FYI:  Big news!!  You can now enjoy Little Dipper’s at the beach!  If you happen to be vacationing in beautiful Topsail Beach,  NC…stop by the Beach Shop and Grill (located at 701 South Anderson Blvd.) and grab a cup.  How cool is that?!

Little Dipper’s Italian Ice is now on the menu at Bella Donna Italian Restaurant.  Available (in select flavors) by the quart to take home, too!

 

What is this stuff?

If you’re not familiar with Italian Ice, you may be curious as to what, exactly, it is.  Don’t worry; you’re not the only one.  And if you’re lucky enough to know what Italian Ice is, then you’ll be happy to know that Little Dipper’s is authentic Italian Ice.  Yes, folks, it’s the real thing!

Italian Ice, also known as Water Ice, is a delicious, non-dairy, frozen dessert.  It is water based (hence the “ice”), and contains no gluten or dairy, which makes it a wonderful alternative to ice cream for those of us who are lactose intolerant.  Actually, it’s a wonderfully refreshing choice for everyone!

Why is it creamy if there’s no dairy?

Italian Ice is a mixture of water, fruit, and sweeteners, much like a sorbet.  During production, the mixture is slowly churned and has air incorporated into it at a gradual rate, giving it a seemingly “creamy” texture.  Since the ingredients in Italian Ice go through the same process as those in ice cream or gelato, the end result is a smooth, consistent, and yummy treat…but it’s dairy free.