Sugar-Free Matcha Ice Cream Lollies

Summertime calls for delicious frozen treats, and what better way to indulge than with a dairy and sugar-Free Matcha Ice Cream Lollies?

In this blog post, we'll explore a delightful ice cream recipe that is perfect for those following the Candida diet, or individuals trying to reduce their sugar consumption.

With their gorgeous sage green colour and creamy texture, these lollies will satisfy your sweet cravings without compromising your health goals.

Jump to:

• ? Why You'll Love This Recipe
• ? Ingredients
• ? Instructions
• ? How Much Chocolate Coating to Add
• ⚖️ Calories Vs Magnum Classic Ice Cream
• ? Storage
• ? Why It's Important to Thaw the Lollies
• Conclusion
• Matcha Ice Cream Lollies - Candida Diet-Friendly

? Why You'll Love This Recipe

• These Matcha Ice Cream Lollies are completely free from sugar and dairy, making them suitable for those on the Candida diet or looking for healthier dessert options.
• The combination of matcha green tea and creamy coconut creates a delightful flavour profile that is both invigorating and satisfying.
• With just a few simple ingredients and a silicone ice lolly mould, you can whip up these lollies in no time. They require minimal effort and offer maximum enjoyment.

? Ingredients

Creamed Coconut

What is it, and how is it different from coconut milk? Creamed coconut is made from puréed coconut meat and has a higher fat content (around 80%) compared to coconut milk. This high fat content is essential for creating a creamy texture in the ice cream lollies. Ensure you choose a brand without emulsifiers and stabilisers.

This delicious sugar and dairy free coconut matcha ice cream recipe is a perfect excuse to add more candida fighting coconut to your diet!

Matcha Green Tea

Matcha green tea is a powdered form of green tea leaves that offers numerous health benefits, especially for those following the Candida diet.

The earthy, flowery flavour pairs beautifully with the smooth and creamy coconut.

Benefits of Matcha Green Tea on a Candida Diet

• High in antioxidants: Matcha is rich in antioxidants that help protect the body against oxidative stress and promote overall wellness.
• Boosts metabolism: Matcha contains catechins, which have been shown to increase metabolism and support weight management.
• Enhances detoxification: Matcha has detoxifying properties that can aid in cleansing the body and supporting liver function.

If you don't have matcha tea on hand, you can substitute it with spirulina powder to achieve a similar vibrant green hue and additional nutritional benefits.

Powdered Xylitol

In this recipe, we use powdered xylitol as a sugar substitute. Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from birch trees. It has a low glycemic index and is suitable for those following the Candida diet as it will not fuel candida.

By using powdered xylitol over granulated, we ensure that it incorporates easily into the ice cream mixture, providing a smooth and consistent sweetness.

Optional Unsweetened Dark Chocolate Topping

For an extra touch of indulgence, you can melt unsweetened dark chocolate and dip or drizzle the lollies with it. This adds a delightful contrast to the creamy matcha flavour.

I like to use my own sugar free chocolate recipe so that I have complete control of the ingredients.

If you do not want to make your own chocolate, however, you can substitute with 120g of unsweetened chocolate which will be enough to half-dip six ice creams.

Additionally, you can top the lollies with toasted coconut flakes, crushed nuts, or cacao nibs before the chocolate sets, enhancing both the taste and visual appeal.

? Instructions

You will need a silicone ice lolly mould and popsicle sticks for this recipe.

1. In a bowl, whisk together the creamed coconut, powdered xylitol, matcha powder, and salt until well combined.
2. Pour the mixture into the ice lolly moulds, leaving a little space at the top for expansion.
3. Place the mould in the refrigerator, and let it chill for 1-2 hours – this step helps to reduce the formation of ice crystals as the ice cream will freeze more quickly once in the freezer.
4. Transfer the mould to the freezer to allow the lollies to set completely.

5. Once frozen, carefully remove the lollies from the moulds and either enjoy as is or dip or drizzle with some melted unsweetened dark chocolate. Before the chocolate sets, you can also sprinkle additional toasted coconut flakes, crushed nuts, or cacao nibs to add extra texture and flavour.

? How Much Chocolate Coating to Add

Wondering how much chocolate topping to add? My personal recommendation is to half dip the ice creams.

When developing this recipe, I experimented with fully dipped, half dipped and plain.

I found that fully dipped was just a little too chocolatey, and meant that you could not enjoy the subtle aromatic matcha flavour. It also left me feeling far too full! So unless you are an intense dark chocolate lover, you might find it’s a bit too much to fully dip!

I also loved the completely plain version as you really get to enjoy the delicate matcha flavour which is very light and refreshing. Plus, you could then eat them as a more regular light snack this way.

Half dipped however, you can enjoy some of the chocolatey crunch that has become synonymous with these types of ice-creams while still not overdoing it!

The verdict? Half dipped for the win!

Why not give all the different options a try and see which you prefer?

⚖️ Calories Vs Magnum Classic Ice Cream

I’m not usually a calorie focused person, as I find instead that if you eat predominantly whole, unprocessed foods it is relatively easy to eat intuitively.

Nevertheless, I was interested in comparing the calorie information of these homemade, candida-diet friendly ice creams with the well-known Magnum ice cream.

This information might also help you to decide how much chocolate you want to add!

See the breakdown below:

• Plain (no chocolate topping) = 165 kcal, 1g of sugar
• Half dipped with my homemade chocolate topping (recommended) = 280kcal, 1.35g sugar
• Fully dipped with my homemade chocolate topping = 395kcal, 1.7g sugar
• Magnum Classic ice cream for comparison (100ml serving) = 230kcal, 20g sugar

As you can see, one of my half-dipped ice creams has roughly the same calories as a Magnum classic, but with FIFTEEN times less sugar!

The difference in sugar alone is staggering! Plus, the ingredients list of a Magnum is highly processed and contains several artificial preservatives, stabilisers, and emulsifiers.

? Storage

Once prepared, you can store the lollies in an airtight container in the freezer. Because this recipe does not contain any additional preservatives, the ice cream is at its best while fresh. However, they will store well for up to 3 months in the freezer.

? Why It's Important to Thaw the Lollies

It's worth noting that these ice cream lollies will freeze harder than traditional store-bought options made with sugar and dairy.

This is because they don't contain additives or sugar which is used to control how the ice cream freezes.

As a result, it's a good idea to thaw the lollies for 10 minutes before enjoying them.

This allows the ice cream to soften and develop a creamy, melty texture, ensuring a more enjoyable and indulgent experience.

Conclusion

Indulging in a delicious ice cream treat doesn't have to mean compromising your health goals. With these Sugar-Free Matcha Ice Cream Lollies, you can savour the sweetness of summer while staying true to your Candida diet.

The combination of vibrant matcha green tea and creamy coconut provides a refreshing and satisfying flavour profile.

Plus, by using powdered xylitol as a natural sweetener, you can enjoy guilt-free indulgence without worrying about sugar overload.

Make a batch of these lollies, keep them in your freezer, and whenever the craving for a cool treat strikes, you'll have a delicious and nourishing option on hand.