Dippin’ Dots is one of those nostalgia treats that seems never to get old. If you were a 90s kid like me, then you probably begged your mom for Dippin’ Dots every time you passed a pop-up stand. Now years later, our kids are doing the same. Now, we know that Dippin’ Dots is frozen ice cream, but is it gluten-free?
Dippin’ Dots is gluten-free. However, it may contain gluten in some of the ice cream add ons. Additionally, the possibility of cross-contamination is high. Either way, Dippin’ Dots is not a healthy snack as it contains loads of sugar. The best gluten-free and healthier alternatives are Rebel Cookie Dough Ice Cream, Nick’s Strawberry Ice Cream, and Coconut Bliss Infinite Coconut.
This article will look at the nutritional value and ingredients within some Dippin’ Dot flavors and check out some healthy alternatives. Let’s dig in!
Contents
What is Dippin’ Dots?
A trendy ice cream amongst children, Dippin’ Dots are small beads of ice cream, yogurt, sherbert, and flavored ice. It was created in 1988 by a microbiologist named Curt Jones. He used his education in cryogenic technology to invent the famous ice cream, Dippin’ Dots.
But Dippin’ Dots does not look like regular ice cream. Ice cream is flash-frozen into tiny beads at extremely cold temperatures, -320 degrees Fahrenheit to be specific.
Dippin’ Dots is prepackaged and shipped around the world for consumption. It is typically found at parks, malls, festivals, movie theaters, and stadium events, but you can also get it shipped directly to your home by purchasing online. The company makes the ice cream in a facility that contains milk, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and peanut products.
Although they promise to use every effort to segregate the ice cream, it risks cross-contamination within the facility. We highly recommend checking product labels and websites for any potential allergen risks if you have any diet restrictions.
Is Dippin’ Dots Bad For You?
With most calories in Dippin’ Dots coming from sugar, it is not a healthy ice cream option. Consuming high amounts of sugar can lead to many health risks. Too much sugar can increase your risk of weight gain, diabetes, dental problems, and many other health concerns. If you are going to indulge in high-sugar food, it is best to pick naturally sweetened options, like fruits and vegetables.
In addition, Dippin’ Dots Chocolate Ice Cream contains almost 20 grams of simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are sugars that quickly break down for the body to use as energy.
You cannot find simple carbohydrates in nutrient-dense foods, and they do not deliver sustaining energy. It is wiser to choose ice cream with no added sugars, made from natural ingredients. You can find several alternatives that include healthy fats and healthier ingredients.
A Few Dippin’ Dots Gluten Free Ice Cream Options
Although some add-ons to the ice cream can contain wheat products, Dippin’ Dots does offer gluten-free options. I will list a few of them below.
- Banana Split
- Bubble Gum
- Chocolate
- Cotton Candy
- Horchata
- Java Delight
- Mint Chocolate
- Peanut Butter Chip
- Strawberry
- Tropical Tie Dye
- Strawberry Cheesecake
- Vanilla
Is Dippin’ Dots Real Ice Cream?
Yes, Dippin’ Dots is real ice cream. The company uses the same ingredients that you can find in regular ice cream. It is frozen in tiny bead pieces, creating the look of little dots. Unfortunately, the unique look also comes with an expensive cost. It costs a lot of money to cryogenically freeze tiny beads of ice cream in small batches, making the product more expensive.
Dippin’ Dots Nutritional Facts
Dippin’ Dots Chocolate Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- Milk
- Cream
- Sugar
- Corn Syrup Solids
- Cocoa Processed with Alkali
- Salt
- Artificial Flavoring
- Mono & Diglycerides
- Guar Gum
- Carrageenan
- Locust Bean Gum
Nutritional Facts (Per 1 Package):
- 140 Calories
- 7 g Total Fat
- 4 g Saturated Fat
- 25 mg Cholesterol
- 40 mg Sodium
- 19 g Total Carbohydrates
- 0 g Dietary Fiber
- 16 g Total Sugars
- 3 g Protein
Dippin’ Dots Cotton Candy Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- Milk
- Sugar
- Artificial Flavors
- Blue #1
- Red #40
- Mono & Diglycerides
- Guar Gum
- Carrageenan
- Locust Bean Gum
Nutritional Facts (Per 1 Package):
- 130 Calories
- 7 g Total Fat
- 4 g Saturated Fat
- 25 mg Cholesterol
- 35 mg Sodium
- 15 g Total Carbohydrates
- 0 g Dietary Fiber
- 15 g Total Sugars
- 3 g Protein
Dippin’ Dots Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- Milk
- Cream
- Sugar
- Natural Flavors
- Vanilla
- Mono & Diglycerides
- Guar Gum
- Carrageenan
- Locust Bean Gum
Nutritional Facts (Per 1 Package):
- 130 Calories
- 7 g Total Fat
- 4.5 g Saturated Fat
- 25 mg Cholesterol
- 35 mg Sodium
- 15 g Total Carbohydrates
- 0 g Dietary Fiber
- 15 g Total Sugars
- 3 g Protein
Healthy Alternatives to Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream
It may taste yummy, but Dippin’ Dots ice cream is not a healthy dessert option. The ice cream does not add any nutritional value to your diet. The main components are sugar and cream. Dippin’ Dots does not contain healthy ingredients and should not be the first choice.
Rebel Cookie Dough Ice Cream
Rebel ice cream contains no added sugar, high fat, and low carbs. As the Rebel website says, 100 calories of sugar have a very different impact on your body than 100 calories of healthy fats. In addition, this high-quality ingredient ice cream is keto-friendly.
Ingredients:
- Cream
- Water
- Almond Flour
- Erythritol
- Butter
- Water
- Natural Flavor
- Baking Soda
- Salt
- Sunflower Lecithin
- Chocolate Flakes
- Coconut Oil
- Cocoa
- Dutched Cocoa
- Vanilla Extract
- Monk Fruit
- Vegetable Glycerin
- Egg Yolks
- Chicory Root Fiber
- Milk Protein Isolate
- Natural Vanilla Flavor
- Peruvian Carob Gum
- Guar Gum
Nutritional Facts (Per ⅔ cup):
- 220 Calories
- 21 g Total Fat
- 12 g Saturated Fat
- 0.5 g Trans Fat
- 85 mg Cholesterol
- 115 mg Sodium
- 18 g Total Carb
- 3 9 Dietary Fiber
- 0 g Total Sugars
- 3 g Protein
Nick’s Strawbar Swirl Ice Cream
Strawbar Swirl is a Swedish-style vanilla ice cream swirled with ribbons of strawberry. This ice cream is a low-calorie choice, containing no added sugar. They offer a select few gluten-free and vegan-friendly flavors options. If you are trying to avoid gluten altogether, please be advised, they do have a risk of cross-contamination due to being made in all the same facilities. Nick’s ice cream is an excellent option if you are looking for keto-friendly ice cream.
Ingredients:
- Skim Milk
- Strawberry Lumpy Puree
- Strawberries
- Erythritol
- Glycerin
- Water
- Natural Flavors
- Citric Acid
- Locust Bean Gum
- Xanthan Gum
- Cream
- Milk Protein Concentrate
- Sorbitol
- Coconut Oil
- Xylitol
- Whey Protein Isolate
- Acacia Gum
- Modified Starch
- Guar Gum
- Salt
- Tara Gum
- Fermented Sugar Can Reb M
- Red Color (Beta-Carotene Beet Juice)
- Carob Bean Gum
- Ascorbic Acid
Nutritional Facts (Per ½ cup):
- 60 Calories
- 1.5 g Total Fat
- 0.5 g Saturated Fat
- 5 g Cholesterol
- 60 g Sodium
- 17 g Total Carbohydrates
- 4 g Dietary Fiber
- 3 g Sugar
- 3 g Protein
Coconut Bliss Infinite Coconut Ice Cream
Coconut Bliss is an entirely organic, plant-based ice cream. This product is certified gluten-free, USDA Organic, Kosher, Non-GMO verified, and certified vegan. The plant-based ice cream is free of any artificial colors or flavors. If you are looking for an all-natural, preservative-free ice cream that is great for any diet, this is the one.
Ingredients:
- Coconut Milk
- Water
- Coconut
- Guar Gum
- Coconut Syrup
- Coconut Cream
- Dried Coconut
- Coconut Extract
- Vanilla Extract
- Certified Organic
Nutritional Facts (Per ⅔ cup):
- 320 Calories
- 20 g Total Fat
- 18 g Saturated Fat
- 45 mg Sodium
- 17 g Total Carbohydrates
- 2 g Dietary Fiber
- 2 g Protein
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, it is quite alright to indulge in Dippin’ Dots here and there, but it is often best to choose a healthy alternative if you eat ice cream regularly. We recommend selecting nutrient-dense products that will be best for your overall health and your waistline.
There are many other ice cream options available that offer a wide variety of nutritional benefits and fit every diet’s needs. I do not think you will be disappointed trying one of the options listed above.
If you avoid gluten in your diet or have celiac disease, proceed with caution due to the potential risks of cross-contamination. Dippin’ Dots ice cream, without additional add-ons, should be gluten-free and safe for you to consume.
Related Questions
Is Dippin’ Dots Vegan?
Sadly, no Dippin’ Dots are not considered vegan-friendly. They contain milk and cream, which is an animal by-product. As of now, they do not offer any dairy-free ice cream options.
Is Dippin’ Dots Keto-Friendly?
No, Dippin’ Dots is not for those following a keto diet. A single serving of Dippin’ Dots Vanilla Ice cream contains 15 grams of carbohydrates. Therefore, this product will not help you stay in ketosis. If you want a keto-friendly ice cream option, try Rebel ice cream products.
Does Dippin’ Dots Contain Liquid Nitrogen?
No, according to the Dippin’ Dots website. The ice cream is made at the manufacturing facility and never at the location where it is available for purchase. They use liquid nitrogen to freeze the tiny bead of ice cream, but all the liquid nitrogen dissipates before the product leaves the plant. Nonetheless, there is no liquid nitrogen in the Dippin’ Dots that you eat.