When it comes to frozen treats, custard and ice cream are two popular options that never fail to satisfy our cravings. But have you ever wondered which one is healthier? Let’s take a closer look at both and find out!

Consistency

Standard custard and ice cream differ in terms of consistency. Made using a double boiler, custard can range from a thin pouring sauce to a thick pastry cream. On the other hand, ice cream is made in an ice cream maker and has a dense and creamy texture. Soft-serve ice cream, which undergoes more agitation, is fluffy and smooth. It’s worth noting that frozen custard has a dense yet creamy consistency and is often served at 18 degrees, while ice cream is usually served at 10 degrees.

Variations

Custard offers a wide range of variations to tantalize your taste buds. A standard custard typically uses eggs for thickening, but adding starch creates a delectable pastry cream. For a twist, flavorings like vanilla, chocolate, or lemon can be added to create Crème pâtissière. By incorporating gelatin into the mixture, chefs can whip up crème anglaise collée. Moreover, all the basic ingredients of custard can be frozen in a soft-serve ice cream maker to create frozen custard. And let’s not forget about savory custards like quiche!

When it comes to ice cream, you have the choice between regular and soft-serve. Soft-serve ice creams contain less butterfat (5%) compared to the 10% found in regular ice cream. The freezing process also introduces more air, resulting in a light and creamy texture.

Both frozen custard and standard ice cream come in a variety of flavors, such as chocolate-based, fruit-based, and even flavors with nuts and other exciting novelties.

Culinary Uses

Custard shines when it comes to versatility in culinary uses. It can be the star of various desserts or serve as a filling for pastries. Additionally, custard serves as a savory base for quiche, adding a rich and creamy element to this classic dish.

Frozen custard and ice cream can be enjoyed on their own or used as the base for delectable sundaes or banana splits. The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about satisfying your sweet tooth!

Brands

When it comes to availability, frozen custard is commonly served in restaurants and custard stands. Some popular custard stands include Gilles, Freddy’s, and Culvers. Brands like Gilles and Abbotts also distribute ready-to-eat frozen custard in grocery stores.

Ice cream, on the other hand, can be found in both stands and packaged formats. Baskins & Robbins is a well-known ice cream stand, and popular brands like Breyers, Dreyers, Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs, and Blue Bunny offer a wide range of flavors and options.

Nutrition

In terms of nutrition, frozen custard and ice cream are quite similar. Both contain lactose and are suitable for vegetarians, but not vegans. While calorie and fat counts may vary depending on the flavors, generally, ice cream tends to have more calories and fat compared to frozen custard. For example, 100 grams of vanilla ice cream contains around 207 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the same amount of frozen custard has approximately 122 calories and four grams of fat. However, both are comparable when it comes to calcium, protein, and carbohydrates.

It’s worth noting that soft-serve ice cream, with its lower butterfat content, offers a reduced calorie and fat alternative.

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References

• Wikipedia: Custard
• Wikipedia: Frozen custard
• Wikipedia: Ice cream
• Wikipedia: Soft serve

So, the next time you’re craving a frozen treat, whether it’s custard or ice cream, keep in mind that both have their own unique qualities and flavors. Indulge in moderation, choose your preferred base, and savor every delightful spoonful. After all, life is too short to resist the allure of a sweet and creamy dessert!

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