Dippin’ Dots prides itself as being called the ‘ice cream of the future’ and has made a comeback in recent years after several years on hiatus from many popular sporting events and stadiums.
The ice cream-like product was created by Microbiologist Curt Jones, who developed the beaded ice cream concept in 1988 using his knowledge of cryogenic technology and love for ice cream to make the familiar ice cream beads based product.
Since then, Dippin’ Dots has prided itself on being called the ‘number one beaded ice cream brand’ in America. Its website states that the company has ‘redefined ice cream.’
For countless children and curious adults who enjoy the novelty of a new and exciting food-like product, Dippin’ Dots will forever remain one of their favorite products. For people seeking a healthier whole foods alternative, the mere sight of this ice cream brand sets off warning bells the likes of which few others are capable of producing.
Dippin’ Dots Called Out For Artificial Ingredients
Recently EWG, also known as the Environmental Working Group, decided to go through some of the most popular food products on store shelves with a fine toothed comb to see which ones contain artificial and potential genetically modified ingredients.
Dippin’ Dots were profiled in the category of ice cream and frozen yogurt and were given a score of ‘5,’ which is considered to be halfway between the ‘best’ and the ‘worst’ possible score given to products included on the list.
According to EWG, Dippin’ Dots contain the following additives and processing techniques of concern:
- RED 40 and BLUE 1, two artificial food colorings linked to hyperactivity in children and tumors and cancers in animals.
- The product is 17% sugar by weight with three teaspoons of added sugar per serving
- Contains synthetic food dyes
- Contains mystery ingredient ‘flavor’ (more info here)
- Does not contain any organic ingredients and is not certified organic
- Is listed as having concerns regarding processing
Dippin’ Dots has 22,000 points of presence across the United States. The company’s products can be found at gas stations, baseball stadiums, basketball arenas, football stadiums, zoos, amusement parks, festivals, convenience stores, schools, food trucks and mobile food carts.
GMO Ingredients in Dippin’ Dots?
Dippin’ Dots is not certified organic and or Non-GMO Project Verified and makes no non-GMO claims on its product labels.
Numerous Dippin’ Dots ingredients were listed as those that ‘may be genetically engineered or derive from GE crops:’ Corn Syrup Solids, Sugars, and Citric Acid.
Considering that over 90% of corn in the United States is genetically engineered to soak up glyphosate sprayed on it by farmers and over 90% of sugar beets are genetically engineered, it’s highly likely that Dippin’ Dots products contain GE ingredients and synthetic pesticides made from companies like Monsanto (now a subsidiary of Bayer).
Citric acid is another ingredient that is made from genetically engineered, fermented mold and genetically engineered corn syrup (more info in this article).
Final Thoughts on Dippin’ Dots
Dippin’ Dots are loved by both kids and adults because of their unique texture and flavors. They are fun and convenient to eat at a ball game, zoo, park or school event but the question is, what are we really consuming?
Dippin’ Dots were originally marketed as the ‘Ice Cream of the Future.’ That doesn’t necessarily mean they should be considered healthy, as the ingredients list shared and dissected by the EWG has indicated.
The best way to eat healthier ice cream is to make it yourself using grass-fed cream and an at-home ice cream maker like this one. There are also ice cream makers that make gelato or sorbet out of fruit for vegans like this one from the company KUMIO.
By making your own ice cream at home, you can create something that is healthy and made from organic ingredients that you can choose yourself instead of letting corporations selecting artificial and possibly toxic ones for you with the goal of improving their company earnings rather than creating a healthy organic product.
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About Nick Meyer
