{"id":12807,"date":"2025-08-12T08:02:12","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T06:02:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/?p=12807"},"modified":"2025-08-12T08:02:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T06:02:12","slug":"what-difference-to-a-functional-ice-cream-from-a-conventional-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/en\/what-difference-to-a-functional-ice-cream-from-a-conventional-one\/","title":{"rendered":"What difference to a functional ice cream from a conventional one?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><b>functional ice cream<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is much more than a traditional ice cream. Although they may look similar, there are significant differences worth noting. Our goal is that by the end of this article \u2014and making a bold comparison\u2014 you&#8217;ll be able to distinguish them as clearly as boiled potatoes from a processed potato <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">snack<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Shall we begin?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Conventional vs. functional ice cream<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Conventional ice creams share a standard composition<\/b> and follow traditional production methods. Typically, they have a smooth and creamy texture and are made with ingredients like milk, sugar, and natural or artificial flavorings. They stand out for their wide range of classic and popular flavors like vanilla, chocolate, nougat, and strawberry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, they <\/span><b>contain high levels of sugars and saturated fats<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, making them high-calorie products. Produced without any <\/span><b>ice cream innovation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, they lack functional ingredients or added health benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While they are much enjoyed for their traditional taste, they lack specific nutritional properties and are comparable to candy: tasty, but not advisable for regular consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The healthy ice cream<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Functional ice creams are frozen dairy products made with added ingredients that <\/span><b>offer specific health benefits<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, going beyond basic nutrition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are designed to promote <\/span><b>beneficial physiological functions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the body and are formulated with truly valuable additives:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Probiotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prebiotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamins<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minerals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plant extracts<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What sets this type of healthy ice cream apart are its <\/span><b>added properties<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which go beyond simple taste. In recent years, they\u2019ve gained popularity due to the growing emphasis on balanced nutrition and awareness of the potential benefits certain ingredients offer to human health.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Key differences between functional and conventional ice cream<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main differences between functional and conventional ice creams lie in their <\/span><b>composition, nutritional purpose, and health impact<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is a summary comparing traditional and functional ice creams:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Feature<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<td><b>Conventional ice creams<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Functional ice creams<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Main purpose<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taste, pleasure, and refreshment<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutritional value and health benefits<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Typical ingredients<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refined sugar, saturated fats, flavorings<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural sweeteners, probiotics, fibers, functional proteins<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Nutritional value<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low, high in empty calories<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Better nutritional profile, more balanced<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Health function<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">None or very little<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May improve digestive, immune, and metabolic health<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Target audience<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General, no specific focus<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consumers with specific needs (diabetics, vegans, athletes, etc.)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Clean label<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not necessarily<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often yes (no artificial additives or preservatives)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best way to compare them is to highlight the benefits of functional ice creams against the downsides of conventional ones.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Main benefits of functional ice cream<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These products offer many advantages:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Improved digestive health<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> thanks to probiotics and prebiotics that balance gut microbiota.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Superior nutritional value<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with high-quality proteins, fewer added sugars, healthy fats, and fiber.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Options for intolerances or special diets<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as lactose-free, gluten-free, vegan, diabetic-friendly, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Metabolic and weight control<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with low glycemic index or ingredients that promote satiety.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Perceived added value<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as they are associated with a healthy lifestyle, boosting consumer interest.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another great advantage \u2014especially when choosing <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/helados\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proasis ice creams<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014 is the exquisite variety of flavors available. Which of these six would you try first?<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/helados\/yogur-con-sirope-sabor-frutos-del-bosque\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yogurt with wild berry syrup<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/helados\/stracciatella-con-chips-de-cacao-belga\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stracciatella with Belgian cocoa chips<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/helados\/vainilla-de-madagascar-con-caramelo\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Madagascar vanilla with caramel<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/helados\/mango-alphonso\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mango<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/helados\/chocolate-con-pepitas-de-chocolate-belga\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chocolate with Belgian chocolate chips<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/helados\/crispy-bonbon\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crispy bonbon<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s hard to say which one is the most tempting!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>What are the downsides of traditional ice creams?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The biggest differences come down to the improved nutritional and compositional quality of functional ice creams. These represent the pinnacle of <\/span><b>ice cream innovation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and surpass conventional options in design, performance, and health value.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, with increased awareness about healthy eating, the <\/span><b>shortcomings of traditional ice creams<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are more evident. Mainly:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>High in calories and sugars<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, contributing to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental cavities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Presence of trans or saturated fats<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, increasing cardiovascular risk.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Artificial ingredients<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like colorants, flavorings, and preservatives that can cause intolerance or health issues.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Low nutritional value<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> providing empty calories without functional benefits.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Limited dietary adaptability<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, making them unsuitable for people with allergies or dietary restrictions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, <\/span><b>functional ice creams offer a healthier alternative<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suited to today\u2019s consumers who seek pleasure without compromising health. They are also highly useful for athletes, both professional and recreational. While their price may be higher, the health benefits far outweigh the risks of conventional ice cream.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As for flavor, the <\/span><b>Proasis functional ice cream<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> selection is absolutely delicious \u2014 making them just as, if not more, enjoyable than traditional ones.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Research sources<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/zukan.es\/lo-ultimo-en-helados-un-sector-mas-saludable-y-funcional\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/zukan.es\/lo-ultimo-en-helados-un-sector-mas-saludable-y-funcional\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.ua.es\/ceueah\/files\/2009\/12\/Helados-Funcionales-por-Enrique-Coloma.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/blogs.ua.es\/ceueah\/files\/2009\/12\/Helados-Funcionales-por-Enrique-Coloma.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Image: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/users\/silviarita-3142410\/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2239377\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Silvia<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/\/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=2239377\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pixabay<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A functional ice cream is much more than a traditional ice cream. Although they may look similar, there are significant differences worth noting. Our goal is that by the end of this article \u2014and making a bold comparison\u2014 you&#8217;ll be able to distinguish them as clearly as boiled potatoes from a processed potato snack. Shall<a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/en\/what-difference-to-a-functional-ice-cream-from-a-conventional-one\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">&#8220;What difference to a functional ice cream from a conventional one?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":12760,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12807","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ice-creams","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12807"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12807"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12807\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12808,"href":"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12807\/revisions\/12808"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12760"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12807"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12807"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.proasis.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12807"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}