Is My/mo dulce de leche mochi ice cream Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and straight to the formulation. The My/mo brand offers a variety of flavors, some of which are indeed vegan, but the Dulce de Leche variety is firmly rooted in dairy. The primary issue lies in the ice cream base and the filling.

First, the base itself is composed of milk and cream. These are the foundational ingredients for traditional ice cream. In the food industry, we classify these as standard dairy solids. While the mochi dough (made from glutinous rice flour) is technically plant-derived, it is filled with a dairy-heavy mixture.

Second, the caramel filling contains sweetened condensed whole milk. This ingredient is created by evaporating milk and adding sugar, resulting in a thick, sweet product that is strictly non-vegan. Additionally, the filling contains butter (cream, salt), which adds to the creamy mouthfeel but confirms the presence of animal fat.

Finally, the ice cream base includes whey and nonfat dry milk. Whey is a byproduct of cheese manufacturing and is a classic dairy ingredient often used to boost protein content and texture. There are no plant-based substitutes listed here, such as oat milk, almond milk, or coconut cream.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this product is a high-calorie treat typical of premium ice cream. A standard serving (one mochi ball) generally contains between 110 and 130 calories, with a significant portion coming from added sugars.

The combination of corn syrup, sugar, and the invert sugar in the caramel filling creates a high glycemic load. While this provides quick energy, it is not suitable for those monitoring blood sugar levels. Regarding fat content, the presence of cream and butter contributes to saturated fat levels. It fits into a standard diet as an occasional indulgence, but it is not a 'health food' by any stretch of the imagination.