Ben And Jerry's Go Dairy-Free, But Is It Any Healthier?
LARINA ROBINSON
We have to admit, a little part of us got a little excited when we saw the news that Ben and Jerry's is about to release a range of dairy-free ice cream. But the buzz was quickly squashed when we took a look at the ingredient lists.
While favorite flavours such as Chunky Monkey and Chocolate Fudge Brownie have been transformed into vegan versions - they're still definitely not healthy. Just take a look at one of the flavors....
Chunky Monkey Ingredients:
Almond Milk (Water, Almonds), Liquid Sugar (Sugar, Water), Coconut Oil, Sugar, Walnuts, Bananas, Corn Syrup Solids, Dried Cane Syrup, Cocoa, Pea Protein, Sunflower Lecithin, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla Extract, Guar Gum, Natural Flavor (Coconut), Locust Bean Gum.
Can anybody say 'sugar'? Ben and Jerry's can and they say it 4 different times! - Liquid sugar, sugar, corn syrup solids, dried cane syrup. All sugar.
That explains the 6 1/2 teaspoons (26g) of sugar per 1/2 cup serve! The ice cream is practically almond milk and sugar bound together by various gums and additives with a few toppings like walnuts and bananas thrown in for good measure.
We won't be recommending these to anybody anytime soon.
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to regular sugar-laden ice cream (vegan or not), try these:
Would you try the new Ben and Jerry's Non-Dairy Ice-Cream?
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Larina is a qualified Wholefood Dietitian, and creative writer. She is passionate about educating people on eating well with whole foods, and focusing on the individual diet that suits you best.