It's being passed off as homemade, but it's actually powder: If you see this ice cream in the display case, better skip it

When warmer weather arrives, demand for ice cream surges, but customers are increasingly surprised by the prices. While a higher price might suggest better quality, this is not always the case, especially with labels like "homemade" or "handmade."

The terms "homemade" or "locally made" are not clearly defined by law. This ambiguity means that ice cream labeled as such may not necessarily be freshly prepared in the shop from scratch. Often, these labels can hide ready-made bases, powders mixed with water, or mixtures that are later enhanced with chocolate, fruit, or flavorings.

It is not always easy for customers to determine the exact ingredients. Shops are not obligated to display a full ingredient list, though they must indicate allergens and certain additives like colorings and preservatives. However, this information does not always clarify whether the ice cream was truly made on the premises.

Consumers can look for signs such as natural colors – strawberry ice cream that is excessively pink or other flavors with unnaturally intense hues might indicate artificial colorings. Natural fruit ice creams often have a milder, less perfect shade. Suspicion can also be raised by high, decorative "mountains" of ice cream in the display case; while visually appealing, such shapes often rely on emulsifiers and stabilizers to maintain volume and structure, preventing rapid melting. While not all ice cream with additives is bad, customers should be aware of what they are paying for. If a shop claims its ice cream is homemade, it is reasonable to ask if it is produced on-site and from what ingredients. Natural color, a fresh scent, clear allergen information, a moderate texture, and a seller's willingness to explain the preparation process are good indicators of quality. If the answers are vague or absent, it might be wise to seek your ice cream elsewhere.