Dreyer’s

Rated at 1 out of 5 green leaves, Dreyer’s Slow Churned® Vanilla Bean Light Ice Cream falls significantly short of the cleaner food options we advocate for on our website. This product is not organic, uses GMO ingredients, includes added sugars, and contains additives and flavors that are deemed potentially harmful.

The ice cream’s composition includes non-fat milk, cream, and ground vanilla beans, which are common in similar products. However, the presence of sugar, corn syrup, and polydextrose contributes to its high added sugar content, which is a major concern for health-conscious consumers. The addition of soluble corn fiber and whey is noteworthy, yet the product is marred by the inclusion of mono and diglycerides, carob bean gum, and guar gum. These are common thickeners and stabilizers in the food industry, but their necessity and impact on health are debated.

Furthermore, the product contains “natural flavor,” a term that encompasses a range of possible ingredients, some of which may not align with cleaner eating principles. The lack of transparency regarding these flavors is problematic. The ice cream is also fortified with vitamin A palmitate, a synthetic version of vitamin A, which is a common practice to boost nutritional value.

Despite its light branding, the product’s ingredient list does not support a clean eating philosophy. The absence of organic certification and the use of GMOs are significant drawbacks. The use of potentially harmful additives and oils, which are not explicitly listed but inferred from the presence of mono and diglycerides, further detracts from its appeal to those seeking purer food options.

For consumers prioritizing health and ingredient quality, Dreyer’s Slow Churned® Vanilla Bean Light Ice Cream does not meet the standards of a cleaner, less processed food product. Its 1 out of 5 green leaves rating reflects a product that is best avoided by those seeking healthier alternatives in the ice cream category.