FACT CHECK: Facebook Post Falsely Claims Breyer’s Is No Longer Ice Cream, Must Now Legally Be Called ‘Frozen Dessert’

Christine Sellers | Fact Check Reporter

A post shared on Facebook claims Breyer’s ice cream is no longer ice cream and must now legally be called “frozen dessert.”

Verdict: False

The claim is neither referenced on Breyer’s website nor its verified social media accounts, and there is no other evidence to support the claim. In addition, The Dispatch reported the claim is false on May 21.

Fact Check:

Back in February, Breyer’s introduced a new lactose-free chocolate ice cream to its consumers, according to Fast Company. The new flavor was set to be available across the U.S. in 48-ounce tubs the same month, the outlet reported.

The Facebook post claims Breyer’s ice cream is no longer ice cream and must now legally be called “frozen dessert.” “SAD NEWS DEPT: Breyer’s, America’s favorite ice cream, is no longer ice cream. It now legally has to be called Frozen Dessert, as it is 50% air, and has only a tiny percentage of actual milk or cream. The replacement ingredient is of course, corn syrup, wood cellulose and ethylene glycol for ‘smoothness’ which is also why it doesn’t melt,” the post reads in part.

The claim is false. The claim is neither referenced on Breyer’s website nor its verified social media accounts. Breyer’s website does, however, mention that it uses sustainably sourced strawberries, vanilla, and dairy farming in its products. In addition, the website highlights the company’s “Rainforest Alliance” seal, which indicates that its “products are produced from farms and forests that follow sustainable practices.” Nowhere on the website are wood cellulose and ethylene glycol listed as ingredients contained in Breyer’s products. (RELATED: No, CNBC Did Not Post Article About Apple Removing Clown Emoji)

Likewise, Check Your Fact found no credible news reports to support the claim. In fact, the opposite is true. The Dispatch reported the claim is false on May 21, stating that Breyer’s produces both ice cream and frozen dairy desserts. A spokesperson for Unilever, Breyer’s parent company, denied the claim’s validity in an email to the outlet.

“Like ice cream, frozen dairy desserts are also made with fresh milk, cream and sugar but are not light enough to be called light ice cream nor have enough fat to be called ice cream,” the spokesperson said.

“In adherence with industry standards of identity, we call them frozen dairy desserts to let consumers know that it is a different recipe than our original ice creams. We recognize that some of our fans may have different dietary and personal needs, so we work hard to provide a wide range of products to choose from,” they added.

Check Your Fact has contacted Breyer’s for comment and will update this piece accordingly if one is received.

Christine Sellers

Fact Check Reporter

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