Most of us think of ice cream as a guilty treat. It’s delish. It’s sweet. But it can pack calories and sugar content that might be too much for you. However, there are healthy options that you can now consider. If you want to stay healthy and still have ice cream in your life, then start checking out vegan options. Non-dairy-based ice cream is good for your health. It’s one way for you to stay healthy while getting the sweet treat you can’t live without. Here’s how to shop around for one.
Know the Ingredients
Before you buy vegan ice cream online, make sure you know what you’re looking for. A bit of research will make it easier for you to shop around. For instance, traditional ice cream is usually made from milk and cream that comes from animals. Vegan ice cream, on the other hand, doesn’t use those ingredients. It uses ingredients that are plant-based rather than animal-based. If you want healthier alternatives or lactose-intolerant, then finding a vegan ice cream is best for you.
Identify the Replacements
Since traditional ice cream typically uses cow’s milk, heavy cream, and eggs, what ingredients take their place when it comes to vegan options? When you shop around and look for plant-based ice cream, they typically use ingredients like almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, or fava bean. Pea protein is also a possible alternative. If you see any of these under the ingredient list, then you know you’ve got good vegan options that you can add to your buying list.
Check Sugar Levels
When you browse for options, make sure you keep an eye out for ice cream brands with low sugar levels. Too much sugar leads to a slew of health problems. If you want to avoid diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, weight gain, and more, you’ll want to check the sugar levels of the ice cream before you buy a pint or gallon. It’s ideal to look for a plant-based frozen treat that contains about 10 grams of sugar per serving. That’s healthy.
Look at the Calorie Count
Calories add up pretty quickly. If you consume more than you burn, then that’s why you’ve been putting on weight. One way to stick to a healthy diet is to look for vegan ice creams. You’ll find plenty with 200 calories per serving. It’s healthier, though, if you find options that come with 100 calories per serving or even less. That way, if you’re counting calories and watching your weight, you can still indulge in your love of sweets without worrying that you’re eating something unhealthy.
Know the Brands
Find out what brands and suppliers fit the bill. Which ones offer vegan options in their lineup or inventory? Which ones have a reputation for being delicious? Check out the reviews and feedback from other customers. That’s one way to help you figure out what brands to get and from where. You could also order the smallest serving and try out as many flavors as possible.