Quick Answer
Yes, there are several brands that make gluten-free cookies and cream ice cream. Some popular options include Talenti, So Delicious, and Ben & Jerry’s. These brands use ingredients like crushed gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies or fudge pieces to recreate the classic cookies and cream flavor without wheat or gluten.
What is Cookies and Cream Ice Cream?
Cookies and cream is a classic ice cream flavor made by adding crushed chocolate sandwich cookies or cookie pieces to a sweet cream ice cream base. The crunchy, chocolatey cookies provide a nice textural contrast to the smooth, creamy ice cream.
Some key features of cookies and cream ice cream include:
- Ice cream base – Usually a sweet cream or vanilla base
- Cookie pieces – Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreos or chocolate wafer cookies
- Texture – Cookies provide crunch and contrast to creamy ice cream
- Flavor – Cookies add chocolate and cookie flavors
The cookie pieces bring the distinctive chocolate and vanilla cookie flavors while the ice cream provides rich creaminess. Together, they create an iconic ice cream flavor loved by many.
Gluten-Free Diet Overview
A gluten-free diet involves eliminating foods that contain gluten, a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity follow a gluten-free diet to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Some key points about the gluten-free diet include:
- Eliminates gluten – Wheat, barley, rye and oats (unless certified gluten-free) are avoided
- Focuses on natural foods – Meat, fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and gluten-free grains like rice and quinoa
- Excludes processed foods – Many processed foods contain hidden sources of gluten
- Not a weight loss diet – Gluten-free substitute foods are often higher in calories, fat and carbs
- Requires diligent label reading – Gluten can hide in unexpected places like sauces and seasonings
Following a strict gluten-free diet can be challenging but is essential for managing gluten-related disorders. It affects which varieties of foods like cookies and ice cream can be included.
Are Regular Cookies and Cream Ice Creams Gluten-Free?
Most regular cookies and cream ice creams are not gluten-free. Here’s why:
- Cookies contain gluten – Most chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreos contain wheat, barley or rye
- Risk of cross-contact – Cookie pieces can introduce traces of gluten during manufacturing
- No “gluten-free” label – Brands don’t certify flavors like cookies and cream as gluten-free
Unless the ice cream is specifically labeled as gluten-free, people with celiac disease should avoid regular cookies and cream ice cream. Even tiny amounts of gluten can cause issues for those with gluten intolerance.
Many brands also produce ice cream on shared equipment, so cookies and cream flavors can pick up traces of gluten from other products. People with celiac disease or wheat allergy need to stick to flavors that are certified gluten-free to avoid the risk of cross-contamination.
Gluten-Free Cookie Options
Fortunately, there are many tasty gluten-free cookie options available today that work great for making gluten-free cookies and cream ice cream:
Gluten-Free Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
- Katz Gluten Free – Mini chocolate cream cookies
- Tate’s Bake Shop – Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Anna’s Gluten Free Cookie Thins – Chocolate Vanilla Creme
These gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies mimic the taste and texture of traditional cookies like Oreos. Their small size also works perfectly for mixing into ice cream.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Wafers
- Kinnikinnick – Chocolate Vanilla Wafers
- Pamela’s – chocolate chip cookies
- Enjoy Life – Soft Baked Cookies – Double Chocolate Brownie
Gluten-free chocolate wafers have a round shape and crispy texture, similar to cookies used in homemade ice cream sandwiches. Their chocolate flavor adds cookie goodness to any frozen treat.
Other Gluten-Free Cookie Options
- Glutino – Chocolate Vanilla Crème Cookies
- Ore Ida – Gluten-Free Chocolate Creme Crunch
- Missy’s – Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
There are also gluten-free versions of chocolate sandwich cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and chocolate crème filled cookies that can provide the cookies and cream flavors.
Popular Brands of Gluten-Free Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Here are some top brands producing gluten-free cookies and cream ice cream:
Talenti
- Uses gluten-free chocolate chip cookies from Enjoy Life
- Rich chocolate and vanilla gelato base
- Certified gluten-free and made in a dedicated facility
Talenti offers excellent quality gluten-free gelato, and their cookies and cream flavor is widely available. It has an authentic cookie crunch thanks to Enjoy Life’s gluten-free chocolate chip morsels mixed throughout.
So Delicious
- Made with gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies
- Uses a non-dairy coconut milk base
- Certified gluten-free by GFCO
So Delicious specializes in dairy-free frozen desserts including a creamy cookies and cream flavor. Their cookie pieces provide nostalgic chocolate cookie flavor.
Ben & Jerry’s
- Contains gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies
- Uses almond and coconut bases
- Manufactured in a dedicated gluten-free facility
Ben & Jerry’s has several gluten-free ice cream flavors including cookies and cream options made with almond milk or coconut milk. Their cookies provide gluten-free crunchy cookie flavor.
Tips for Making Your Own Gluten-Free Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
You can also easily make gluten-free cookies and cream ice cream at home with these tips:
- Use your favorite gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies, chocolate wafers or chocolate chip cookies
- Make sure all ingredients are certified gluten-free
- Crush cookies into small pieces so they disperse evenly into ice cream
- Consider making cookies from scratch for absolute control over ingredients
- Add cookie pieces as you churn the ice cream for best distribution
- Start with a gluten-free vanilla or sweet cream base
- Add 3-4 ounces crushed cookies per quart of ice cream
Whipping up gluten-free cookies and cream ice cream at home lets you customize the ingredients to suit your dietary needs. Be sure to check all labels and use dedicated gluten-free appliances to prevent cross-contamination.
Nutritional Profile of Gluten-Free vs Regular Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Gluten-free cookies and cream ice cream has a slightly different nutritional profile compared to regular versions. Here’s a breakdown:
Serving Size
- Gluten-free: 1/2 cup
- Regular: 1/2 cup
Calories
- Gluten-free: 140-180 calories
- Regular: 140-180 calories
The calorie count is similar between gluten-free and regular varieties.
Fat
- Gluten-free: 7-12g total fat
- Regular: 7-12g total fat
Again, the fat content is comparable. Both get fat from the dairy ingredients.
Carbs
- Gluten-free: 15-22g net carbs
- Regular: 15-22g net carbs
Any differences in carbs depends more on the specific brand’s recipe rather than the gluten content.
Protein
- Gluten-free: 2-4g protein
- Regular: 2-4g protein
Both gluten and gluten-free varieties provide a small amount of protein from the dairy components.
Key Differences
- No gluten – Gluten-free has 0g gluten vs regular with trace amounts
- Alternative grain cookies – Gluten-free uses alternate gluten-free grains
So in terms of nutrition, the main advantage of choosing a gluten-free cookies and cream ice cream is eliminating gluten exposure for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Cost Comparison of Gluten-Free vs Regular Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
One downside to gluten-free ice cream flavors is they often come with a higher price tag:
Gluten-Free Cookies and Cream
- Pint: $4.99 – $6.99
- Half gallon: $9.99 – $12.99
Regular Cookies and Cream
- Pint: $3.49 – $4.99
- Half gallon: $5.99 – $8.99
The specialized gluten-free cookies and manufacturing processes increase the costs of specialty flavors like gluten-free cookies and cream. But many gluten-free devotees feel it’s worth paying extra to enjoy iconic flavors safely.
Looking for sales and buying store brands can help offset the price. There are also ways to save by making your own gluten-free cookies and cream ice cream at home.
Where to Find Gluten-Free Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Gluten-free ice creams are becoming easier to spot on store shelves. Here are some places to find gluten-free cookies and cream ice cream:
- Grocery chains – Brands like Talenti, So Delicious, Ben & Jerry’s
- Natural food stores – Large gluten-free sections
- Ice cream shops – Call ahead about gluten-free offerings
- Online stores – Order gluten-free flavors online
- Frozen aisle – Check for gluten-free labeling
The best selection is often at dedicated gluten-free bakeries and ice cream shops. But many regular grocers and ice cream parlors now carry some gluten-free flavors too.
Check the allergen information to confirm the cookies and cream flavor is made without gluten-containing ingredients. Contact the manufacturer directly if you have any concerns.
Should You Try Gluten-Free Cookies and Cream Ice Cream?
Gluten-free cookies and cream ice cream is ideal if:
- You follow a gluten-free diet – Allows you to enjoy this classic flavor safely
- You have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity
- You want to reduce gluten intake in your diet
- You have a wheat allergy or sensitivity
- You prefer the taste of alternate gluten-free grains
- You want to try gluten-free baking
Those without dietary restrictions don’t need to follow a gluten-free diet. But some people simply prefer the taste and texture of ice creams made with gluten-free cookies.
Just check that the product is certified gluten-free to ensure it meets your individual needs and sensitivities.
Is Homemade Gluten-Free Cookies and Cream Better?
Whipping up your own gluten-free cookies and cream ice cream at home has some advantages:
- Control ingredients – Use your favorite gluten-free cookies and ice cream base
- Avoid cross-contamination – Make in a gluten-free kitchen with clean equipment
- Customize taste – Adjust amount of cookies to suit your preferences
- Save money – Homemade costs less than specialty store-bought
However, homemade also takes more effort:
- Requires finding recipes and gathering ingredients
- More time-consuming to make from scratch
- Ice cream maker needed for proper texture
- Troubleshooting trial and error to get it right
So it depends on your goals. Overall homemade can provide better control for strict gluten-free needs. But store-bought offers more convenience.
Conclusion
Thanks to delicious gluten-free cookies on the market, ice cream lovers following a gluten-free diet can still enjoy the iconic cookies and cream flavor. Brands like Talenti, So Delicious and Ben & Jerry’s offer tasty store-bought options made with gluten-free chocolate wafer and chocolate sandwich style cookies.
Gluten-free cookies and cream ice cream has a very similar nutrition profile to regular cookies and cream, aside from eliminating gluten. The main downside is the higher cost for specialty gluten-free products. But many gluten-free consumers feel it’s worth it for the peace of mind of avoiding gluten and accessing more flavor choices.
Making your own gluten-free cookies and cream ice cream at home gives you total control over ingredients and avoids cross-contamination concerns. But store-bought provides more convenience. Whichever way you choose to enjoy it, cookies and cream ice cream stands out as a favorite flavor, no gluten required.
