Low-Fat Homemade Ice Cream

I scream you scream, we all scream. However, the average fat and sugar content of regular ice cream (much less the peanut butter and rocky road additives) can really make you scream. Isn't there another way? Low-fat ice cream can be a smart alternative, and low fat does not mean low flavor. There are tricks in homemade low-fat ice creams that can make a low-fat low-sugar sweet treat creamy and satisfying as the real thing, but without the guilt. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Low Fat Cream

Technically, ice cream has to be at or above a 10 percent butterfat (and made with cream) to be considered, ice cream. Gelato is made from whole milk and has a butterfat between 3 and 4 percent. Anything lower is generally considered ice milk. In 1994, the USDA changed the commercial regulations that barred ice milks from being labeled as ice cream to allow the labeling of "low-fat ice cream" instead (Katherine Ralston, USDA). So "low-fat ice cream" really is just ice milk in a disguise.

Most low-fat ice creams contain less than half the calories of real ice cream, as they are made with low-fat or non-fat milk. The low fat content tends to produce a hard and icy texture, so to counteract most low-fat ice creams contain powdered milk (do not add more than a 0.3 to 1 ratio against the liquid milk). Evaporated milk (low fat) can also be used to replace part of the milk ratio, though it is accompanied by a caramel-like flavor. Homemade low-fat ice cream made with powdered milk is best consumed withing 1 to 2 days of its creation, as it tends to turn hard and gritty due to the extra lactose. Egg yolks are also popular in low-fat ice cream recipes as they add creaminess that is lost due to the absent butterfat. For creamiest results, use an electric ice cream maker.

Sugars

A lower butter-fat due to the use of low fat milk, skim milk, or low-fat half and half undoubtedly makes for a lower-fat ice cream. However, the purpose in health-consciousness may be negated if the sugar content is neither lowered or eliminated. Artificial sweeteners have become popular sugar alternatives in low-fat ice cream, however there are other natural ways to decrease or replace sugar in an ice cream.

Honey or other naturally sweet ingredients (such as fruits) can be added to either replace or supplement a lower amount of sugar.

Healthy Additions

As with sugar, to maintain the low-fat status, the additions must also be low fat. Avoid high fat candy bar pieces or chocolate syrups. Instead, add fruits such as raspberries, strawberries or lemon juice. For chocolate, use small pieces of (dark) chocolate or cocoa.

For a low-fat homemade vanilla ice cream recipe, please refer to the Resources below.