Sugar Free Ice Cream with 9 Variations
Summer is here which means hot weather, the beach, and in our case ice cream cravings! Unfortunately, store bought ice cream is usually very high in sugar which contributes significantly to tooth decay. Although the fructose in fruit can also contribute to dental decay it is not as acidic as refined sugar, nor does it spike the body's insulin levels in the same way refined sugar does (to find out more about the difference between fructose and refined sugar on insulin levels read our article here).
So in celebration of summer, ice cream and delicious fruit, we've provided the below sugar free ice cream recipe with 9 delicious variations:
SUGAR FREE ICE CREAM
WITH 9 VARIATIONS
Gluten free, sugar free, vegan
Base recipe: Blend frozen ripe bananas in food processor or blender until smooth, enjoy as is or with one of the exciting combinations below:
Chocolate Banana Ice Cream: Use 3 bananas. Add 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract, pinch salt, and 3 tbsp cocoa powder.
Mint Chocolate Chip: Use 2 bananas and a pinch of salt. Add 1/8 tsp pure peppermint extract (or more if desired), and stir in sugar free chocolate chips or cacao nibs after blending. Optional, blend in a pinch of spirulina or a small handful spinach for colour and an extra nutrient boost.
Peanut Butter: Make the original recipe, adding 2-3 tbsp peanut butter or another nut butter, or allergy-friendly alternative before blending.
Very Berry: Make the original recipe, adding 1 cup frozen berries of choice and 1/8 tsp pure vanilla extract.
Strawberry: Use 2 bananas. Blend in 1/2 cup frozen strawberries. Add 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract and optional shake of cinnamon.
Pina Colada: Make the original recipe, adding 1/4 cup canned coconut milk. Blend in 1/2 cup frozen pineapple. Stir in shredded coconut if desired.
Vanilla Bean: Use 3 bananas and a pinch of salt. Add 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste.
Pistachio: Make the original recipe, adding 2-3 tbsp ground pistachio or pistachio butter and 1/8 tsp pure vanilla extract. Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top if desired.
We'd love to know which flavours you tried, or if you have you have any combination of you're own!
If you would like to discuss how your diet may be affecting your oral health book a consultation with Dr Kate Amos or Dr Sam Rosehill at Ethical Dental on 6652 3185 or book online.
For more information about how to enjoy a sugar free Christmas check out our video Avoid Sugar Overload this Christmas, or to learn more about the relationship between sugar and dental health see our article 'Did you know… Honey is just as likely to cause tooth decay as sugar?', How Can I Prevent Dental Plaque? and 'Did you know… Fructose doesn’t effect insulin the same as refined sugar?'
Recipe and image adapted from https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2016/08/22/banana-ice-cream-healthy/
