What is The Scoop on NICE Cream? A better dessert for you

Have you heard of “nICE Cream”?

(Also called “banana ice cream”) It’s a fun banana-based dessert that’s becoming more and more popular… but why? Basically, all you have to do is learn about it, to see how it could become a sensation. It’s super versatile, capable of chocolate, fruit, and nut flavors (or any combination thereof). It’s dairy-free, low-sugar, better for you than regular ice cream AND easy to make, too, so it’s no wonder people everywhere are trying it. It is called “nICE”, because it is more ecological than milk and does not disturb any animals when doing so.

So what exactly is nICE Cream?

The basics are frozen bananas, some dairy-free liquid, some sort of added flavor element, and a powerful blender or possibly food processor. If everything is added in the right proportions, the ingredients will form an ice cream-textured dessert. It may sound plain, boring, or overly simple here, but that’s not getting into any of the myriad fun ways to ‘add it up’. (Keep reading and the real fun will start shortly!)

Why isn’t it just ‘some milkshake’? Why is it going to work in MY blender?

All thanks to a special type of fiber: soluble fiber. Did you know that bananas are 86% water? That’s unbelievably high… so why aren’t they wet or soggy like a watermelon? The answer remains soluble fiber. These special fibers in the banana keep them from freezing and hard like a popsicle. When you involve a frozen banana, there will always be a creamy element. Ice cream is a bit similar, but instead of soluble fiber, it uses fats that never freeze solid enough for its texture. The small amount of liquid prevents it from becoming a smoothie.

Why can’t I find these things in stores if they are so cool?

If nice cream is so easy and so much better for you than ice cream, shouldn’t it be on grocery store shelves by now? You’d think so, but it only has one problem that’s holding the company back: It’s the act of mixing a good cream before serving that makes for the texture everyone wants. If you pre-mix and then refreeze it will become super solid and not scoopable. It requires an annoying thawing time that no one wants to wait for…because regular ice cream lacks it. Because no one has the patience, no company will pack nice cream. Like sherbet, nice cream works best when mixed fresh. Basically, you have to do it yourself if you want to. Fortunately, it only takes a few minutes to blend, so it can be ready whenever you want dessert.

Why is Nice-Cream better than Ice Cream?

Lactose intolerance?

No problem. You get the creamy texture of ice cream but without the dairy.

MAY be fat free

Fat-free or low-fat ice cream can taste funny. Because it’s banana-based instead of dairy, it’s naturally fat-free. Nothing had to be reduced or extracted. You can of course bring in a healthy fat with nut butter if you’d like.

Does not need added sweeteners

Fruits are pretty sweet on their own, and bananas are no exception. They have a great mix of sweet and fiber. When you add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries, they are also sweet. Nice Cream doesn’t need high fructose corn syrup or added sugar to taste great. Plus… if you DO want it sweeter, you’re in charge – you can add a splash of stevia or local raw honey (the allergy fighter!).

Make real fruit fun again

Forget those little nuggets of artificial color and flavor mixed into typical ice creams to help with shelf life. When you make nice cream, the vibrant colors and flavors of real fruits are always at your fingertips. Strawberry Banana Swirl? Sure. Fresh chunks of kiwi and coconut for a tropical treat? Of course! Raspberry and chocolate for a delicious late-night spoonful? Whenever you want. Homemade in minutes means no concern about shelf life. Frozen fruits mean you can have any flavors you want any time of the year. (Freezing the fruit instead of cooking it also helps preserve the nutrients.)

You are in control of almost infinite flavor.

In the mood for something exotic that you can’t find on supermarket shelves? Nice-cream has you covered. You can make mango with fresh lime zest, peanut butter chocolate… or almond butter chocolate with real nut pieces mixed in. Blueberry Banana can be hard to find…but when did the grocery store provide you with strawberry-blueberry-banana? (It’s a great combination) Bananas have a mild flavor that is easily covered by other stronger flavors. You choose whether to highlight it or push it all the way to the background for variety.

First steps: basic recipe

This will make a few servings of the more basic nice chocolate cream. It lets you see how easy it is, and then you can develop your own recipes or browse the internet for more.

2 frozen bananas (peel raw, wrap in plastic wrap, then freeze for ease of use)

2 tablespoons almond/rice/cashew/banana or vegetable milk of your choice

1 tablespoon almond butter (unsweetened)

1 teaspoon of chia seeds

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

When you want to eat nice cream, just blend the entire list above until smooth and ready to serve. You will need a strong blender or food processor because it is a “dry” recipe. Mix a few times/pulse repeatedly to get the right consistency. Don’t be tempted to add extra liquid, or it will turn into a milkshake. (it’s not terrible, but it’s not what you’re looking for)

But don’t stop here!

The basic chocolate is just the beginning, continue to explore the possibilities with other fruits, or skip the chocolate and use frozen blueberries instead. Put PB instead of AB, and sprinkle some small chips; the list goes on and on…and so will fiber. Most people don’t get enough fiber in their diet every day, thanks to processed foods. And, no one really considers dessert ‘the high-fiber food’… but that may change that. Whole fruit (not juice), bananas, and chia seeds all in the nice cream adds up to a healthy dose of fiber. Fiber not only makes you feel full longer, but it can also help the body slow down the conversion of carbohydrates to sugars, feed beneficial bacteria, help the intestines move food more efficiently, and use more bile acids. which, in turn, can lower cholesterol. . And that’s not all! Fiber, while something you can’t digest, can really help with many areas of your health. So what could be better than a dessert whose secret focus is fiber? Don’t wait, put some bananas in your freezer now to enjoy a good cream later.