Let’s say, hypothetically, that we have a heated discussion with a friend about the difference between certain frozen desserts. She says frozen custard and ice cream are the same; please differ. And while your argument is, uh, It’s not that important In the grand scheme of things, we all need answers. So, in the great debate of pastry cream vs. Let’s take a look at what separates the two, what’s healthier for you, and how they differ from some of the other goodies that line the frozen section of your supermarket.
What is the difference between ice cream and frozen ice cream?
In its most basic form, ice cream it is a frozen dairy mix, usually a combination of cream and milk, plus sugar. But let’s be technical: according to the FDA, anything labeled “ice cream” should they contain at least 10 percent milk fat by weight, or else it can’t be called ice cream. (Without that 10 percent milk fat, you are venturing into “frozen dairy dessert” territory.)
According to the International Dairy Food Association (IDFA), there are all kinds of additional distinctions within the world of ice cream, such as super premium and cousin, depending on the quality of the ingredients and the amount of additional fat. But the only thing to remember is milk + cream + sugar = ice cream.
If you’ve tried frozen custard, you know it is very similar to ice cream, but richer, denser and creamier. That ultra creamy texture is because, in addition to milk, cream and sugar, frozen custard must be made with a key ingredient: egg yolks.
IDFA says that to be labeled “frozen cream,” the product must contain a minimum of 10 percent milk fat by weight, plus at least 1.4 percent egg yolk solids by weight.
Other than that, commercial frozen custard is usually made in a machine called a continuous freezer, Serious Eats explains. Unlike a traditional American refrigerator, which beats the ice cream base incorporating air, a continuous freezer adds less air to the mix to keep the cream dense. (More air produces a fluffier texture.) Frozen custard is generally served at a temperature closer to soft ice cream, which enhances the effect.
What is the healthiest ice cream or ice cream?
Considering that its ingredient composition is almost identical, you won’t see a huge difference in nutritional value between the two delicacies. Custard will sometimes have more protein than egg yolks, but according to the American Dairy Association of Indiana, in caloric terms, they are almost the same.
What about all those other frozen desserts?
You mean sherbet, sherbet, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and soft serve? We are glad you asked. This is what IDFA has to say.
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Sorbet Does not contain dairy. It is made from a liquid (usually fruit juice) combined with a measured amount of simple syrup to make it scoopable after freezing.
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Sorbet It is like sorbet but contains dairy. But unlike ice cream or frozen custard, it has much less milk fat, usually 1 to 2 percent by weight.
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Ice cream It is an Italian ice cream that is whipped very slowly to obtain a denser texture. It is also usually lower in fat than American ice cream, because it produces more milk than cream and has little or no eggs.
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Frozen yogurt It contains the same basic ingredients as ice cream, but the dairy has been grown. (It’s also usually lower in fat than ice cream, but still contains sugar.)
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Weak service It also contains the same ingredients as ice cream, but it freezes in a special machine that adds more air for that fluffy texture. It usually has 3 to 6 percent milk fat, compared to 10 percent ice cream.
Wait, why does my homemade ice cream recipe contain eggs?
Eggs make ice cream more creamy and rich, which is a bonus for home cooks who don’t have access to professional ice cream makers. And yes, many homemade ice cream recipes also count as frozen custard, since it only takes two or three egg yolks to reach that 1.4 percent.
Do you want to taste the difference yourself? Try making this raspberry ice cream (which is similar to frozen custard but doesn’t require a machine) along with this unmixed chocolate mint ice cream. We think you will find them equally delicious … in very different ways.
RELATED: 35 frozen desserts to cool off with this summer
