Breyer's Ice Cream: Debunking the Misleading 'Frozen Dessert' Claim

A viral Facebook post has recently claimed that Breyer's ice cream can no longer be called 'ice cream' and must be labeled as 'frozen dessert' due to its ingredients. This post alleges that Breyer's products contain 50% air, minimal milk or cream, and artificial ingredients such as corn syrup, wood cellulose, and ethylene glycol. However, thorough fact-checking reveals that these claims are entirely false.

Why this matters: The spread of misinformation on social media can have significant consequences, including erosion of trust in brands and institutions. If left unchecked, false claims can lead to reputational damage and financial losses for companies like Breyer's.

Breyer's, a well-known American ice cream manufacturer, produces two distinct product lines: original ice creams and frozen dairy desserts. The original ice cream products, including flavors like Homemade Vanilla, Chocolate, and Natural Strawberry, meet all necessary FDA requirements for ice cream. These requirements, as specified in Title 21, subchapter B of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, mandate a minimum milkfat content of 10% and a weight of at least 4.5 pounds per gallon.

Breyer's frozen dairy desserts, introduced over a decade ago, are designed to provide a smoother texture with fewer calories and fat than standard ice cream. These products are made with fresh milk, cream, and sugar but do not meet the FDA's minimum milkfat requirement to be classified as ice cream. According to a Unilever spokeswoman, *'Like ice cream, frozen dairy desserts are also made with fresh milk, cream, and sugar but are not light enough to be called light ice cream nor have enough fat to be called ice cream.'*

The false Facebook post also claims that Breyer's products contain harmful ingredients like wood cellulose and ethylene glycol. This assertion is baseless. Neither Breyer's original ice creams nor their frozen dairy desserts contain these substances. The company has consistently maintained that its products are made with high-quality ingredients and adhere to all regulatory standards.

Unilever, Breyer's parent company, has categorically denied the allegations made in the viral post. In a statement to The Dispatch Fact Check, a spokeswoman reiterated that Breyer's products are made with fresh milk, cream, and sugar, and that the frozen dairy desserts are a distinct product line designed to offer a different texture and nutritional profile compared to traditional ice cream.

In conclusion, the claim that Breyer's ice cream must now be called 'frozen dessert' due to its ingredients is entirely false. Breyer's continues to produce both original ice creams that meet FDA requirements and frozen dairy desserts that offer a lower-calorie alternative. The company remains committed to maintaining the quality and integrity of its products.

Key Takeaways

• Breyer's ice cream does not contain 50% air, minimal milk/cream, or harmful ingredients.
• Breyer's original ice creams meet FDA requirements for ice cream.
• Frozen dairy desserts are a separate product line with fewer calories and fat.
• Neither product line contains wood cellulose or ethylene glycol.
• Unilever denies allegations, reaffirming commitment to quality ingredients.