream highlights key ingredient differences, primarily in sweeteners.
| Ingredient Category | Blue Bunny Sweet Freedom (Vanilla) | Blue Bunny Original (Vanilla) |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy Base | Milk, Skim Milk, Buttermilk, Cream | Skim Milk, Cream, Sugar, Buttermilk, Whey |
| Sweeteners | Maltitol, Polydextrose, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose | Sugar, Corn Syrup, Fructose |
| Emulsifiers/Stabilizers | Guar Gum, Carob Bean Gum, Cellulose Gel, Carrageenan, Mono & Diglycerides | Mono & Diglycerides, Carob Bean Gum, Cellulose Gel, Carrageenan, Tara Gum, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum |
| Flavors | Natural and Artificial Flavors | Natural and Artificial Flavors |
| Additional Elements | Maltodextrin, Vitamin A Palmitate | Maltodextrin, Salt, Annatto Extract, Caramel Color |
The table shows that Sweet Freedom replaces sugar and corn syrup with low-calorie sweeteners and bulking agents. Stabilizing gums and emulsifiers are largely similar for texture consistency.
Flavor-Specific Ingredients
Each Sweet Freedom flavor includes unique ingredients. For instance:
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Contains chocolaty chunks (with maltitol and cocoa) and artificial colors (Yellow 5, Blue 1).
- Double Strawberry Swirl: Features a strawberry swirl (with strawberry puree, sorbitol, and maltodextrin) and uses artificial colors (Red 40, Blue 1).
- Cherry Vanilla: Includes cherry pieces and artificial colors like Red 40. These additions differentiate flavors while maintaining the no-sugar-added base.
Conclusion
Blue Bunny Sweet Freedom ice cream's ingredients combine dairy, low-calorie sweeteners, emulsifiers, and stabilizers to create a no-sugar-added dessert. Sugar substitutes like sucralose and maltitol provide sweetness without added sugars. While flavors vary with specific additions, the core no-sugar-added formulation is consistent. Understanding this allows consumers managing sugar intake to make informed choices. More details can be found via resources like the Environmental Working Group's food database.
