Lactose-Free Ice Cream: 6 Unique Recipes
- Nutrition
- 1055
Many people may be lactose-intolerant, but the very idea of giving up ice cream scares the hell out of them. If you’re among this group, fear not! You’re not alone.
Studies have shown that between 65-74% of adults around the world are intolerant to lactose. Lactose is milk sugar. It occurs naturally in dairy products (1, 2).
It is worth knowing that the lactose-free market is growing very fast. What does this mean? Simple! If you are lactose intolerant, but you still want to eat your dairies, then you’re in luck, because there are lots of lactose-free options (3).
This article reviews some delicious types of lactose-free ice cream. I hope you enjoy it.
Photo Credit: Since Independence
1. Lactose-free dairy ice cream
Lactose-free dairy ice creams are made by putting some synthetic lactase enzyme into milk. With this, the lactose in the milk will break down (3, 4).
Some ice cream manufacturers may filter the lactose from the milk (3, 4).
Ensure that what you’re buying has lactose-free labeling on it.
Some store-bought brands of lactose-free dairy ice cream include Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Lactaid Cookies & Cream, and Breyers lactose-Free Natural Vanilla.
People who are lactose intolerant but still desire the richness of milk will be happy with this.
2. Dairy-free ice cream
If you want to remove dairies altogether, or you’re very intolerant to it, then you’ll find solace with dairy-free ice cream.
The good news is that there’s a wide range of delicious, dairy-free ice creams thanks to the increase in plant-based diets. Considering that these ice-creams don’t have dairy, then you don’t have to worry about lactose or its attendant side effects, like abdominal pain.
There are dairy-free options from the stables of Halo Top, and they have different flavors like Peanut Butter & Jelly, and Birthday Cake.
If you are happier with chocolate, then try out Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy Chocolate Fudge Brownie. It is produced with almond milk and lactose-free.
3. Nut-free vegan ice cream
If you are a vegan, and you don’t eat nuts, there are some fine choices for your licking pleasure. Because there are no dairies in these types of cream, there are equally great for people that are intolerant to lactose.
Many nut-free creams use coconut in place of milk fat. The FDA considers coconut a tree nut no doubt, but their botanical nature differs from most tree nuts and so may not cause any allergies (5, 6).
A good example of coconut-based vegan ice cream is Perfectly Free’s Fudge Swirl. It is free of lactose, nuts, and gluten. Another good example is the one that comes from the stables of Nada Moo! They produce many vegan, organic ice creams with a rich coconut base. They come in quaint flavors like Marshmallow Stardust.
Soy-based cream is another great vegan option. Excellent examples include So Delicious’ Soymilk ice cream and Tofutti.
Other great choices include rice-based and oat-based ice creams. Oatly is making some fine oat-milk-based desserts with chocolate and strawberry flavors.
Other unique options include Rice Dream’s Cocoa Marble Fudge and So Delicious’ Oatmilk cream line.
4. Fruit-based treats
If you need something light, then you can make do with fruit-based frozen treats.
Banana-based ice creams are a fine option. One of the best in this category is Nana Crème’s Chocolate Covered Banana. It is nut-free and vegan as well.
However, if you are after a refreshing fruit flavor, then go for Snow Monkey’s vegan treats. They are fruit-based and paleo-friendly with flavors such as Acai Berry and Passionfruit.
Another fine-tasting, lactose-free option is frozen fruit bars. Watch out for yogurt, and other dairy-related ingredients.
5. Sorbets
Naturally, sorbets are lactose-free because they don’t contain dairy. They are made from puree, fruit juice, or water.
On the other hand, sherbets will contain dairy in forms like cream or milk, so read up the label to be sure.
Sorbabes Jam’n lemon sorbet is rich in zippy lemon notes. They have a full vegan line, which means you can free yourself of any worries about lactose.
6. Home-made lactose-free ice cream
Check your kitchen pantry. There’s a chance you may already have your ingredients lined-up ready to make your own lactose-free ice cream.
Below are some lactose-free recipes filled with nutrients and flavor. Also, you won’t even need an ice cream maker.
Frozen banana ice cream
It is also known as “nice cream.” There couldn’t be any easier recipe. What you need are some frozen bananas and of course, a good blender.
Ingredients
- Non-dairy or lactose-free milk
- Bananas
Directions
- Peel the bananas and slice them into chunks. Freeze them for at least six hours.
- Add the bananas to your blender and blend until they smoothen. Splash some non-dairy or lactose-free milk.
- If you are happy with a smooth texture, serve and enjoy it at once.
- If you want something firm and scoopable, transfer your dessert into an airtight container and freeze for up to two hours.
It is a very versatile recipe. You can add frozen fruits like pineapples or strawberries, as well as nut butter, cocoa, and spices.
Coconut milk ice cream
Here are the ingredients that you need:
- Full-fat coconut milk – 2 cups
- Agave syrup, maple syrup, or honey – ¼ cup
- Vanilla extract – 11/2 teaspoon
How to prepare
- Mix your ingredients thoroughly and turn into an ice cube tray.
- Freeze for up to four hours.
- Place the frozen cubes in your blender and blend till they get smooth.
- Enjoy at once or you may freeze for a longer duration in an air-tight container.
In summary
Next time you desire lactose-free ice cream, remember that you’ve got lots of options.
It is important to note that the dairy industry is growing rapidly. And its lactose-free segment is growing even faster, giving you all your favorites without the attendant bellyaches. You can make some lactose-free ice cream at home with not-so-much ingredients. Heck! You don’t even need an ice cream maker.
Tonika Bruce, MSN, RN, MBA. is an accomplished nurse leader, published author, and personal development expert passionate about advancing healthcare management and quality patient outcomes.
She taps into the years of experience in healthcare management to produce credible and easy-to-understand health and leadership content. Her exceptional work has been featured in reputable publications, including Forbes, Recruiter, Inc, and the Color of Wellness magazine.
