# Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, American Dream > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Ben & Jerry's - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Frozen Foods - **Size:** 16 foz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ben-jerrys-ice-cream-american-dream-16-oz - **Slug:** `ben-jerrys-ice-cream-american-dream-16-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods The product is classified as ultra-processed due to its composite nature (vanilla ice cream base plus fudge-covered cone pieces and caramel swirl), presence of added sugars, flavorings, emulsifiers/stabilizers typical of commercial ice creams, and industrially processed inclusions and packaging. ## Review Store placement: You’d find Ben & Jerry’s AmeriCone Dream in the frozen desserts aisle, in the refrigerated/freezer case alongside other premium pints such as Häagen-Dazs and novelty frozen treats, often on a shelf with other branded pint cartons and sometimes in impulse freezers near frozen novelties. Occasions: It reads like a treat for movie nights, weekend gatherings or game-day spreads — an easy, shareable dessert for households rounding out a celebratory grocery run. Brand positioning: Ben & Jerry’s plays the role of socially conscious indulgence — quirky flavor names, celebrity tie-ins and visible social-mission claims speak to millennials and Gen Xers who seek both fun and values; it’s marketed as premium yet playful. Label characteristics: The carton leans on health-halo cues — non-GMO sourcing, Fairtrade sugar and cocoa, and cage-free eggs — and colorful kid-friendly art, but it is not organic and still prominently communicates pleasure and indulgence rather than nutrition. Processing context: In plain terms, this is a highly processed frozen dessert: multiple manufactured components (swirls, coated inclusions and flavorings) and added sugars create a complex, industrial product rather than a single-ingredient food. Sensory details: Expect a dense, creamy vanilla base that melts smoothly, punctuated by crunchy fudge-coated waffle-cone pieces and sticky, sweet caramel ribbons; the texture toggles between silky and crunchy. Packaging is a 16 fl oz cardboard pint with a resealable lid, encouraging spoon-out-at-home rituals or straight-from-the-carton snacking during shared moments. The product’s story sits at the intersection of indulgence, pop culture and charity-driven branding. ## Diet flags - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.5 cup - **Servings per container:** 4 - **Calories:** 280 - **Total fat:** 16g (21% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 10g (50% DV) - **Trans fat:** 0.5g - **Cholesterol:** 70mg (23% DV) - **Sodium:** 95mg (4% DV) - **Total carbs:** 31g (11% DV) - **Total sugars:** 28g - **Protein:** 4g ## Ingredients Active Ingredient(S): 1. Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly (17.8%) Other Ingredients: 2. Cyclopentasiloxane 3. Ppg-14 Butyl Ether 4. Stearyl Alcohol 5. Hydrogenated Castor Oil 6. Peg-8 Distearate 7. Talc 8. Fragrance (Parfum) 9. Bht ## Flagged ingredients - **Hydrogenated Castor Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Peg-8 Distearate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Bht** (preservative): Synthetic preservative ## Context tags - **Occasions:** movie-night, game-day-prep, weekend-brunch - **Vibes:** indulgent, nostalgic, comforting ## FAQ ### Is American Dream ice cream healthy? Healthiness is a bit of a sliding scale, isn’t it? While American Dream packs a hefty dose of sugar—28 grams in just half a cup—it’s all about context. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, this could be a delightful option, but maybe not the best choice for everyday snacking if you’re watching your sugar intake. ### Is American Dream vegan? Nope, American Dream is not vegan! It contains dairy, so if you’re steering clear of animal products, you might want to look for a plant-based alternative instead. But hey, it’s all about balance, right? ### Is American Dream gluten-free? Yes, you can enjoy American Dream without worrying about gluten! It’s a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just remember that cross-contamination can happen, so it’s always good to double-check with the brand if you’re super sensitive. ### Does American Dream contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain seed oils. Specifically, it uses hydrogenated castor oil, which is often used for texture and creaminess. While some folks are wary of seed oils, they can be fine in moderation—just keep an eye on the overall balance of your diet! ### Does American Dream contain artificial sweeteners? Not at all! American Dream is sweetened with regular sugar, so no artificial sweeteners here. If you’re looking for that classic ice cream sweetness without the fake stuff, this is your scoop. ### Is American Dream high in sugar? You bet it is! With 28 grams of sugar in half a cup, it’s definitely on the sugary side. If you’re trying to keep your sugar low, this might be a treat for special occasions rather than a daily indulgence. ### What are healthier alternatives to American Dream? If you’re seeking a healthier alternative, consider looking for ice creams made with natural sweeteners or those that are dairy-free and lower in sugar. Brands like Halo Top or various coconut milk-based options can provide a tasty compromise without the sugar bomb. ### Can kids eat American Dream ice cream? Absolutely! American Dream is kid-approved and can be a fun treat. Just keep in mind the sugar content—moderation is key, especially for little ones. A small scoop can make for a happy dessert! ### Is American Dream good for weight loss? While it can fit into a balanced diet, American Dream isn’t exactly a weight-loss-friendly option due to its high sugar and calorie content. If you’re aiming to shed some pounds, you might want to save it for occasional indulgence rather than a regular snack. ### Is American Dream ultra-processed? Yes, American Dream can be considered ultra-processed. It contains several ingredients that are more about texture and preservation than whole foods. But hey, we all enjoy a little indulgence now and then, so no need to stress too much about it! ## Related products - [Steak-umm Steak Sliced](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/steak-umm-steak-sliced-9-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/steak-umm-steak-sliced-9-oz - [Eggo Protein Waffle Buttermilk Vanilla](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/eggo-protein-waffle-buttermilk-vanilla-1480-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/eggo-protein-waffle-buttermilk-vanilla-1480-oz - [Red Baron Deep Dish Four Cheese Pizza](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/red-baron-deep-dish-four-cheese-pizza-1120-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/red-baron-deep-dish-four-cheese-pizza-1120-oz - [Birds Eye Roasted Red Potatoes & Green Beans](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/birds-eye-roasted-red-potatoes-green-beans-1080-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/birds-eye-roasted-red-potatoes-green-beans-1080-oz - [Pepperidge Farm Layer Cake, Chocolate Fudge Stripe](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pepperidge-farm-farm-layer-cake-chocolate-fudge-stripe-1960-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pepperidge-farm-farm-layer-cake-chocolate-fudge-stripe-1960-oz - [Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream, Rum Raisin](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/haagen-dazs-ice-cream-rum-raisin-14-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/haagen-dazs-ice-cream-rum-raisin-14-oz - [Hanover Steam in Bag, Super Sweet Corn](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hanover-steam-in-bag-super-sweet-corn-1050-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hanover-steam-in-bag-super-sweet-corn-1050-oz - [Whole Fruit All Natural Strawberry Fruit Bars](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/whole-fruit-all-natural-strawberry-fruit-bars-1650-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/whole-fruit-all-natural-strawberry-fruit-bars-1650-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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