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In a recent test by Oeko-Test, the popular Cremissimo ice cream by Unilever was found to contain questionable ingredients, earning it an "inadequate" rating among twelve tested vegan ice creams.
The Cremissimo ice cream was criticised for the presence of three pesticides and carrageenan in its samples. Unlike other tested vegan ice creams, Cremissimo's Bourbon Vanille flavor was rated poorly due to these questionable ingredients.
While the creamy, melting consistency of the Cremissimo ice cream was praised, Oeko-Test emphasised that the product was the only one with poor characteristics recognisable in the supermarket. The lab found significantly increased levels of saturated mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOSH-analogues) in the Cremissimo ice cream.
MOSH/MOSH-analogues can accumulate in human fat tissue and some organs, but the consequences are still unclear. In animal studies, MOSH/MOSH-analogues have been linked to organ damage.
Carrageenan, a seaweed-derived thickener and stabiliser used in some plant-based ice creams, was also found in the Cremissimo ice cream. Although carrageenan is presumably not absorbed by the body, it is suspected of promoting allergies. In animal studies, negative effects on the digestive tract and immune system have been found for carrageenan.
Oeko-Test recommends avoiding the use of carrageenan. When evaluating plant-based ice creams for ingredient quality, it is advisable to look for brands that explicitly state no added carrageenan or use alternative natural stabilisers.
While vegan ice cream varieties are becoming more common in supermarkets, many cult brands have long since discontinued their vegan ice cream products. For those seeking alternatives to Cremissimo Bourbon Vanille, popular plant-based ice cream brands that are often reviewed for cleaner ingredient profiles than mainstream dairy or hybrid brands (like Unilever's Cremissimo) include Oatly, So Delicious, NadaMoo!, Cocobello, and Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy (some lines without carrageenan).
These brands generally emphasise the use of natural thickeners like guar gum or locust bean gum instead of carrageenan and minimal risk of MOSH/MOAH contamination due to ingredient sourcing and packaging practices. However, it is important to note that determining which alternatives perform better than Cremissimo Bourbon Vanille specifically for MOSH/MOSH-analogues and carrageenan levels would require access to independent lab testing or detailed ingredient disclosures.
It is advisable to review product labels and trusted food safety reports or certifications from independent organisations that analyse these contaminants in plant-based ice creams to ensure ingredient safety and absence of carrageenan/MOSH. The full test results can be found on Oeko-Test's website (paid).
The Cremissimo ice cream, despite its creamy consistency, has been criticized for containing three pesticides, carrageenan, and significantly increased levels of saturated mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOSH-analogues). Oeko-Test encourages avoiding ice creams that use carrageenan as a thickener and stabilizer, recommending plant-based brands like Oatly, So Delicious, NadaMoo!, Cocobello, and Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy (some lines without carrageenan), which prioritize natural thickeners and minimize MOSH/MOAH contamination risks.
