Understand how to identify quality ice cream and what to look for on the label to ensure you make the right choice.
Who doesn’t melt in front of a good chocolate ice cream? Without a doubt, this is the favorite flavor of many and the perfect choice to cool down on a hot day. But have you ever stopped to think about what makes chocolate ice cream really good? Is it just the chocolate itself or are there other secrets behind the perfect frozen dessert?
To clarify this doubt we spoke to renowned experts in the world of ice cream and chocolate: Francis Saint Anaice cream maker and owner of Escola Sorvete; Renata Arassirochocolate chef and Callebaut ambassador; E Caius Correapastry chef, chocolatier and Callebaut ambassador.
Next, discover the differences between artisanal and industrial ice cream, the secrets to a perfect consistency and how the choice of ingredients influences the result.
What to look for on a label to identify a good ice cream?
Chocolatier Caio Corrêia recommends paying attention to the volume of the ice cream to understand its weight in grams. Ice cream with a greater volume generally contains more air, which can indicate a lower quality. It is also important to check the ingredients, especially the type of fat used, and make sure there are no hydrogenated fats or too many additives. These details will help you choose a good quality ice cream.
What guarantees the quality of chocolate ice cream?
“Chocolate, of course,” jokes Francisco Sant’Ana, emphasizing that the quality of the chocolate is essential for a good ice cream. Chocolatière Renata Arassiro adds that the quantity of chocolate and the presence of its flavor compared to the other ingredients are key.
But it’s not just the chocolate that counts. The choice of ingredients is also very important. Sant’Ana explains that you can notice the difference between ice creams made with palm or vegetable oil and those that use chocolate.
Chef Caio Corrêa emphasizes the importance of texture and flavor: the flavor must be authentic and the texture balanced. A good ice cream should not be excessively aerated or light, as this indicates an excessive use of emulsifiers.
Sant’Ana, an ice cream expert, also notes that the presence of fat also has an impact. The industry often uses too much cocoa powder and too little cocoa mass. The use of cream or fat has an impact on both aeration and flavor.
What are the differences between artisanal and industrial ice cream?
This is a concept that can be confusing, explains Francisco Sant’Ana. “You can find artisanal ice cream that is, in essence, industrialized and artificial. An artisan can mix fats and ready-made products and still call themselves artisanal. Likewise, an industrial production line can use natural ingredients, just on a larger scale.”
But what really differentiates artisanal gelato from industrial gelato, according to Renata Arassiro, is the sweetness content, the amount of air incorporated, and the use of additives. Industrialized gelato tends to have more air, which implies the presence of more additives and chemicals, such as artificial flavors. The main difference between the two types of gelato is the amount of sugar and chemical additives used.
Ice cream x ice cream
Gelato, which originated in Italy, is denser and has less air than traditional ice cream, resulting in a creamier texture and more intense flavor. The ice cream expert says the argument that “gelato is better than gelato” is overblown. “There is no specific legislation that defines what makes a premium or standard-quality ice cream. There is no universal standard of identity and quality for ice cream.”
He also points out that the sales system affects the quality of the final product. To offer good ice cream, it is essential to understand the entire process: from production to sales, up to the costs involved. “It’s an ecosystem,” he says, “and people often romanticize that chain.”
What is the best chocolate ice cream according to experts?
Now that you know how to evaluate a good ice cream, Paladar Testou tests the brands available on the market, with the help of food experts. To find out which brand of chocolate ice cream stood out among those evaluated, Check out the full test here and find out which one got the best rating based on the experts’ criteria.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
