
Keto eaters can enjoy some of their favorite foods, including ice cream, without depriving themselves. However, you’ll want to choose an ice cream with natural sweeteners that don’t negatively impact blood glucose or insulin levels.
You’ll also want to avoid sugar alcohols. These can cause some people to have issues with their stomachs, so make sure you read the label carefully.
1. Allulose
Allulose is a low-calorie sweetener that has a similar taste and texture to sugar. It can be found in many products, including cereals, snack bars, salad dressings, and candies. It is also a popular choice for those following a keto diet because it has no impact on blood sugar levels.
Allulose can be used in ice cream because it helps to balance the flavor profile and provides a clean sweetness, similar to sucrose. It can also help to ensure the right texture and mouthfeel, as well as give a caramel color to baked goods.
Like other artificial sweeteners, allulose has been shown to be safe for human consumption in small quantities. It is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA and is a common ingredient in many dietary products, medicines, and foods.
It is also a good source of fiber, magnesium, and potassium. However, it can cause digestive upset in some people, so it should be consumed in moderation or avoided at all costs if you are sensitive to these substances.
As with any artificial sweetener, allulose can be toxic if ingested in excessive amounts. In rodent studies, it took 2.2 lbs of body weight to see negative effects, so it is important to consume allulose in moderation or avoid it altogether if you are sensitive to this substance.
In addition, allulose can be an ideal substitute for sugar in ice cream because it doesn’t raise blood sugar levels and is low in calories. In fact, it is the lowest calorie sweetener on the market and can be included in your ice cream without affecting your overall caloric intake.
The only drawback to allulose is that it can cause a chemical aftertaste in some people. In addition, it can increase your risk of tooth decay because it lowers the pH in your mouth and increases the production of acids.
If you are interested in giving allulose a try, it is best to consult with your doctor before using it in your diet. You can find allulose at some health food stores and online retailers. It is available in granulated and powdered forms.
2. Erythritol
Erythritol is one of the most popular sugar substitutes and it’s especially good for those on low carb or keto diets. It’s also a great choice for diabetics and people who follow other restrictive weight loss plans.
Its taste is similar to that of sugar and it’s non-caloric, so you won’t feel hungry if you consume it in moderate amounts. It can be used in a variety of foods and drinks, including dairy products, baked goods, and energy or sports drinks.
The biggest benefit of using erythritol as a sweetener is that it doesn’t have any negative effects on blood sugar or insulin levels. In fact, it may even reduce your risk of heart disease!
In addition to being low in calories and having a similar sweet taste to regular sugar, erythritol also contains nutrients and antioxidants that can help improve your health. For example, it can reduce inflammation and can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. It can also improve your oral health and protect you from tooth decay.
However, consuming large amounts of this sugar alcohol can cause some digestive issues. It’s well known that sugar alcohols do not completely pass through your digestive system and can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea. This is because your body can’t digest them, and they end up fermenting in the large intestine before they are excreted from your body through your urine.
This is why I recommend limiting your intake of erythritol to small quantities at a time. Otherwise, you might develop a rash called wheal or experience gastrointestinal problems like nausea or vomiting.
Another concern with consuming erythritol is that it can cause an electrolyte imbalance in your body. Ingesting a high amount of erythritol for an extended period can lead to increased amounts of calcium, citrate, sodium, potassium, N-acetylglucosaminidase, and total protein in your urine.
It can also increase the volume of your urine and can cause you to urinate more often. If you are suffering from any of these side effects, it’s best to avoid consuming erythritol altogether until you have fully recovered.
3. Stevia
Stevia is a naturally occurring herb that has been used for hundreds of years in teas and other beverages around the world. The leaves of the plant are 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar and contain chemicals called steviol glycosides.
These compounds are extracted from the stevia plant and then purified, making them safe for human consumption. The European Food Safety Authority and the World Health Organization both say that steviol glycosides are safe to use in their intended amounts.
However, stevia can interact with drugs, including anti-fungals, antibiotics, appetite suppressants and calcium channel blockers. People who take insulin or drugs for diabetes should consult with their doctor before using stevia sweeteners.
It can also negatively affect the gut microbiome, which may be detrimental to overall health, according to a 2019 study. This could lead to a higher risk of developing diabetes or other metabolic diseases.
If you want to avoid the risk of negative effects, choose a stevia brand that has been tested for purity. You can do this by reading the label carefully.
Another option is to choose a stevia sweetener that does not include dextrose or maltodextrin. These are common ingredients in stevia products, and they can add small amounts of carbs.
This will be less of a concern for someone who uses stevia sparingly, as it can only have a minor impact on blood sugar levels. But if you use it throughout the day, these additives can add up to a significant amount of carbs that can raise your blood sugar levels and cause more adverse effects.
As a result, some doctors recommend taking stevia in moderation. The ADA recommends consuming 4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. This translates to about 6 3/4 Sweet Leaf packets per day for an average 150-pound person.
In general, stevia is a safe alternative to sugar for those looking for a low-calorie sweetener. Its use in ice cream low carb is a great way to reduce the number of calories and carbohydrates in your diet while still getting the sweetness you need.
4. Monk Fruit
Monk fruit is used to sweeten a number of low carb foods, including some ice creams. It’s less expensive than sugar and has a slightly fruity aftertaste, but it’s not as sweet as stevia.
It has also been found to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help fight certain types of colds and flu, such as those caused by bacteria. As a result, monk fruit can be a valuable addition to your diet if you have a recurring upper respiratory infection.
In fact, many keto dieters use monk fruit as a replacement for sugar in their diets because it has a zero glycemic index and doesn’t raise blood sugar levels or cause weight gain. This makes it ideal for those who have a ketogenic diet or are following a low-calorie or low-carb eating plan.
For instance, Enlightened, a company that produces ice cream specifically for keto dieters, uses monk fruit extract in several of its pints. The brand also offers lower-calorie ice creams that have up to 7 grams of net carbs per 2/3-cup serving and 120-140 calories.
Another company that produces ice cream is Rebel Creamery, which is known for producing high-fat, keto-friendly pints. Its flavors range from classics, such as chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, to more exotic varieties like Orange Cream and Peanut Butter Caramel Dip.
The brand’s pints are made with cream and erythritol to cut back on carbs, while adding flavor. They contain 4-8 grams of net carbs and 0-2 grams of sugar per pint.
Enlightened recently launched a new line of keto-friendly ice creams, and it contains a mixture of monk fruit extract, sugar alcohols, and stevia. Its most popular flavor is P.B. Cookie & Brownie Dough, but it also sells Peppermint Brownie, Caramel Chocolate Double Dough, Butter Pecan, and Mint Chocolate Chunk.
The best ice cream sweetener is allulose, which doesn’t re-crystallize when frozen, making it perfect for ice cream. You can buy it online or at some health food stores. It’s also available in powder form for easier blending into other ingredients. This is the best option for anyone who wants soft, scoopable, and creamy ice cream, but is on a keto diet.
Beyond the realm of flavor and technique, Adriano recognizes the importance of sustainability and conscious consumption. His writing often explores eco-friendly practices within the ice cream industry, highlighting the use of locally sourced ingredients, reducing waste, and supporting ethical production methods.