MONTREAL, - Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is warning Canadians to avoid being fooled by 'frozen desserts' pretending to be real ice cream. DFC is urging consumers to look for the 100% Canadian Milk symbol on the package as a guarantee they are buying the real thing. DFC is also directing ice cream lovers to visit (link) to get the scoop on how to make sure they are buying real ice cream and not 'frozen desserts'.
The ice cream freezer in grocery stores has recently become home to an increasing number of products that are not ice cream at all, but rather, 'frozen desserts'. Unlike real ice cream, 'frozen desserts' are made mostly with edible vegetable oils that lack the nutrients naturally found in milk. In fact, the oils used in 'frozen desserts' — such as palm kernel oil or coconut oil — are the very same oils consumers are trying to avoid in their diets. Real ice cream, on the other hand, is made from wholesome milk, including ingredients derived from milk and nothing else.
"Just because something looks like ice cream, doesn't mean it is ice cream. It's often difficult for consumers to spot the difference," says assistant director, marketing and nutrition communications at Dairy Farmers of Canada, Solange Heiss. "Consumers are often unaware that the brands they buy and trust are not ice cream at all, but rather a lesser product masquerading as the real thing."
'Frozen desserts' are marketed in similar packaging and labelling as ice cream; they're merchandised in the freezer alongside ice cream; and the words 'frozen dessert' are often stamped on the package in very small print that is easy for consumers to miss.
Look for the 100% Canadian Milk Symbol
Dairy products bearing the 100% Canadian Milk symbol certify the origin of the milk used - renowned for its high quality, purity and great taste - and buying it supports local dairy producers and the economy. Dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk are rich in essential nutrients and are part of a healthy diet.
About Dairy Farmers of Canada
Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) strives to create favourable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry, today and in the future. DFC works to maintain policies that foster the viability of Canadian dairy producers and to promote quality Canadian dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk as part of a healthy balanced diet.
