What’s the scoop on NICE cream? A better dessert for you

Have you heard of “NICE Cream”?

(Also called “banana ice cream”) It’s a fun banana-based dessert that is becoming more popular … but why? Basically all you have to do is learn about it, to see how it could become a sensation. It’s super versatile, capable of chocolate, fruit, and nut flavors (or any combination of them). It’s dairy-free, low-sugar, better for you than regular ice cream, AND it’s easy to make, too, so it’s no wonder people everywhere are trying it. It is called “NICE”, because it is more ecological than milk and does not bother any animal when doing it.

So what exactly is NICE Cream?

The basics are frozen bananas, some dairy-free liquid, some kind of added flavor item, and a powerful blender or possibly a food processor. If everything is added in the right proportions, the ingredients will form an ice cream textured dessert. It may sound plain, boring, or too simple here, but that doesn’t fall into any of the countless fun ways to ‘add’. (Read on and the real fun will begin shortly!)

Why isn’t this just ‘a shake’, why is it going to work in MY blender?

It’s all thanks to a special type of fiber: soluble fiber. Did you know that bananas are about 86% water? That’s incredibly high … so why aren’t they wet or soggy like a watermelon? The answer is still soluble fiber. These special fibers in bananas keep them from freezing solid, ice-hard like a popsicle. When it comes to a frozen banana, there will always be a creamy element. Ice cream is a bit similar, but instead of soluble fiber, it uses fats that never freeze completely solid because of their texture. The low amount of liquid prevents it from turning into a smoothie.

Why can’t I find these things in stores if it’s so good?

If cream is so easy and so much better for you than ice cream, shouldn’t it be on grocery store shelves already? You would think so, but there is only one problem stopping the company: it is the act of mixing a good cream before serving that creates the texture that everyone wants. If you pre-mix and then refreeze it will become super solid and cannot be scooped out. It requires annoying defrosting time that no one wants to wait … because regular ice cream lacks it. Because no one has patience, no company will pack the cream. Like sorbet, the nice cream works best when freshly mixed. Basically, you have to do it yourself if you want to. Fortunately, it only takes a few minutes to blend, so it can be ready when you want dessert.

Why is Nice-Cream better than Ice Cream?

Lactose intolerance?

No problem. You get the creamy texture of ice cream but no dairy.

MAY be fat free

Fat-free or low-fat ice cream can taste strange. Because it is based on banana rather than dairy, it is naturally fat-free. Nothing had to be reduced or removed. Of course, you can add a healthy fat with nut butter if you like.

No need for added sweeteners

Fruits are pretty sweet on their own, and bananas are no exception. They have a great mix of sweet and fiber. When you add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries, they are also sweet. Nice Cream doesn’t need high fructose corn syrup or added sugar to taste good. More … if you want it sweeter, you’re in charge: you can add a splash of stevia or raw local honey (the anti-allergy one!).

Turn real fruit back into real fun

Forget those little nuggets of artificial color and flavor mixed in with your typical ice cream to help with the shelf life. When you make a nice cream, the vibrant colors and flavors of real fruit are always within reach. Strawberry banana swirl? Safe. Fresh kiwi and coconut zest for a tropical treat? Of course! Raspberry and chocolate for a delicious evening scoop? Whenever you want. Homemade in minutes means there is no concern for shelf life. Frozen fruit means you can have the flavors you want at any time of the year. (Freezing fruit instead of cooking also helps conserve nutrients)

You are in control of an almost infinite flavor

In the mood for something exotic that you can’t find on store shelves? Nice-cream has you covered. You can make mango with fresh lime zest, chocolate peanut butter … or chocolate almond butter with chunks of real walnuts mixed in. Blueberry Banana can be hard to find … but when has the supermarket provided you with strawberry-blueberry-banana? (It’s a great combination) Bananas have a mild flavor that can easily be topped off with other stronger flavors. You choose if you highlight it or push it to the bottom for a change.

First steps: basic recipe

This will make a few servings of the most basic chocolate spread. It lets you see how easy it is, and then you can develop your own recipes or surf the internet for more.

2 frozen bananas (peel raw, wrap in plastic wrap, then freeze for easy use)

2 tablespoons almond / rice / cashew / banana or non-dairy milk of your choice

1 tablespoon almond butter (unsweetened)

1 teaspoon chia seeds

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

When you want to eat a good cream, just mix the entire list above until smooth and ready to serve. You will need a strong blender or food processor because it is a “dry” recipe. Blend several times / pulse repeatedly to get the right consistency. Don’t be tempted to add extra liquid, or it will turn into a smoothie. (not terrible, but not what you are looking for)

But don’t stop here!

Basic chocolate is just the beginning, continue to explore the possibilities with other fruits or skip the chocolate and use frozen blueberries. Put PB in place of AB, and sprinkle on some mini chips; the list goes on and on … and so will fiber. Most people don’t get enough fiber in their diet every day from processed foods. And no one really considers dessert as ‘the high fiber food’ … but this may change it. Whole fruits (not juice), bananas, and chia seeds in the pleasant cream add to a healthy dose of fiber. Fiber not only keeps you feeling full longer, it can also help the body slow down converting carbohydrates to sugars, feed beneficial bacteria, help the intestines move food more efficiently, and consume more bile acids which in turn can lower cholesterol. And that’s not all! Fiber, although it is something you cannot digest, can really help in many areas of your health. So what could be better than a dessert whose secret focus is fiber? Don’t wait, put some bananas in your freezer now to enjoy some nice cream later.