Ice cream is one of life’s simple pleasures. The cool, creamy treat brings joy to many on hot summer days. But with so many brands on the market, how can you identify which ones are offering the real deal? One popular ice cream company, Turkey Hill Dairy, promises quality ingredients and authentic production methods. But is Turkey Hill ice cream actually “real” ice cream? Let’s scoop into the details.
What Makes Ice Cream “Real”?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides legal standards for products labeled as ice cream. To qualify they must contain at least 10% milkfat and be made from real dairy ingredients like cream milk, eggs, and sugar. Anything below 10% milkfat is classified as “frozen dairy dessert.”
Real ice cream also relies on traditional production methods. First the dairy mixture is pasteurized. Then it is homogenized to evenly distribute fat content. Finally the base goes into ice cream machines for slow churning and controlled freezing. Artificial flavors or stabilizers cannot wholly replace these core ingredients and processes.
Examining Turkey Hill’s Ice Cream Credentials
With over 80 years of experience, Turkey Hill Dairy has established itself as a leader in the ice cream industry. A closer look at their ingredients and practices confirms that Turkey Hill lives up to real ice cream standards:
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Milkfat Content: Turkey Hill ice cream contains a minimum of 14% milkfat, exceeding the FDA’s criteria.
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Dairy Ingredients: Turkey Hill uses fresh local cream, milk, whey, and egg yolks in their ice cream.
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Production Process: Turkey Hill pasteurizes, homogenizes, and churns their ice cream mix, following traditional methods.
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Limited Artificial Additives: While Turkey Hill does use some emulsifiers and stabilizers, they avoid artificial colors and prioritize natural flavors.
Digging Into Turkey Hill’s Portfolio
Beyond the classic vanilla and chocolate, Turkey Hill offers a diverse flavor portfolio with over 60 options. Let’s explore the highlights:
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Trio’politan: Unique 3-in-1 combo flavors like Banana Split and Cookie Craze.
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Light Ice Cream: Lower calorie and lower fat varieties including French Vanilla and Vanilla Bean.
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Lactose-Free: Suitable for the lactose intolerant, made with lactase enzyme.
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Non-Dairy: Almond milk-based options for vegans.
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Simply Natural: Focus on minimal ingredients like cream, milk, sugar and vanilla.
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Seasonal: Limited editions like Pumpkin Pie for fall and Frosted Cupcake for summer.
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Sherbet: Light and fruity low-fat dessert.
Where to Find This Sweet Treat
Turkey Hill ice cream is sold across the United States at major grocery chains like Kroger, Publix, and Safeway. Their lactose-free and plant-based options make Turkey Hill an accessible choice for diverse diets and nutritional needs.
You can use their store locator to find Turkey Hill products near you. For wider distribution, Turkey Hill also works with convenience stores, colleges, restaurants, and other food service providers.
Quality You Can Trust
When a craving hits, don’t settle for average ice cream. With its real dairy ingredients, traditional production, and variety of flavors, Turkey Hill offers a indulgent yet wholesome option. Their commitment to quality ingredients and sustainable business practices demonstrates why Turkey Hill has endured over eight decades.
Next time you shop for ice cream, look for the Turkey Hill logo. Scoop up a cone of their Rich & Creamy ice cream and savor the authentic taste and texture of true old-fashioned ice cream. Your taste buds will thank you!
Explore all the great Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts flavors from Turkey Hill
Thick sweetener made from corn used to add sweetness to foods and drinks.
A natural coloring that is used to produce yellow, orange, or red colors. Derived from the seeds of the Achiote tree. In small amounts it is virtually flavorless.
The dairy liquid that remains after the making of cheese. Used in foods to add solids.
A sweetener made from sugar cane or sugar beets. Used to add flavor to food and drinks.
A natural or artificial brown color used to enhance the color of food and drinks.
A thickening agent used in food and drinks that is made from a red, edible seaweed.
A plant based thickening agent made from the cell walls of plants. Used to thicken and stabilize the ice cream.
A natural thickening agent made from the cell walls of plants.
The thin milk left when whole milk is separated from its fats. Also referred to as skim milk.
Naturally occurring and synthetically produced ingredients used to enhance or create a flavor.
Ingredients used to keep oils and water from separating.
An opaque, white liquid produced by cows.
The thick liquid containing the fats in milk.