GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Local favorite Love’s Ice Cream announced today the launch of a new line of “low net carb” gelato flavors. This new line of frozen dairy-free and vegan desserts is designed specifically for people practicing a ketogenic or low-carb diet plans or managing diabetes,
At launch, the new line features four flavors: Mixed Berry Crumble, Mint Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Cookie and Chocolate Fudge Brownie. Each flavor is only 2-3 grams of net carbs per serving.
“Our mission at Love’s is to make ‘worthy treats for every body,’ which to us, means that every single person, no matter your dietary needs, deserves to be able to delight themselves with delicious, minimally processed treats made with uncompromising ingredients,” said chef Chris McKellar, founder and owner of Love’s. “There are a myriad of reasons why someone may not be able to eat regular ice cream, but we have options for all, so everyone has a seat at the table.”
Because Love’s makes virtually every single portion of its products from scratch, the expansion into low-net carb gelato took McKellar quite a bit of product testing and iterations in food chemistry, to find the right type of natural sugar that would sweeten the frozen treats without metabolizing in the body, and still provide the taste and texture of traditionally sweetened ice cream.
While there are currently a few national brands marketing low carb products, Love’s version is crafted by a chef, flavored and colored with food ingredients instead of flavorings and colorants for a fuller, more satisfying taste and texture, and made without sugar alcohols or artificial ingredients.
McKellar first began researching the idea to create low-net carb gelato when his sister-in-law was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in 2018.
After conventional chemo and radiation didn’t seem to be moving the needle forward, she began researching the effects of diet on cancer and decided to radically change the way she ate, nearly eliminating all carbs to assist her body with more natural healing.
That meant ice cream had to go.
During this process, Chris decided it was unfair that she had to eliminate ice cream, so he set out to develop a treat she could still eat and fully enjoy, even on a keto diet, to help her feel normal and to give her hope.
Love’s low-net carb ice creams are available in the Grand Rapids Downtown Market beginning this week, by the scoop and by the pint. McKellar aims to expand the low-net carb product line in the future with handmade chocolates, handmade gluten-free waffle cones and more.
To learn more about Love's Ice Cream and Chocolates, you can visit their website here or follow their social media on Facebook and Instagram.
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