Number-of additives-in-that-simple-icecream-cake?

Number of additives in that simple icecream cake

A recent post on the popular “What’s on 4 Australia” facebook page showcased a “easy and cheap” do it yourself icecream cake which caused a little controversy on the page.

Discussion surrounded whether given childhood obesity, diabetes and other metabolic disorders increasing at an alarming rate, pages such as “What’s on 4 Australia” need to take some responsibility and promote healthier food options.

Whether you believe in moderation, 80/20 or a completely healthy lifestyle, the facts are the facts.

Lets take a look at the number of additives in that simple icecream cake using similar products you would be likely to find in your pantry.

Peter’s neopolitan icecream

Number-of-additives-in-that-simple-icecream-cake

Icecream magic

100s and 1000s

Ingredients

Water, Cream (15%), Sugar, Milk Solids, Glucose Syrup (Wheat), Maltodextrin, Cocoa, Vegetable Origin Emulsifiers [477, 471 (Soy)], Vegetable Gum (412), Flavours, Colours (120).

Ingredients

Vegetable Oils, [Protected With Antioxidant (319)], Sugar, Cocoa Powder (9%), Skim Milk Powder, Emulsifier (471), Flavours

Ingredients

Sugar, Tapioca Starch, Colours (102, 110, 122, 123, 124, 132, 133) Glazing Agent (903).

WHY SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE NUMBER OF ADDITIVES IN THAT SIMPLE ICECREAM CAKE?

Lets take a closer look at some of these additives contained in these products:

Maltodextrin

Maltodextrin is an additive often used in products as a bulking agent, a thickener to bulk up foods. Maltodextrin is obtained by the hydrolysis of starch. The starch is cooked (normally with water) and then acids or enzymes are added so it breaks down even further, until it results in a white powder. Even though it is derived from natural sources it is a highly processed product.

Maltodextrin often contains or produces processed free glutamic acid. At normal levels in our system glutamates allow cells in the brain to communicate with each other. The issue is when excessive amounts are consumed, the brain cells die. Manufacturers have worked out that MSG can be produced from any food protein by hydrolysing vegetable proteins, wheat proteins, or milk protein. These excessive amounts at much higher concentrations gets into the brain causing excitotoxic effects.

There are a range of symptoms that can be caused by those that are sensitive to MSG, these include:

dizziness
headaches
irritability
nausea
pins and needles in upper limbs
hives

If your child is sensitive to MSG I always recommend to my clients to AVOID maltodextrin.

Flavours

Currently, as our legislation stands, additives used within flavours do not need to be disclosed unless they are in the 6 series of numbers ie 621 etc. Often the composition of these flavours are too complex to be added to an ingredients label, and we have no idea what is included in this ingredient!

Colour (120) – Cohineal

This colour is derived from the cochineal, a species of insect found mainly in Peru and the Canary Islands. The insects are sun-dried and crushed and then submerged in an acidic alcohol solution to produce the pigment that eventually results in the cochineal colour.

Caution is advised for this additive as the potential effects can include asthma, hyperactivity, contact dermatitis, rashes or hives. So whilst this is a naturally occurring colour, its not something I would like in my icecream.

Antioxidant 319 – tert-Butylhydroquinone

This additive is derived from petroleum and is added to a wide range of products and is often used to extend storage life of a product. This antioxidant is also used as a corrosion inhibitor in biodiesel! Symptoms of consuming this additive for those that are sensitive can include:

Asthma
Skin ailments (eczema, hives, rashes)
Carcinogen in high doses

Colours (102, 110, 122, 123, 124, 132, 133)

These colours are all derived from petroleum and can cause the following symptoms in those that are sensitive:

- aggressive behaviour
- behavioural problems
- difficulty concentrating
- headaches
- insomnia
- learning difficulties
- asthma
- diarrhoea
- hypearctivity
- nausea
- rashes
- hives
- vomiting
- suspected carcinogen
- prohibited in foods for infants

KIDS DON’T NEED TO FEEL DEPRIVED

Kids don’t need to feel deprived. They can still have their icecream cake, but there are better options.

Here I show you how you can switch to better alternatives simply.

This is a great little recipe for Super Ice Magic Sauce that freezes from Thermomama. Easy and quick!

A simple icecream cake can still be made, kids can still have their treats, just without all the harmful additives!

Transitioning to additive free living doesn’t mean you or your kids need to feel deprived. In 99% of cases, there is always a better alternative!

If you are looking for more party food inspiration, we have a great recipe book full of over 150 recipes that are fun, colourful and bright – just without any harmful food additives.