Summer is here, and nothing feels more refreshing than a scoop of cold, creamy ice cream. But did you know that not all cold treats sold as “ice creams” are actually ice creams? Many are cleverly labeled “frozen desserts,” and there’s a big difference—one that directly impacts your health, especially if you consume them frequently.
Frozen desserts may look and taste like real ice cream, but they are made with different ingredients, and some may even contain trans fats and vegetable oils instead of dairy. Understanding how to identify ice cream versus frozen desserts is essential for making informed, healthier choices this summer.
The first and most foolproof way to identify what you’re eating is to read the packaging label. According to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), a product can only be called “ice cream” if it contains at least 10% milk fat and is made primarily from dairy ingredients like milk, cream, or milk solids.
If the label says “Frozen Dessert” instead of ice cream, it likely uses vegetable oils, emulsifiers, and stabilisers in place of real milk fat.
Look out for keywords like “milk solids,” “cream,” or “dairy fat” for real ice cream. If you see terms like “edible vegetable oil,” “hydrogenated fats,” or “vanaspati,” you’re dealing with a frozen dessert.
Flip the pack and read the ingredient list. Real ice cream typically has a short list: milk, cream, sugar, and natural flavors. Frozen desserts often contain artificial flavors, vegetable fats, and stabilisers to mimic the creaminess of dairy.
Milk, cream, milk solids, sugar, natural vanilla, or fruit pulp.
Vegetable oil, vanaspati, emulsifiers, artificial colors, added flavors.
Real ice cream, made with dairy, melts evenly and turns into a smooth liquid when left out. In contrast, frozen desserts may melt more slowly or separate into a watery mess with oil-like residue.
: Leave both out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Real ice cream will become creamy and smooth, while frozen dessert may feel oily or synthetic.
Though subtle, there is a difference in taste. Real ice cream has a richer, creamier flavor thanks to the milk fats. Frozen desserts often have a slightly waxy, artificial aftertaste due to the use of vegetable fats.
If your ice cream feels too slick or leaves an oily coating on your tongue, chances are it’s a frozen dessert.
Genuine dairy-based ice cream is usually more expensive due to the higher cost of ingredients like milk and cream. Frozen desserts are cheaper to manufacture and often priced lower. While price alone isn’t the best indicator, extremely low prices can be a red flag.
If you’re paying much less for a “family pack,” check the label before celebrating the deal.
Frozen desserts are not inherently bad, but frequent consumption can have long-term health consequences. The hydrogenated fats used in these products may contain trans fats, which are associated with heart disease, increased cholesterol, and inflammation. Moreover, artificial flavoring agents and preservatives add no nutritional value and may trigger sensitivities in some people.
On the other hand, while real ice cream is still a treat to enjoy in moderation, it provides some nutritional benefits from dairy, such as and
Enjoying your favorite frozen treat doesn’t mean you have to compromise on health. Use these tips while shopping or ordering online:
1. Always check the label
2. Go for brands that use real milk and cream
3. Limit intake of processed and low-quality products
4. Treat yourself mindfully, not mindlessly
Also, try homemade ice cream recipes using natural ingredients like fresh fruits, yogurt, or coconut milk. You’ll skip the additives and enjoy full control over what you consume.
Summer indulgence is incomplete without icy delights, but understanding the difference between real ice cream and frozen desserts can help you and your family enjoy treats with confidence. Armed with this knowledge, you can make smarter, healthier choices while still satisfying your sweet cravings.
So the next time you grab a tub from the freezer aisle, don’t just go by the looks or the brand—flip it over, read the label, and make sure you know exactly what you’re treating yourself to.
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