Eating Ice Cream By The Pint (Or The Quart, Or The Half Gallon)

An article in the March 10 Wall Street Journal caught my eye: “Eating a Whole Pint Of Ice Cream Is OK Now.”

Eating Ice Cream By The PintI’ve often talked about the “best-of-intentions” diet which goes something like this: breakfast of dry toast or bagel, cup of coffee; lunch of salad with fat-free dressing; afternoon snack (because you are starving) of candy bar; dinner of dry baked fish and broccoli.  By eight in the evening, you are so starved for fat that you go to the freezer and eat a whole quart (or even half gallon) of ice cream standing in front of the freezer.

If that quart of ice cream is Häagen Dazs, it will contain about the same amount of saturated fat as one and one-third sticks of butter! If you are going to get the saturated fat you need from ice cream, then Häagen Dazs is the way to go—it is the most natural ice cream on the market and contains the most cream (ingredients in chocolate ice cream are cream, skim milk, sugar, cocoa processed with alkali, egg yolks).  But remember you will also be getting almost one cup of sugar from that quart of ice cream—double that if you eat a whole half gallon. You will also be eating quite a bit of anti-freeze (toxic to the kidneys)—added to ice cream to make it soft, and never listed on the label.

The point is, if your body is so starving for fats that you have to wolf down a whole quart of ice cream in one sitting (or one standing), why not just eat wholesome butter (without all that sugar) throughout the day.  I guarantee that if you eat a high-fat breakfast (such as eggs, bacon and toast with butter), put real olive oil and high-fat cheese on your salad at lunch, and smother your fish and broccoli in melted butter for dinner, you probably won’t even think of going to the freezer for ice cream, or if you do, you won’t be able to eat a quart, or even a pint.

And by eating plenty of butter throughout the day, you won’t have to deal with the guilt and gluttonous feeling of eating so much ice cream. But now the food manufacturers have come up with a way to get you to eat ice cream without the feeling of guilt! It’s called low-calorie, high-protein ice cream, pioneered by a company called Halo Top but also manufactured by Breyers, Arctic Zero and Enlightened. Although a serving is officially ½ cup, Halo Top emblazons the number of calories (280)  per pint (4 servings) on its carton and prints not-so-subtle messages on its seals: SAVE THE BOWL and STOP WHEN YOU HIT THE BOTTOM.

“I just like the concept of being able to eat the whole pint,” says 25-year-old Alexis Brana, quoted in the WSJ article.  “It’s almost too good to be true,” says Ali Reap of Bergen County, New Jersey. She scoops the ice cream into a bowl and then “piles on the peanut butter, sprinkles and whipped cream on top.” She doesn’t feel guilty because her favorite chocolate-chip cookie dough flavor has only 400 calories compared to 1120 calories in Ben & Jerry’s pint of the same flavor. She could even eat three pints of Halo Top and convince herself that it’s OK because three pints is giving her the same amount of calories as one pint of Ben & Jerry’s.

Plus, it’s healthy! That’s what the PR for Halo Top leads people to believe. “Finally, Healthy Ice Cream. . . That Tastes Like Ice Cream,” says the website. “And we’re not joking. While Halo Top is low-calorie, high protein, and low-sugar, we use only the best ingredients to craft our ice cream so that it tastes just like regular ice cream.  We know it sounds too good to be true, so don’t just take our word for it—dig in and see for yourself just how good healthy ice cream can be.”

So just what are the “best ingredients” in Halo Top ice cream and other brands like it? Here they are:

Milk and cream, eggs, erythritol, prebiotic fiber, milk protein concentrate, organic cane sugar, high fat cocoa, vegetable glycerin, sea salt, organic carob gum, organic guar gum, organic stevia.

The first thing to notice is the listing of “milk and cream.” By putting these two together, you have no clue as to how much cream—could be just a smidgen, but by combining “milk and cream,” they don’t have to list cream as a minor ingredient in the label. We know it’s a minor ingredient because there are only 4 grams of saturated fat in a pint, which translates to 1 ½ teaspoons of butterfat. The milk of course will be pasteurized (or maybe ultra-pasteurized) skim milk.  Then come eggs, whole eggs, not egg yolks—remember that the whites can be highly allergenic for some folks.

The third ingredient is erythritol, described as a harmless, low-calorie sweetener—note that there are three sweeteners in Halo Top ice cream, two of which are “low- or non-caloric” sweeteners and the other is regular cane sugar.  That way they can cut the amount of real sugar in half and achieve the “low-calorie” status.

Erythritol—called a sugar alcohol–is produced industrially beginning with enzymatic conversion of the starch in genetically modified corn to generate glucose—this is similar to the process whereby manufacturers ferment starch from corn to make high fructose corn syrup. Erythritol then undergoes a second fermentation process that uses yeast or another fungus to transform glucose into the sugar alcohol.

Erythritol may cause digestive problems.  According to the ADA website: “All [sugar alcohols] are absorbed slowly and incompletely from the intestine by passive diffusion. Therefore, an excessive load. . . may cause diarrhea. . . . Incomplete absorption causes indirect metabolism of [sugar alcohols] via fermentive (sic) degradation by the intestinal flora.”

(An excessive load is considered to be 50 grams, but may be less in sensitive individuals. There are 20 grams of erythritol in a pint of Halo Top. If you eat two pints, you are getting close to that excessive load.)

Sugar alcohols are not broken down in the stomach, so they enter the intestine intact. It is here that the “passive diffusion” takes place, meaning that the presence of the sugar alcohols draws water into the bowels. This leads to fermentation by undesirable bacteria and a resultant partial degradation or “metabolism” of the sugar alcohols. The result can be severe stomach cramping and diarrhea. Children are especially sensitive to the gastrointestinal side effects and children who regularly consume sugar alcohols also seem to have an increased incidence of childhood obesity.

Other problems that can occur include candida overgrowth and metabolic acidosis, which can lead to acid reflux and an increased risk of cancer of the larynx. Sugar alcohols also promote dehydration and loss of electrolytes, creating feelings of excessive thirst. Headache is another side effect. And erythritol does raise blood sugar levels, although not as much as sugar. Raised blood sugar is indeed a likely side effect of eating Halo Top because it is so low in fat.

According to a 2014 study, erythritol functions as an insecticide, toxic to the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, impairing motor ability and reducing longevity even when nutritive sugars are available.

Moving along to the next ingredient, “prebiotic fiber.”  This is likely inulin. Erythritol has a cooling effect and food manufacturers have discovered that inulin can counteract this with a warming effect. Inulin also has a propensity to cause gas and bloating in moderate to large quantities, in particular in individuals unaccustomed to it.

Inulin is a complex starch consisting of chains of fructose molecules.  Jerusalem artichokes contain a lot of inulin, and they need a very long, slow cooking to break down the inulin chains—otherwise this vegetable can cause a lot of cramping and flatulence. Another source is chicory, notoriously hard to digest. Inulin is considered a FODMAP, a class of carbohydrates that are rapidly fermented in the colon, producing gas and drawing water into the colon, a real problem for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome. Combine the 20 grams per pint of inulin in Halo Top with 20 grams of erythritol, and you have a recipe for digestive problems.

Next we come to milk protein concentrate, probably the most disgusting ingredient in the food supply. Here’s a description from Wikipedia on how it is made: “To make milk protein concentrate, whole milk is first separated into cream and skim milk. The skim milk is then fractionated using ultrafiltration to make a skim concentrate that is lactose-reduced. This process separates milk components according to their molecular size. Milk then passes through a membrane that allows some of the lactose, minerals, and water to cross through. The casein and whey proteins, however, will not pass through the membrane due to their larger molecular size. The proteins, lactose, and minerals that do not go through the membrane are then spray dried. Spray drying and evaporation further concentrate the remaining materials to form a powder. Depending on the purpose of the final product, different heat treatments can be used to process ultrafiltered or blended varieties of MPC.”

The main use of MPC is as the major ingredient in cheap cheese for pizza—you can tell it’s MPC if the cheese gratings don’t melt but maintain their shape after heating. MCP also serves as an ingredient in “nutritional” beverages, “nutritional” and dietary products, infant formulas, protein bars, yogurts, cultured products and frozen desserts like Halo Top ice cream. According to Wikipedia “MPC can be financially advantageous to producers of milk for cheese production, as its addition increases the protein level of the product achieving greater cheese yield for less capital investment.” In other words MPC is a very cheap way to increase the protein content of a food. It also acts as a kind of emulsifier so that manufacturers can add air to a product and make it seem creamier—that’s why a pint of Halo Top contains only 280 grams per pint compared to over 400 grams in a pint of regular ice cream.

The other ingredients in Halo Top may also cause problems, but I think we can stop here.  It’s obvious that this product cannot nourish the human body and should never be called “healthy.” It’s loaded with questionable ingredients, likely to cause digestive disorders among other symptoms, and doesn’t even supply much butterfat, which is the real reason people go to the freezer to get out that pint of ice cream.

The Weston A. Price Foundation teaches about the value of whole, nutrient-dense food, including butterfat.  Become a member and support the work we do.

Author: Sally Fallon Morell

Sally Fallon Morell is best known as the author of Nourishing Traditions®: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats. This well-researched, thought-provoking guide to traditional foods contains a startling message: animal fats and cholesterol are not villains but vital factors in the diet, necessary for normal growth, proper function of the brain and nervous system, protection from disease and optimum energy levels.

13 thoughts on “Eating Ice Cream By The Pint (Or The Quart, Or The Half Gallon)”

  1. I’m horrified that they would call this a food! However low it’s caloric values are it’s just encouraging folks to over eat. I would like to know what your opinion is of the sweetener called Stevia. Can you comment on it’s pros and cons?

  2. Thank you for this information Sally! I have not seen this Halo Top icecream in Canada, but if I ever do, I will be sure to avoid it. Both sugar alcohols and inulin give me horrible digestive problems. What is even more helpful (and shocking) is the heads up that most icecream contains antifreeze! I honestly had never heard that, but it is shocking and disgusting. Both my sister and I have noticed that our kids act crazy after eating commercial ice cream, way worse than they behave when merely eating sugar…I wonder if this toxic additive is the culprit? It’s very sad but I don’t think I will ever buy commercial ice cream again. Looks like it’s time to try making my own.

    1. Yes, the antifreeze is what makes commercial ice cream stay soft when frozen. It allows you to dip into the ice cream instantly whereas with homemade ice cream you have to wait a few minutes for the ice cream to soften. It is well known that you can murder someone by sneaking a little anti freeze into their food every day–and it tastes sweet! Anti-freeze causes crystals to build up in the kidneys and eventually kills you. I suspect that the huge consumption of commercial ice cream in the U.S. is one reason we are seeing so many kidney problems today.

  3. I tried this “ice cream” after a coupon for a free carton printed at the cash register last summer. It was awful!!! It’s sad people can’t see the value of real foods and how that is truly what one’s body needs and craves.

  4. Thank you Sally and Co. for all that you do! I just came across your blog/Weston Price website and am so greatful for all that your organization is doing for human kind. I am so angry with the FDA and others because they are not protecting us and our health. I have lived here in HI for 20 yrs now (org. CA) and am appaled as I watch the Military Industrial Complex, huge GMO farms on the smaller islands, toxic RoundUp used like water, etc poison these beautiful islands at the expence of the health and well being of humans. Hawaii really needs Raw Milk and I am so greatful to you for all that is being done to change the laws!!! And making a donation to that cause makes me so happy!!!
    ***Just a heads up for people who eat Häagen Dazs*** The evil Nestle Co. bought it last year during their big advertising campain of “Only 5 Ingredients”. (Yeah right) For years it was the only store bought ice cream that I would eat. They have altered the ingredients and it is begining to taste like all of the others… So, thank you Nestle for helping me to finally stop eating commercial ice cream!

  5. Thanks again Sally! I only wish these blog posts of yours were more frequent! Love to hear what’s been on your mind. I wonder if there was ever any updates on the soy issue in men’s prisons?

  6. I am lucky to live in a place with several locally produced ice cream shops made in house without all the crap!
    I can’t eat regular store bought ice cream anymore after having the good real stuff!

  7. Sally, You are my daughter’s food guru. she followed you thru pregnancy and now follows you feeding my almost 3 year old precious granddaughter. she lets her have ice cream because you say its okay and she has a chronic cough. and skin rash on her cheek. she has paid heaps to an NAET allergy specialist to see about the rest and still no success. I am disturbed that she gives her ice cream often because traditionally ice cream was given on special holidays….a few times a year! the sugar is not good for her and i can’t say anything because
    she doesn’t want my advice. i raised her more macrobiotic style and she was healthy and perfect in every way and never had a rash. so i’m
    currently on a high fat diet myself and do believe that part of the philosophy is right on but not the sugar! what
    can i do? thanks!

    1. Hi there,

      I hope your daughter is not giving commercial ice cream–we would NEVER recommend that. But occasional homemade ice cream with real cream (preferably raw), egg yolks, maple syrup and vanilla extract–that would be fine.

      Best, Sally

      1. God bless you for answering me….although just above in the blog you have said
        otherwise. i will show her our exchange and hope for the best. many thanks!

        1. I didn’t read that she said that; I think you need to read it again.

          Thank you Sally, I am so grateful to have found you via Weight and Wellness!

  8. I started eatting heathier and drinking water and i said i was banning cakes, cookies, ice creams and candy and then I ran out of water and breakfast food for three days and I went to the store and bought two ice creams. I paces around the store gazing at the bakery and ice cream contemplating what food I wanted to harm my newly cleansing fat body with I felt so guilty eatting it and I ate it in increments but I still ate an entire ice cream in one day. I started feeling funny in my head like sleept but awake. I was googling what affect does it have as if I have never done it before but I guess I was more consious anywho found your website and I never knew ice cream has anti freeze in it. So is that what causes brain freeze? I also never thought of the eggs in it my 2 year old wont eat ice cream unless its popsciles so maybe thats why then. Id like to know what other foods to avoid. Im going to take the advice eat a balanced breakfast I bought her poptarts that I also feel bad about but she wont eat cereal. Its my goal to start eatting healthier and lost weight im not in a hurry but want to make it continual but I totally went backwards today. The moment I walked into the store I saw a candy bar and its like it had a glowing halo around it saying “buy me but eat me first” lol.

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