Choosing a Frozen Treat

Frozen Desserts are so hard to resist, especially when summer rolls around. But if you choose wisely, you can still enjoy without feeling guilty. Here are a few tips to help you make some smart choices when you’re craving an icy cold treat.

All Natural is Best

Always pick desserts that are all natural. Why waste calories on silly ingredients that really don’t need to be there anyways? All of Ciao Bella’s flavors are all natural – so we pass this part of the checklist. Take a look at our flavors – Ciao Bella’s Pistachio Gelato is a creamy white color – No artificial colors here.  When in doubt – look at the ingredient statement.  Remember if there is a # following a color steer clear, that means it is artificial food coloring and has no purpose but to change the color of the gelato.

No Corn Syrup

Take a close look at what exactly is being put into your treat.  Does it contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)? Does it contain corn syrup?  If it does, put it back on the shelf. These ingredients are used by manufacturers to control costs and can be a factor in obesity.  Choose products that use healthier alternatives like organic evaporated cane juice and tapioca syrup.  That is what Ciao Bella uses!

rBST-free dairy is best

All of the dairy in our gelato is rBST-free so there are no artificial hormones. For those of you that don’t know what rBST stands for – it is recombinant bovine somatotropin, also known as an artificial growth hormone injected in cows to increase their milk production.  The cows don’t need them and neither do you.  

Fruit comes first

If you’re choosing a fruity treat, fruit should be the primary ingredient and should almost always come before sugar. The exception – citrus fruits will usually always have water first. Can you imagine how tart it would be if it didn’t? Most fruits have additional health benefits like having Vitamin C or being antioxidants. Why eat something fruity if you are just going to cover it in sugar?  Another misconception is that sorbet should be cheaper than ice cream.  Think about buying a pound of fruit at the grocery store. What would you pay for it?

Trust the Experts

Ciao Bella prides ourselves on making indulgent, refreshing treats that not only taste great but are better-for-you.  So far this summer we were awarded Healthy Food Awards for our sorbet by both  Self Magazine and Fitness Magazine! We have also been featured in Health Magazine, Shape Magazine and Men’s Health Magazine.  Check out our fabulous press coverage on our website’s As Seen In section.