Creamy plant-based and dairy free strawberry coconut milk ice cream with a no churn/no ice cream maker option too.

Strawberry ice cream is so delicious and creamy dairy free delight, since milk isn’t an option for me, (dairy allergy). While I have tasted many of the dairy free “ice cream” from the store bought brands but nothing can compare to this homemade Strawberry Coconut Milk Icecream. 

For this recipe I used an ice cream churner, which makes a super creamy final product. Be sure to store your ice cream maker tub in the freezer for 1 night before making this batch of Strawberry Coconut Milk Ice Cream.

But you actually don’t need an ice cream churner for this Strawberry Coconut Ice Cream recipe, however, I will say it makes it a bit creamier versus just making it in the blender.

The most notable distinction in homemade dairy free ice cream versus store bought dairy free is the texture. Store bought has a smoother almost tacky consistency, which makes it stick together when you scoop. You can thank a couple ingredients to the use of gums like xanthan gum, guar gum and locust bean gum to name a few. Gums helps to bind the solids to create a cohesive gel like scoop that is pliable.

What are Gums?

Gums are often used in foods to help create a desirable consistency and look often used as thickening or stabilizing agents.

Gums in general are food additives that are considered long chain carbohydrates or fibers. Gums differ chemically for example guar gum is derived from a food source, guar beans, while xanthan gum is created by fermenting a sugar with a bacteria then adding alcohol and drying the product to form a powder. Fiber passes through the gut undigested slowing digestion.

In small amounts gums like xanthan gum, guar gum are not considered harmful but in larger quantities gums have been known to have unpleasant side effects such as bloating, gas. Research indicates they alter gut bacteria as well.

Sidebar: Have an allergy to corn, soy or wheat? Xanthan Gum can be derived from the sugars in these three foods. Be mindful of this!

Long term research on the effects of gums is lacking, which is why at this point it’s best to keep the intake of xanthan gum, guar gum, locust bean gum ingredients to lesser amounts. You may want to look through your frequently purchased everyday foods content these gums, especially ones listed as gluten free to see if they content these ingredients. 

The Real Question: Is dairy free ice cream “healthier” than dairy ice cream?

Define healthier? Just like dairy containing ice cream this ice cream contains saturated fat from the coconut milk and sugars from the maple syrup. Coconut milk in comparison to cow’s milk tends to be easier on the digestion especially for anyone with a lactose intolerance and a tasty alternative for anyone with a dairy allergy.

This Strawberry Coconut Milk Ice Cream is delicious and fun to make especially if you are having a summer time BBQ or anytime you are feeling like a little make your own ice cream. Ice cream is soul food, is it the most nutritious food but we eat for many reason.

Feeling like ice cream is going to mess with your health goals? You are not alone! So many of my clients have started from a place of feeling unsure or guilty after eating certain foods, like ice cream it is my personal objective to help you re-build a positive relationship with food.  It is possible to be confident in your food choices, enjoy ice cream, and still progress towards your health goals.

Give this recipe a go and tell me what you think in the comments below! 

p.s. Need 1-1 support with managing your health? Supporting my clients elf in re-establishing a positive relationship with food is one way we achieve lasting lifestyle change. Schedule a free call with me to see if my Nutrition Coaching program will meet your needs.

With Gratitude,

Jamie