A scoop of ice cream is like taking a delightful journey through a frozen wonderland, where each bite is a moment of pure bliss. But what exactly is this frozen treat that brings smiles to faces of all ages.
Ice cream is the coolest dessert in town. It is a frozen dessert typically made from a mixture of cream and milk and often has the addition of sweeteners and flavourings. The creamy texture comes from special techniques to make smaller ice crystals and incorporate air, along with the refreshing taste making it a favourite treat worldwide.
From the classic cone to the extravagant sundaes, ice cream comes in various forms to tantalise your taste buds. Whether you prefer a soft serve, gelato, sorbet or frozen yoghurt, there’s an icy delight for everyone. You can also enjoy ice cream in many ways like with a warm brownie, served with fresh fruit, on the side of pancakes, ice cream added to milkshakes or simply scooped into a bowl.
Everyone has a favourite ice cream flavour and topping
The beauty of ice cream lies within its versatility, with flavours ranging from traditional vanilla and chocolate to mango and matcha. Our team personally love banana, mango, pistachio, cookies & cream and of course, the classic vanilla ice cream. What your favourite flavour?
Let’s not forget the toppings too, from sprinkles, nuts, fresh fruit or chocolate, strawberry or caramel topping. Remember to be cautious of allergens if using toppings in childcare or aged care centres. Ice cream can also be a dairy free treat when made with ingredients like coconut milk or plant-based milks.
Is Ice Cream a Sweet Treat or a Nutritional Boost?
While ice cream may not be deemed a ‘healthy food’, it does offer some nutritional benefits. It provides calcium for strong bones and teeth, protein in dairy based ice cream which can help build and repair muscle tissue. It can also provide a good source of energy to assist in preventing malnutrition.
Finding the balance
Ice cream in moderation is perfectly fine, try to stick to the serving size portion as overconsumption can lead to weight gain and increased risk of diabetes. There are often low sugar, high protein, yoghurt options and non-dairy alternatives. It’s all about finding the balance and enjoying treats in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Everything in moderation.
One Scoop fits all: From childhood to seniors
Ice cream has a magical ability to bring joy and spark memories for people of all ages. Whether it’s a treat for a special occasion, a simple pleasure on a hot day or a memory from sharing ice cream with loved ones or having a gelato on a holiday. It’s a staple in both Aged Care Facilities and Childcare centres. Which is why we called our industry magazine, 'The Scoop'! Not only is ice cream a personal favourite for our team, it is enjoyed by all. You can check out our latest OSCAR Care Group edition of ‘The Scoop’ for the latest food safety and nutrition news in the Aged Care and Childcare Australian industries.
Healthy Ice Cream Ideas
Looking for healthier alternatives? Nice cream is a great and yummy alternative. Nice cream is a made from bananas! When frozen bananas are blended up that turns it into a creamy and sweet soft-serve. Or whip up Greek yoghurt with your favourite toppings. Try making your own ice cream with our simple recipes below for the perfect cool treat.
Recipe Banana Nice Cream
Ingredients - serves 2
2 ripe bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen
¼ cup of milk (full cream milk for the elderly 65+ and light milk for children & adults)
Optional toppings: chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or honey
Instructions:
Place the frozen banana slices and almond milk in a blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Serve immediately for a soft-serve consistency or transfer to a container and freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer texture.
Top with your favourite toppings if desired.
Recipe Greek Yoghurt Berry Ice Cream
Ingredients - serves 2
1 cup of plain Greek yogurt
1 cup of mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
In a blender or food processor, combine the Greek yoghurt, mixed berries, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Blend until smooth.
Transfer to a container and freeze for 4-6 hours before enjoying.
Sundae funday! How will you celebrate Ice Cream Day?
Ice Cream Day is the 21st of July. Go ahead, grab a spoon and dive into a world of frozen delights. Because when it comes to ice cream, there’s always room for another scoop of happiness!
If you have any questions in regard to your nutrition or want further recipes and advice, please reach out to an OSCAR Care Group Dietitian for personalised support and guidance. Our Dietitians are here to help all who enjoy a scoop of ice cream, from early childhood to the elderly and everyone in between including NDIS participants.