Some people have a strong preference for either frozen custard or ice cream, while others may not have tried frozen custard before. Keep reading to learn about the difference between custard and ice cream, as well as how their nutritional values differ.

Key takeaways

• Custard contains fewer calories than ice cream, more protein, and calcium, but less fat and carbs.
• Custard must contain at least 1.4% egg yolk, while ice cream contains less than 1.4% egg yolk.
• Both custard and ice cream are high in calories, fat, and sugar, making them more of a treat than a healthy snack.
• The production process of custard incorporates less air, resulting in a denser and creamier texture compared to ice cream.
• Custard is generally more suitable for ovo-lacto vegetarians, while both desserts contain lactose.
• Use the free January app to see calorie and macro information, as well as how both custard and ice cream would affect your blood sugar.

Custard vs ice cream: Ingredient differences

Egg yolk content

One of the biggest differences between custard and ice cream is the use of egg yolks. Custard uses egg yolks, while ice cream does not. This means that custard has a creamier texture than ice cream.

Milk and cream ratios

The milk and cream ratios in custard and ice cream also differ. Custard typically has a higher proportion of cream, contributing to its rich texture. Ice cream, on the other hand, often has more milk, making it lighter.

Air incorporation

When it comes to frozen custard vs. ice cream, you'll primarily notice a different mouthfeel and texture. Ice cream is churned with lots of air to create a light consistency, while custard is made with less air to give it a dense, creamy texture.

Nutritional Breakdown of Custard vs Ice Cream

Blood sugar impact

A super easy way to see the nutritional differences in foods is by using the free January app. As you can see in the above image, the app shows the nutritional profile of both frozen custard and ice cream, and also the predicted blood sugar impact. In both cases, the impact is almost identical, meaning if you're concerned about blood sugar management — as we all should be, whether we're healthy or not — neither option will significantly spike your blood sugar, assuming you're not adding toppings or flavors, or a cone. If you are, be sure to look up the full meal in the app to see how the extra ingredients will affect your body.

The January app is completely free to download and use. You can even take a photo of your meal and instantly get the macro information and the predicted glucose response. Whether at a restaurant, in the grocery store, or rummaging around the pantry, we always keep the January app on hand to help us make the best choices for our health goals.

You can download the January app for free here.

Caloric content

When comparing the caloric content of custard and ice cream, custard generally contains fewer calories. For instance, a 100-gram serving of custard has approximately 222 calories, according to the January app, whereas the same amount of vanilla ice cream has around 207 calories. This makes ice cream slightly lower in calories but not by a significant margin.

Macronutrient composition

Custard and ice cream have different macronutrient profiles. Ice cream is slightly more nutrient-dense, with a composition of 61% water, while custard consists of 73% water. Ice cream contains more fats and carbs than custard. Here's a quick comparison:

Vitamin and mineral content

Custard generally contains more protein and calcium than ice cream, thanks to its higher egg yolk content. This makes custard a slightly better option if you're looking to increase your intake of these nutrients. However, both treats are not exactly rich sources of vitamins and minerals and should be consumed in moderation.

While neither frozen custard nor ice cream are exactly healthy snacks, custard does offer a bit more protein and calcium due to its ingredients.

Texture and consistency: Custard vs ice cream

Mouthfeel and density

As mentioned, ice cream is churned with lots of air to create a light consistency, while custard is made with egg yolk and less air to give it a rich, creamy texture. Custard is denser because it incorporates less air during the churning process. The consistency of custard can range from runny to thick or viscous, whereas ice cream is generally lighter and more airy.

Production processes

The production processes for custard and ice cream also contribute to their textural differences. Ice cream is mixed at high speeds, frozen, and churned with a lot of air, resulting in that airy, thick, and velvety texture we mentioned. On the other hand, custard is churned more slowly and with less air, which makes it denser and creamier. The inclusion of egg yolks in custard further enhances its creamy texture.

Serving suggestions

Both custard and ice cream come in a variety of flavors and can be served in numerous ways. Here are some popular serving suggestions:

• Custard: Often served as a standalone dessert, in pies, or as a topping for other desserts.
• Ice cream: Commonly served in cones, cups, or as part of sundaes and milkshakes.

Custard vs ice cream: Suitability for dietary preferences

Lactose content

Custard and ice cream both contain dairy, making them unsuitable for those who are lactose intolerant. However, there are lactose-free versions of ice cream available on the market, which can be a better option for those with lactose intolerance. Custard, on the other hand, typically contains dairy, as it is made with milk or cream as a primary ingredient.

Vegetarian considerations

When it comes to vegetarian diets, both custard and ice cream can be suitable options. However, it's important to note that custard often contains egg yolks, which may not be acceptable for some vegetarians. Ice cream can be made without egg yolks, making it a more versatile choice for those following a vegetarian diet.

Popular flavors and variations

Classic flavors

Custard is typically available in its two most popular flavors: vanilla and chocolate. While other flavors, such as raspberry, strawberry, and mango are also available, they are not as commonly found. These less common flavors are usually offered in the form of powdered custard or synthetic variations.

Ice cream, on the other hand, has a broader flavor range than custard. The flavor of ice cream can vary greatly, from classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate to more complex and unique flavors like mint chocolate chip, strawberry, and rocky road. There are over 1,000 flavors of ice cream, making it one of the most versatile desserts.

Regional variations

Different regions have their own unique takes on custard and ice cream flavors. In the United States, for example, flavors like cookies and cream and chocolate chip are very popular. In Italy, gelato—a type of ice cream—often features flavors like pistachio and hazelnut. Regional variations add an extra layer of excitement and discovery for those who love to explore new tastes.

Ice cream has a broader flavor range than custard, resulting in a greater variety in its mineral, vitamin, and micronutrient composition, so again look up each one in the January app as the nutritional information and impact on your body can vary wildly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both frozen custard and ice cream offer delightful experiences for dessert lovers, but they come with distinct nutritional profiles and textures. Frozen custard, with its higher egg yolk content, tends to be richer and creamier, providing slightly more protein and calcium. On the other hand, ice cream is lighter and contains more air, making it less dense but higher in fats and carbs. While neither option can be classified as a health food, understanding these differences can help you make more informed choices based on your nutritional goals and personal preferences. Whether you prefer the creamy texture of custard or the lighter feel of ice cream, both can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main ingredient difference between custard and ice cream?

The main ingredient difference is the egg yolk content. Custard contains at least 1.4% egg yolk, while ice cream contains less than 1.4%.

Which is healthier: custard or ice cream?

Neither custard nor ice cream is particularly healthy as both are high in calories, fat, and sugar. Custard generally has fewer calories and more protein and calcium than ice cream.

How do the textures of custard and ice cream differ?

Custard has a denser and creamier texture due to its higher egg yolk content and less air incorporation, while ice cream is lighter and fluffier because it is churned with more air.

What are the caloric differences between custard and ice cream?

A 1/2 cup serving of custard contains about 147 calories, whereas the same amount of vanilla ice cream has approximately 137 calories, according to the free January app.

Can custard and ice cream be part of a vegetarian diet?

Yes, both custard and ice cream can be part of an ovo-lacto vegetarian diet as they contain milk products and, in the case of custard, egg yolks.

Do custard and ice cream contain lactose?

Yes, both custard and ice cream contain lactose since they are made from milk products.

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