The Classic Dairy Base: More Than Just Cream and Sugar
At its core, a Ben & Jerry's pint is built on a rich and creamy base. For their traditional ice cream, the essential building blocks include cream, skim milk, and liquid sugar (a combination of sugar and water). Egg yolks are also a crucial component, providing a luxurious, smooth texture and richness that sets their ice cream apart. In addition to these primary ingredients, Ben and Jerry's uses natural stabilizers, such as guar gum and carrageenan, to prevent the formation of ice crystals and ensure a consistent texture. These ingredients work together to create the perfect canvas for the brand's iconic chunks and swirls.
Flavor-Specific Mix-ins and Swirls
Beyond the base, individual Ben and Jerry's flavors contain a variety of unique additions. For example, their beloved Cherry Garcia flavor includes cherries and fudge flakes, with coloring from fruit and vegetable concentrates. Chocolate Fudge Brownie features cocoa processed with alkali, wheat flour, and other ingredients to create the rich fudge brownie pieces. For the 'Everything But The...' flavor, you'll find a medley of peanut butter cups, fudge-covered toffee, white chocolate chunks, and chocolate-covered almonds, all held together by a base of vanilla and chocolate ice cream.
A Commitment to Conscious Sourcing
Ben and Jerry's takes pride in sourcing ingredients that align with their social values. The company has committed to using Fairtrade Certified ingredients since 2005, a policy that helps small-scale farmers receive fair prices for their products. This is particularly relevant for ingredients like sugar, vanilla, and cocoa. They also partner with programs like Tony's Open Chain for traceable cocoa and the Caring Dairy program for their milk and cream, ensuring responsible practices from farm to factory.
The Rise of Non-Dairy Ingredients
In response to growing consumer demand for dairy-free alternatives, Ben and Jerry's has introduced a popular line of non-dairy flavors. These products replace the traditional cream and milk base with plant-based ingredients.
Common Non-Dairy Ingredients:
- Oat Milk: A creamy, plant-based milk alternative that forms the primary base for many non-dairy flavors.
- Almond Paste: Used in some recipes, like the 'Cookies on Cookie Dough' vegan flavor, to provide a rich, nutty flavor and texture.
- Coconut Oil: Adds a desirable richness and creaminess that is often associated with traditional ice cream.
- Pea and Fava Bean Protein: These plant-based proteins are used to improve the overall texture and stability of the non-dairy frozen desserts.
- Thickeners and Stabilizers: Ingredients like guar gum and locust bean gum perform a similar function to their dairy-based counterparts, preventing ice crystal formation.
Dairy vs. Non-Dairy: A Comparative Ingredient Table
To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of key ingredients between a classic dairy flavor (Vanilla) and a popular non-dairy option ('Milk' & Cookies Non-Dairy Oat).
| Feature | Classic Dairy (Vanilla) | Non-Dairy ('Milk' & Cookies Oat) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Base | Cream, Skim Milk | Oat Milk (Water, Oats) |
| Sweetener | Liquid Sugar, Sugar | Liquid Sugar, Corn Syrup, Sugar |
| Thickener | Egg Yolks, Guar Gum, Carrageenan | Pea Protein, Fava Bean Protein, Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum |
| Added Fats | Milkfat | Coconut Oil, Canola and/or Soybean Oil |
| Other Additions | Vanilla Beans, Vanilla Extract | Wheat Flour, Cocoa, Chocolate Liquor, Salt, Lecithin |
| Allergens | Milk, Egg | Wheat, Soy, Oats |
Decoding the Ingredient List
When you read a Ben and Jerry's ingredient list, you'll see more than just the basics. For example, their liquid sugar consists of both sugar and water. They also specify how cocoa is processed (with alkali). The specific stabilizers and emulsifiers used can vary slightly by flavor, but guar gum and carrageenan are common across many dairy flavors. The use of soy lecithin is also common, especially in flavors containing chocolate and in non-dairy options, where it acts as an emulsifier. The ingredient list provides a full picture of what makes each Ben and Jerry's flavor unique, from the base to the final swirl or chunk.
Conclusion: A Diverse Array of Quality Ingredients
The list of what ingredients are in Ben and Jerry's ice cream is extensive and varies greatly by flavor and dietary requirement. From the fundamental cream, milk, and eggs in their traditional recipes to the oat milk and almond paste used in their non-dairy alternatives, Ben and Jerry's maintains a commitment to creating a quality product. Their use of natural stabilizers, responsibly sourced mix-ins, and Fairtrade certified commodities showcases a dedication to not only a great-tasting product but also ethical business practices. Whether you prefer a classic dairy pint or a vegan treat, the delicious, euphoric experience is the result of a carefully selected and sourced blend of ingredients.
Visit the official Ben & Jerry's website for specific flavor ingredients
