Clemmy's Sugar Free Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Review

[By Nick, discontinued / out of business] After my nightmare inducing experience with Iskream, I was asked if I would review another brand of sugar-free ice cream. As being the nice guy that I am, I said yes with no hesitation. When asked which product they wanted reviewed they said Clemmy’s Vanilla Bean. Dear Reader, your wish is my command.

Seeing as I gave some background on Iskream, I might as well give a little on Clemmy’s as well. Clemmy’s was created when the founder, Jon Gordon, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Being a fan of ice cream, Jon wanted to make sure that just because he had to cut out sugar that he wouldn’t have to cut out ice cream as well. After not being able to find any decent sugar-free options, he took it upon himself to create a satisfying sugar-free ice cream. As well as being sugar-free, Clemmy’s is also all-natural, gluten-free and even lactose-free. Clemmy’s actually goes so far as to say that it is “simply the best-tasting ice cream in the world.” Now those are some big words for such a little guy in the ice cream world.

Well you’re probably wondering how they make it sugar free, right? No? Well I’m telling you anyway. Actually first let me say that they’re the only 100% sugar-free ice cream as well. This is made possible by the use of xylitol which is a natural sweetener that comes from the bark of the birch tree and also fibrous
vegetables and fruits. Sounds very appetizing I know.

Okay the dragged out prelude is over, let’s get to the product itself.

I do like the packaging here. The vanilla flower and bean pods are large and given a place of prominence. The little dots covering the container represent the actual vanilla bean flecks. It's a small but very creative touch. I mean, come on, it's only vanilla, so they did their best to make the packaging visual appealing to the consumer. Oh fun fact: this pint doesn’t expire until February 2014, I’m not sure if that is awesome or disturbing because of the total lack of preservatives. Either way, I’m ready to try this one.

Opening it up, it no longer looks so promising. It almost looks as icy as the Iskream pint. Thankfully that is not the case here. The texture/consistency is surprisingly creamy but with a chew reminiscent of a frozen dairy dessert. This is still highly appreciated compared to the sandy texture Iskream has. Sure there are a few ice crystals throughout but nothing too bad.

I’m not sure if you can tell from the photos but there are a ton of vanilla bean speaks spread throughout the ice cream. It translates over to the flavor perfectly because I have to say this is one of the tastiest vanilla ice creams I had in a while. It’s so hard to review something as basic as vanilla but when done right its worth commending. It’s very clean and refreshing to be honest. The vanilla flavor is very strong but nowhere near overbearing. It’s nice to have a vanilla ice cream that isn’t just an afterthought or only as a base to hold mix-ins together. This one can easily hold its own. Even with no need to purchase products with no added sugar I could actually see myself picking up this pint again. Diabetics and those looking to cut their sugar intake can rejoice in knowing that Clemmy’s has got your back with a solid ice cream option.

Quick Side Note: This stuff doesn’t really melt as much as it turns gummier and pliable. It’s kind of interesting but slightly off-putting at the same time. You’ll want to savor the vanilla flavor but don’t take too long if you don’t want to experience the change in texture. I can’t say it was a deal breaker here but it was a surprising turn of events.

On Second Scoop: This time I decided to top the ice cream with some butterscotch sauce (yes, I know this defeats the purpose of this product but I have no idea how to make a sugar free butterscotch sauce). As you can see, I had a little mishap and poured a little too much sauce onto the ice cream. It’s no big deal really because even with the excess butterscotch, the vanilla bean is still the predominant flavor. It in no way overpowers the butterscotch but actually compliments it very well. I actually believe the vanilla is enhanced by the addition of the sauce which is kind of mind blowing since this was a pretty strong vanilla from the beginning. Once again though, seeing as this took me a little while longer to eat, the texture went from slightly gummy to elastic. Still for being a 100% sugar free ice cream I have to give Clemmy’s props in the flavor department.

Verdict?  A very good if not great vanilla ice cream with no added sugar to boot.
Buy Again?  More than likely and I’ll be giving some of their other products a try as well.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1/2 cup (75g) Servings Per Container   4
Amount Per Serving
Calories  160	from Fat  100
	% Daily Value*
Total Fat  11g	17%
- Sat Fat  7g	35%
- Trans Fat  0g
Cholesterol  65mg	22%
Sodium  30mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate  20g	7%
- Dietary Fiber   3g	12%
- Sugars    0g - Sugar Alcohol   14g
Protein  1g
Vitamin A   10%	Vitamin C   0%
Calcium   2%	Iron   0%