McDonald’s ice cream is not only delicious but also made with 100% real dairy. The creamy texture and delightful flavors are the result of using quality ingredients, such as dairy cream and real sugar. Unlike some other ice creams, McDonald’s doesn’t use any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors in their ice cream.
The Ingredients in McDonald’s Ice Cream
Wondering what goes into making McDonald’s ice cream? It’s a blend of dairy ingredients, including cream, combined with frozen desserts like sherbet and ice milk. To sweeten the ice cream, McDonald’s uses a combination of sugar, glucose-fructose, food starches, and artificial flavors. Additionally, stabilizers and emulsifiers are added to prevent crystallization and give the ice cream its smooth and creamy texture. It’s worth noting that McDonald’s ice cream is also certified kosher.
Partnering with Dreyer’s for Quality Ice Cream
McDonald’s trusts Dreyer’s, a subsidiary of Nestlé, to produce their ice cream mix. Dreyer’s has been a long-time partner of McDonald’s, supplying both soft serve and hard scoop ice cream across the United States. The ice cream mix is then blended with the McDonald’s brand flavor, giving it that distinct taste everyone recognizes.
The Combination of Milk and Cream in McDonald’s Ice Cream
McDonald’s ice cream is a delightful combination of both milk and cream. Depending on the specific variety of frozen treat, the recipe may include a frozen custard-type mix, which combines cream, sugar, eggs, and flavorings like vanilla or chocolate. On the other hand, some soft serve options, like the McFlurry, incorporate a blend of ice cream, milk, and cream. So, whether it’s milk or cream, McDonald’s ensures that their ice cream is delectable.
Sourcing Dairy Products from Trustworthy Suppliers
McDonald’s believes in sourcing their dairy products from reputable farms and suppliers worldwide. They work with dairy farmers across Europe, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand to obtain high-quality milk, cheese, and butter. Major American suppliers like Borden Dairy and Kraft Heinz play a significant role in providing McDonald’s with cheese for their menu items. Grupo Bimbo, a Mexican-based bakery company, supplies McDonald’s with fresh eggs, while Land O’Lakes, Inc., a renowned co-op dairy producer and processor, contributes butter. McDonald’s also collaborates with various other suppliers to ensure the availability of top-notch dairy-based products like ice cream, yogurt, and creamer.
Frequently Asked Questions about McDonald’s Ice Cream
Did McDonald’s Face Lawsuits Regarding Their Ice Cream?
Unfortunately, McDonald’s has faced legal issues related to their ice cream. In one instance, they settled a lawsuit in 2017 over contaminated ice cream. The claim alleged that employees would scrape fallen ice cream off the floor and serve it to customers. In 2019, McDonald’s was sued for falsely advertising their frozen dairy desserts as ice cream. The lawsuit contended that these desserts contained less butterfat than what the FDA requires for a product to be labeled and called ice cream. McDonald’s denied the allegations and resolved the matter by adjusting the labels on their desserts.
Is Soft Serve Ice Cream Dairy Free?
No, soft serve ice cream is not dairy free. Although it may contain stabilizers and emulsifiers, the main ingredients are still dairy-based, including milk, cream, butter, and egg yolks. Therefore, individuals who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy should avoid soft serve ice cream.
What About McFlurry?
A McFlurry is not just soft serve; it’s a unique creation by McDonald’s. It consists of soft serve ice cream blended with a variety of toppings such as candy or cookie pieces. McFlurries come in different flavors like Oreo, M&M’s, and Smarties. They provide a sweet and satisfying treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Are McFlurries Dairy Free?
Unfortunately, McFlurries are not dairy free as they contain a significant amount of cow’s milk. This makes them unsuitable for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or following a dairy-free diet. The regular McFlurry flavors also include ice cream, malt-milk powder, artificially flavored syrups, and candy mix-ins. It’s important to note that these flavors are not certified as vegan due to the inclusion of dairy-based ingredients.
What Are the Ingredients in a McFlurry?
A McFlurry is a delightful combination of creamy soft-serve vanilla ice cream blended with your favorite sweet topping, topped off with a crisp whipped topping. Popular flavors like M&M’s, Oreo Cookies, Reese’s, and Heath Choice have their own unique ingredients. For example, the M&M’s McFlurry contains vanilla soft-serve ice cream, M&M candy pieces, and whipped topping.
Can Vegans Enjoy a McFlurry?
Unfortunately, the McFlurry is not suitable for vegans. It contains milk and other dairy derivatives, making it unsuitable for those following a vegan lifestyle. Furthermore, the specific ingredients used in McFlurries may vary by country and may include other animal-derived products such as egg, honey, or gelatin. It’s always best to check the nutritional information at your local McDonald’s to ensure the absence of any animal products.
Introducing the Dairy Milk McFlurry
Among the popular items on the McDonald’s dessert menu is the Dairy Milk McFlurry. This indulgent treat features creamy soft serve blended with crushed Dairy Milk chocolate pieces. The addition of a sweet, milky McFlurry sauce enhances the flavor of the chocolate, creating a heavenly taste experience. The Dairy Milk McFlurry is perfect for those seeking a rich and indulgent dessert to brighten their day.
In conclusion, McDonald’s ice cream is made with real dairy and quality ingredients. From sourcing dairy products globally to partnering with reputable suppliers, McDonald’s ensures that their ice cream meets the highest standards of taste and quality. So, next time you crave a creamy frozen treat, remember that McDonald’s has you covered with their delicious ice cream.
