Summer Swaps: Indulge Guilt-Free With These Healthy Ice Cream Toppings
It's officially summer, and you know what that means: it's ice cream season. The average American will consume ice cream 28.5 times this year, but whether you're a traditionalist or you like to switch things up with gelato cups or frozen yogurt, you're likely going to eat the bulk of those frozen treats when the temperatures heat up. If you're concerned about consuming too many sweets this summer, there are plenty of ways to reduce your caloric intake. Opting for frozen yogurt cups in lieu of ice cream or gelato cups is one great way, but you can also make an even easier switch: swap out your usual toppings of candy, sauces, and whipped cream for some healthier alternatives. We've outlined just a few of our favorites below. Make sure you add some of these to your list of frozen yogurt supplies this summer!
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Fresh Berries and Stone Fruit
Sliced fruit like strawberries, bananas, mango, and pineapple are popular choices at frozen yogurt stores all year round. But since this season is ripe with other types of fruits, you should definitely take advantage! Branch out a bit by adding a hint of sweet-tart with some local raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and cherries to your ice cream, frozen yogurt, and gelato cups. And as summer nears its end, there's nothing better than fresh peaches and nectarines in your vanilla ice cream and frozen yogurt! They're naturally sweet, provide extra fiber, and will make you appreciate the bounty of the season.
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Dried and Shaved Fruit
If you don't have access to fresh, local fruits, you can always go for dried ones instead. Shaved coconut flakes are delightful over chocolate gelato cups, and dried cranberries and cherries add a beautiful tartness to any flavor. Get some dried pineapple and mango for an instantly tropical ice cream cup or crumble up some apple chips for extra texture and a distinct touch of cinnamon. As long as the dried fruits you choose don't have a lot of added sugar or preservatives, this can be a great substitute for chewy gummy candies.
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Raw Nuts
Nuts get a bit of a bad rap, but they can be an important part of a healthy diet -- and are great ice cream toppings. Just keep in mind that the nuts you use shouldn't have salt or flavorings added (so that means honey roasted nuts are out). Raw or dry roasted nuts like chopped almonds, cashew halves, and peanuts can add fantastic texture and flavor to an otherwise plain ice cream. Whether you like vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate, just add a handful of nuts for a bit of crunch and comfort.
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Herbs or Honey
These may seem non-traditional to some, but the brightness of summer herbs and sweetness of honey can bring out something exciting in almost any ice cream you choose. A bit of basil or fresh mint can instantly tantalize the palate while a combination of rosemary or thyme with citrus-infused honey can make the most addictive gelato cup you've ever tasted. While it's easy to go overboard with some of the stronger herbs, try adding just a basil leaf or sprig of mint to your next cup of ice cream and see what happens. You may find you need to plant an herb garden just for your dessert habits!
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Crushed Crackers
Some people find that adding crushed table crackers can add a bit of salt that is nicely balanced out by their sweet ice cream of choice. But you can also crush up a graham cracker sheet or a few animal crackers to give your cup a bit of crunch and variety. Since you'll only need one or two, tops, it's a healthy option that's much better than regular cookies or candy.
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Sprinkles
There's one traditional topping that you don't need to worry about swapping out: sprinkles! While they don't provide any nutritional value, both the rainbow and chocolate varieties are very low in calories and definitely won't derail your goal to eat a bit healthier.
From ice cream parties to fun family nights by the lake, Frozen Desserts Supplies has everything people need to make their treats unforgettable. To find out more, contact us today.
