Blue Bunny is a popular ice cream brand that offers a variety of flavors and products. One common question ice cream lovers have is whether Blue Bunny makes sugar free ice cream options for people looking to limit their sugar intake. In this comprehensive 5000 word guide, we will dive into the details around Blue Bunny’s sugar free offerings.
An Overview of Blue Bunny Ice Cream
Blue Bunny is an ice cream brand founded in 1913 in Iowa. The company offers a wide selection of ice cream products including cones, sundaes, treats, and pre-packaged containers. Some of Blue Bunny’s most popular flavors include Vanilla Bean, Mint Chocolate Chip, Cookies ‘n Cream, and Strawberry Cheesecake.
Blue Bunny ice creams are sold in grocery stores, convenience stores, and ice cream shops across the United States. The brand is known for its bright blue packaging featuring an animated bunny character. Blue Bunny also focuses on innovation by frequently releasing new flavors and frozen novelties.
Some fast facts about Blue Bunny:
- Headquarters in Le Mars, Iowa
- Owned by Wells Enterprises
- Operates production facilities in multiple states
- Produces over 150 million gallons of ice cream per year
- Employs over 4,000 people
Now that we’ve covered some background on the Blue Bunny brand, let’s dive into the main question at hand – do they offer sugar free options?
Sugar Free and Low Sugar Blue Bunny Products
Blue Bunny does currently produce some sugar free and low sugar ice cream products to cater to health-conscious customers. Here is an overview of their lineup:
No Sugar Added Ice Creams
Blue Bunny’s no sugar added ice creams use sugar substitutes like sorbitol and sucralose (Splenda) in place of sugar. They are a good option for people on sugar-restricted diets like those managing diabetes. Flavors include:
- Vanilla Bean
- Mint Chocolate Chip
- Butter Pecan
- Neapolitan
- Cookies ‘n Cream
- Homemade Vanilla
These no sugar added flavors have 70-90 calories per 1/2 cup serving.
Light Ice Creams
Blue Bunny also produces light ice creams which are lower in fat, calories, and sugar compared to regular ice cream. Popular light options include:
- Neapolitan Light
- Vanilla Bean Light
- Butter Pecan Light
- Mint Chocolate Chip Light
The light ice creams contain about 100 calories and 7-8g of sugar per 1/2 cup.
Frozen Yogurt
Blue Bunny’s frozen yogurt line is lower in fat and contains live and active cultures like traditional yogurt. The sugar content varies across flavors – some are lower in sugar while others contain 18-20g per serving. Fruity flavors to choose from include:
- Strawberry
- Raspberry
- Orange Cream
- Peach
- Banana Berry
- Wildberry Cheesecake
Popsicles and Fruit Bars
For a refreshing frozen fruit treat, Blue Bunny’s popsicles and fruit bars offer a sugar free way to cool down. Options include:
- Sugar Free Orange Creamsicle
- Sugar Free Fudge Pop
- Sugar Free Red, White and Blue Pop
- Sugar Free Strawberry Shortcake Bar
These items are sweetened with sucralose instead of sugar and most flavors have 20 calories or less per pop.
Availability of Blue Bunny’s Sugar Free Products
One downside to Blue Bunny’s sugar free offerings is that they can be difficult to find compared to their traditional ice creams. Here is some information on locating the sugar free options:
- May not be carried by all grocery and convenience stores
- Best availability at large supermarket chains like Kroger, Safeway, etc.
- Occasionally sold at wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club
- Limited seasonal availability – best in summer months
- Not all flavors available year-round
- Can check local retailer availability on Blue Bunny website
The no sugar added and light ice creams will have the widest in-store availability. The yogurt, popsicles, and fruit bars may only be found during peak summer season. If a specific sugar free flavor is desired, calling ahead to stores is advised to check if it’s in stock.
Nutrition Info for Blue Bunny’s Sugar Free Options
Here are some key nutrition facts to know about Blue Bunny’s lineup of sugar free frozen treats:
No Sugar Added Ice Cream
- 70-90 calories per 1/2 cup
- 0g sugar
- 1-2g protein
- 11-12g fat
- 10-15g carbohydrates
Light Ice Cream
- 100 calories per 1/2 cup
- 7-8g sugar
- 2g protein
- 5g fat
- 16g carbohydrates
Frozen Yogurt
- 100-140 calories per 1/2 cup
- 10-20g sugar
- 2-4g protein
- 2.5-3.5g fat
- 22-24g carbohydrates
Fruit Bars and Popsicles
- 15-20 calories per bar
- 0g sugar
- 0g protein
- 0-0.5g fat
- 4-5g carbohydrates
As you can see, calories, sugar content, and other nutrients can vary significantly across the different sugar free items. Check nutrition labels closely to choose options aligning with your health goals.
Ingredients in Blue Bunny’s Sugar Free Products
Beyond basic nutrition stats, it’s also helpful to understand the main ingredients used in Blue Bunny’s sugar free ice creams and novelties. Here’s an overview:
Sugar Substitutes
To replace the sugar, most products contain:
- Sorbitol
- Sucralose
Both are zero calorie artificial sweeteners.
Thickeners and Emulsifiers
These ingredients help give the ice cream a creamy, scoopable texture:
- Guar gum
- Locust bean gum
- Carrageenan
- Mono and diglycerides
Flavorings and Mix-ins
Natural and artificial flavors, plus fun additions like:
- Cocoa
- Vanilla
- Fruit purees
- Chocolate chips
- Nut pieces
Milk and Cream
Dairy products like:
- Milk
- Cream
- Non-fat dry milk
Other Minor Ingredients
Small amounts of:
- Vegetable gums
- Salt
- Natural flavors
- Spices
- Colors from natural sources
Those with dietary restrictions or food sensitivities will want to examine labels closely to identify any problematic ingredients.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Blue Bunny’s Sugar Free Ice Cream
Blue Bunny’s line of sugar free frozen treats offers several benefits but there are also some downsides to consider:
Benefits
- Lower sugar content for managing carbohydrate intake
- Provide the flavor and texture of ice cream
- Contain less fat and calories than regular ice cream
- Offer a sweet treat for those limiting sugar
- Available in a variety of flavor choices
Drawbacks
- May cause digestive issues due to sugar alcohols like sorbitol
- Artificial sweeteners may not appeal to some consumers
- Difficult to find and not available year-round
- Selection not as broad as regular Blue Bunny flavors
- Higher cost than standard ice creams
As with any food product, personal taste preferences and dietary needs should be considered when deciding if Blue Bunny’s sugar free offerings are a good choice.
Sugar Free Ice Cream Alternatives to Blue Bunny
Blue Bunny isn’t the only company making sugar free frozen desserts. Here are a few other brands to consider trying:
Halo Top
Halo Top became massively popular for their light, low sugar ice creams with just 240-360 calories per pint. They have dairy and non-dairy choices in flavors like:
- Birthday Cake
- Chocolate Almond Crunch
- Lemon Cake
- Peanut Butter Cup
- Candy Bar
Enlightened
Enlightened offers pints in unique flavors like:
- Butter Pecan
- Cold Brew Latte
- Marshmallow Peanut Butter
- Movie Night
- Pistachio
Nutrition stats are similar to Halo Top.
Yasso
Yasso makes novelty bars inspired by flavors like:
- Chocolate Fudge
- Cookie Dough
- Mint Chocolate Chip
- Salted Caramel
- Strawberry
The 100 calorie bars are sweetened with cane sugar and erythritol.
Skinny Cow
Skinny Cow has low fat treats like:
- Ice cream sandwiches
- Fudge bars
- Ice cream cones
- Truffle bars
- Heavenly Crisp bars
Portion controlled individually wrapped items range 100-250 calories.
No Sugar Added Breyers
Breyers makes no sugar added ice cream in popular flavors like:
- Chocolate
- Vanilla
- Neapolitan
- Strawberry
- Cookies and Cream
Each 1/2 cup is 70-80 calories.
Tips for Incorporating Sugar Free Ice Cream Into Your Diet
If you decide to enjoy Blue Bunny or other sugar free frozen treats, here are some tips for fitting them into a healthy diet:
- Read nutrition facts and ingredients lists closely
- Stick to reasonable serving sizes like 1/2 cup or single bar
- Make it an occasional treat, not an everyday indulgence
- Pair with fresh fruit for added nutrients
- Choose flavors you love so portions are satisfying
- Account for calories if trying to lose weight
- Mind intake if sensitive to sugar alcohols
With some moderation and mindfulness, sugar free ice cream can be part of an overall balanced approach to healthy eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Blue Bunny and sugar free ice cream:
Is Blue Bunny’s no sugar added ice cream keto friendly?
Some flavors may fit into a keto diet due to low sugar and carbs, but they do contain 11-15g net carbs per serving which could limit daily intake for some following a strict keto plan.
Are any Blue Bunny products sweetened with stevia?
Currently Blue Bunny’s sugar free items use sorbitol and sucralose, not stevia-based sweeteners.
Is sugar free ice cream bad for you?
Sugar free ice cream is not inherently unhealthy if eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Some associate artificial sweeteners with negative effects but more research is needed. As with regular ice cream, excess calories, fat and portions are the biggest dietary concern.
What sweeteners are in Blue Bunny sugar free ice cream?
The main sweeteners used are sorbitol and sucralose (Splenda). Some flavors also include small amounts of ace-k (acesulfame potassium). Stevia is not used.
Does Blue Bunny have lactose free or dairy free options?
Blue Bunny’s catalog focuses on traditional dairy ice cream – at this time they do not offer lactose free or vegan flavors. Some related dairy free brands to look for are So Delicious, Talenti, and Coconut Bliss.
The Bottom Line
Blue Bunny’s no sugar added and light ice creams provide sugar free alternatives in classic flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, and Mint Chip. Rounding out their lower sugar lineup are options like fruit bars, yogurt, and popsicles. While they make a tasty occasional treat, availability of these items can be limited depending on location and season. Checking labels for nutrition information and ingredients is recommended for diet needs. In the end, enjoying sweets in moderation and balance is the best approach to keep your sweet tooth satisfied.