An ice cream cone.
The popular dessert ice cream is a favorite in the food market, restaurants and specialty ice cream parlors. Chefs of all skill levels have sought to recreate the fresh flavor of this delicacy, leading to the creation of various forms of ice cream mixes. Since flavor and texture are two of the main factors that dictate ice cream preferences, you should consider mixes that contain useful ingredients to achieve a desirable final product. Certain alternative ingredients will also be helpful if diet or health is a concern. Research on the quality and value of different combinations can further solidify the choice.
Ice cream mixes are usually added to cream and milk.
Taste is arguably the most important factor when choosing an ice cream mix. Generally speaking, more sugar contained in the ice cream mix equals a sweeter, more intense flavor. Plus, mixes are offered in a variety of ice cream flavors, from traditional favorites like vanilla and chocolate to more intense fruity options. The quality of individual brands can best be gauged by reading online consumer review sites, which often contain product ratings and customer reviews.
Dietary considerations and restrictions also often influence your decision regarding ice cream mix. Ice creams usually have some type of dairy base and there are several types of bases available for dieters. Whole milk and cream represent the heaviest fat bases, but alternatives like skim milk powder can provide a more health-efficient alternative. People who may have an allergy or other adverse reaction to dairy products can look to non-dairy mixes like coffee whitener or soy milk.
A solid ice cream mix often contains certain agents that help the ice cream maintain the proper texture and consistency. Therefore, stabilizing agents such as gelatin are common ingredients. In addition, the inclusion of substances from the egg can increase the resistance to melting of the ice cream. Whole milk and cream bases are likely to provide a creamy feel and taste, while reducing salt ingredients will help prevent excess frosting.
Traditional ice cream is made from milk, but other sweet dessert mixes are reminiscent of the cold, spoonable treat. If you want a slightly different version of ice cream, you can consider one of the other types of ice cream-like concoctions. For example, Italian ice creams and ice cream mixes will result in a product consisting of sweetened frozen water with a fruity flavor. Ice cream and sundae mixes have a similar fruit focus, but they also contain some dairy additives, making their texture and flavor sort of a fusion between regular ice cream and ice water mixes.