Kippy’s! Ice Cream Shop offers healthy, tasty options

The people of Los Angeles are stereotypically famous for their diet-conscious habits. While some may see these habits as a hinderance, they have led to innovation in the city’s food scene.

This innovation might be best exemplified by Kippy’s! Ice Cream Shop in Venice, California. This local creamery has no actual “cream” in their products. Instead, Kippy’s! serves organic coconut-based ice cream sweetened with raw honey. The sweet treat has a place in any diet, as it is free of dairy, soy, nuts and gluten.

Kippy’s! became a phenomenon after its Kippy’s! Ice Cream Cleanse was featured on Good Morning America.

Backed by scientific research on the benefits of consuming large amounts of saturated fats, the cleanse promises weight loss. According to the company’s website, fat absorption increases metabolic activity while aiding digestion and reducing inflammation. Coupled with the nutrients from the other superfood ingredients, those following the cleanse should expect health-boosting results.

If going on a full-blown ice cream binge makes you a bit queasy, try just a scoop at Kippy’s! The shop has a simplistic atmosphere accented with vibrant colors, reflective of its product. Customers can choose from one or two scoops and a variety of toppings. Though $4.50 for a scoop of ice cream might seem steep, each serving is so generous that some customers even ask for half of one.

This ice cream alternative is in no rut when it comes to flavors. From the basic yet flavorful Honey Coconut to Chocolate Cappuccino, there is something for everyone. All appear to make an equal impact, with no clear customer favorite according to employees.

One Venice local raved about the melted chocolate coating that hardens upon touching the ice cream.

“Every time I come here I have to get the cinnamon with the magic shell,” said customer Stacey Kurtz. “The experience just wouldn’t be the same without it.”

It sounds too good to be true. The company seems to tout itself as the perfect answer to ice cream cravings. While the ingredients are locally sourced and the product the product caters to many dietary restrictions this sweet treat is definitely not free of calories, sugar and fat.

One half cup of Truly Raw Coconut is 159 calories. These calories are comprised of nine grams of fat, 21 grams of carbohydrates and 18 grams of sugar. While this might be better than a 250-calorie half-cup of vanilla ice cream from Ben and Jerry’s, the sugar levels of both desserts are almost equal. Compared to Edy’s slow-churned coconut pineapple ice cream, which contains only 100 calories and 13 grams of sugar, the aforementioned options pale in regard to health.

Despite the considerable sugar content, Kippy’s! creations contain beneficial nutrients from superfood ingredients. While it might not be totally guilt-free, Kippy’s! is an ideal option for those looking for a healthier dessert.