Creamy. Cool. Sweet. Satisfying. I could be describing ice cream, or I could be describing custard. The truth is, they’re both very similar, and even the most serious sweet tooth among us might have trouble telling them apart in a blind taste test. Yet, they are two distinctly different frozen dairy treats.
They have different ingredients
Ice cream is typically made with milk, cream, sugar, vanilla or other flavorings and occasionally a pinch of salt. Custard is made with all of those ingredients plus egg yolks.
Eggs help make the custard mixture thicker and the flavor smooth and rich. The FDA regulates these terms.
To be considered a frozen custard, the product must have at least 1.4 percent egg yolk and 10 percent milk fat.
If the egg yolk content is any lower than 1.4 percent, it immediately drops to ice cream status.
Different consistencies and texture
Because the proteins in eggs act as a thickener, custard is a more gelatinous frozen dessert than ice cream.
It also has much less air churned in it, so it’s noticeably denser and creamier, closer to pudding or even yogurt in texture.
Some ice creams, like soft serve, can have as much as 50 percent air churned in, giving them their lighter, icier texture.
The machine matters
The frozen treats are made using different machinery. A professional ice cream machine churns air into the ice cream as it freezes.
It’s then placed in a freezer to firm up before it’s scooped and served at a later date.
But a professional custard machine works as little air into the mixture as possible. The custard is then typically served immediately, more like a soft-serve in this sense.
Preparation times differ
Ice cream and custard are two different desserts, so their prep times vary, too. You can have ice cream ready from start to finish in about 30 minutes, but cooking those eggs in the custard and dissolving the other ingredients takes time.
If done right, custard can take anywhere from four to 24 hours to prepare.
Nutrition
We’re not talking about a kale smoothie here. Both ice cream and custard are going to fall firmly in the category of “occasional treat.”
However, if you’re really looking for a healthy silver lining, custard will most likely have more calcium and protein because of the eggs and amount of milk or cream per bite.
FAQs
The main difference between frozen custard and ice cream is that frozen custard is made with egg yolks and ice cream is not, giving the former a richer flavor and mouthfeel. Some ice creams are made with egg yolks, however, which would technically make them custards based on the USDA guidelines.
Which is healthier, ice cream or custard? ›
Deciding what to serve with your pudding? Brands vary, but vanilla ice-cream typically has about 10 per cent more calories than custard, as well as twice the saturated fat, less protein and half the calcium and potassium. However, ice-cream usually has less sugar and salt, too.
Does custard taste the same as ice cream? ›
Frozen custard is known for its creamy, rich, and velvety texture, while ice cream has a lighter mouthfeel and a wider range of flavors. Ultimately, it depends on what you're looking for in a frozen dessert - whether you prefer a creamy and intense flavor or a lighter and more diverse flavor range.
What's the difference between Culver's custard and ice cream? ›
In fact, the distinction is even written into law. Custard is made from a combination of milk, cream and pasteurized egg yolks, and in order to be true custard, it has to be at least 1.4 percent egg. Anything less than that, and it's just ice cream. Discover why we craft in small batches.
Is frozen custard the same as gelato? ›
At retail shops, however, frozen custard is usually made in a machine that incorporates minimal air, creating a richer, silkier product that is more gelato-like in texture, but with a pronounced custard flavor from the egg yolks.
Is custard a junk food? ›
Custard can be part of a healthy diet, but its impact on cholesterol depends on various factors, such as the ingredients used and portion size. Custard made with whole milk, eggs, and high amounts of sugar and fat may contribute to higher levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol if consumed in excess.
Can diabetics eat custard ice cream? ›
While there are some extra things to consider, ice cream can be included in a healthy meal pattern even if you have diabetes. It's best to eat ice cream in moderation and to choose an option with lower saturated fat, lower carbs and no or low added sugar.
What is Culver's custard made of? ›
Vanilla Frozen Custard [Milk, Cream, Skim Milk, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Egg Yolk, Guar Gum, Mono & Diglycerides, Locust Bean Gum, Carrageenan, Natural and Artificial Vanilla Flavor], Pecan Pieces [Vegetable Oil (Peanut, Cottonseed, Soybean and/or Sunflower Seed), Sea Salt], Salted Caramel [Corn Syrup, Sweetened Condensed ...
Why is frozen custard so good? ›
According to the FDA, frozen custard follows the same rules as ice cream but also must contain 1.4 percent egg yolks by weight. That means egg yolks are a requirement in frozen custard, which makes for a richer, more luscious product.
Is Mcdonalds ice cream or custard? ›
McDonald's ice cream is a key part of the chain's business. From the unmistakable goodness of the simple vanilla cone to the drive-through decadence of the McFlurry, customers just can't get enough of the stuff.
Luscious and creamy with farm fresh dairy, it contains less air so it's denser and richer than ordinary ice cream. And because it's served at a temperature that won't freeze your taste buds, you actually experience the flavor longer.
Does custard have less lactose than ice cream? ›
If lactose is something you're avoiding, which some 30-50 million American's are, unfortunately, both frozen custard and ice cream typically contain lactose.
Is frozen yogurt healthier than frozen custard? ›
Frozen custard uses a minimum of 1.4 percent of egg yolk solids in addition to the 10 percent milk fat of a traditional ice cream. While this is responsible for custard's creamy, thick texture, it does equate to higher calories than a frozen yogurt.
What do Americans call custard? ›
Custard is a thing in the U.S. but we usually associate the word custard with a thick pudding rather than custard sauce.
Which is healthier, custard or ice cream? ›
While the calorie count may vary with flavors, ice cream in general is likely to have more calories and fat than frozen custard: 207 calories and 11 grams of fat for 100 grams of vanilla ice cream vs. 122 calories and four grams of fat for 100 grams of frozen custard.
Is frozen custard a Midwest thing? ›
Although frozen custard is believed to have originated in New York in the early 20th century, it eventually found its home in the Midwest, specifically Milwaukee, Wisconsin—the unofficial “Frozen Custard Capital of the World,” with more custard stands per-capita than you can find anywhere else.
What is the healthiest type of ice cream? ›
Gelato (also the Italian word for ice cream) is usually considered a healthier option than soft serve and hard ice cream. The refreshing dessert is specifically made with a higher proportion of milk to cream, creating less fat than traditional ice cream, says Mary Sabat, a nutritionist and owner of BodyDesigns by Mary.
Does custard have more dairy than ice cream? ›
But according to the FDA, one key difference sets the two apart: It's all about the yolks. Ice cream contains at least 10 percent milkfat and less than 1.4 percent egg yolk, while custard contains at least 10 percent milkfat but must have more than 1.4 percent egg yolk. This content is imported from poll.
Is frozen custard bad for cholesterol? ›
Frozen custard is higher in calories because it's not whipped, so less air incorporated. And it's higher in saturated fat, cholesterol and protein because it contains egg yolk.
Is gelato healthier than ice cream? ›
The main difference between ice cream and gelato is their fat content. With only 4-9% fat to the usual 10-25% of ice cream, gelato usually is lighter and healthier. Per portion, however, the answer is clear, gelato is typically healthier than ice cream.
