THE heat is on and sales of ice-cream, lollies and other frozen treats have soared in the past week.
But while these may help you cool down, they are often full of additives and artificial ingredients, which are bad for your health.
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This week I’ve tested healthier versions of three summer faves . . .
ICE CREAM
This is a great choice for growing kids, or as a meal-replacement, but be warned if counting calories Credit: supplied
THIS is clever – a range of fortified ice creams with vitamins and minerals.
There are Nutri-Ice ones for adults and Smile Heroes for children.
They are designed to bridge the gap between treat food and functional nutrition and contain seven vitamins and minerals including D, B12, iron, zinc and magnesium.
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Each 100ml tub also contains over 10g of protein – but has more than 300 calories.
This is a great choice for growing kids, or as a meal replacement, but be warned if counting calories.
I tried the kids’ strawberry one. It tastes amazing.
£4.45 a tub, at mydoctorsrecipe.com
MILKSHAKE
This shake is not a protein drink but is maybe a healthier alternative Credit: Supplied
THERE’S a movement toward real food away from ultra-processed.
This drink from the Tom Parker Creamery is made from free-range, full-fat milk without artificial sweeteners, powders or chemical-heavy ingredients.
Whole milk is still only about 3.5 per cent fat and has 8g of quality protein per 250ml, plus amino acids your body needs for muscle repair.
This shake is not a protein drink but is maybe a healthier alternative.
Milk is high in calcium and contains several B vitamins plus vitamin A – important for vision and immune function.
I tried the delicious Strawberries & Cream flavour, which is simply milk, real fruit puree and a splash of double cream.
£2.25 for 500ml, tomparkercreamery.com/our-range
SORBET
Not the cheapest of machines – but with ice creams from the shop ever pricier, it may prove a good investment Credit: supplied
THE Nutribullet Chill is an ice-cream maker that also churns gelato, sorbet, frozen yoghurt, and smoothies using preset programmes.
Before you start, you put your ingredients into a supplied container and freeze for about 12 hours.
So that could be, say, milk for an ice-cream.
I used the Tom Parker milkshake, protein powder and chia seeds for an after-run treat, and also made a mango sorbet with water and fresh lime.
The machine can also process your ice cream into a texture of your choice within a couple of minutes.
It’s great knowing you are in control of additives.
Not the cheapest of machines – but with ice creams from the shop ever pricier, it may prove a good investment.
Price is £189, at nutribullet.co.uk
