Aldi does not sell ice in the US. This leaves one wondering why Aldi doesn’t carry ice, which is in high demand during summer. The average American buys around four bags of ice yearly. Most ice purchases happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Aldi sells ice in its British branches.
Italian ice has a long history dating back 4000 years ago. The Greeks and Romans used snow from Mount Etna to cool their wines. Rita’s Italian Ice started in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, formerly known as Rita’s Water Ice. People even line up for free scoops on the first day of spring.
Italian ice is better for you than ice cream as it is dairy-free and has fewer calories. It is commonly referred to as water ice and is similar to sorbet and snow cones. Italian ice differs from American-style sherbet in that it does not contain dairy or egg ingredients.
Italian ice crushes the ice while the ingredients are freezing, making it unique. Cheaper versions just add flavoring or fruit concentrate to crushed ice. Italian ice is typically fat-free and low in calories compared to ice cream. However, it contains quite a lot of corn syrup.
Italian ice is denser than ice cream, with approximately 25 to 30 grams of sugar per cup. It can be scooped and eaten with a spoon or in a cone. Lemon Italian ice ingredients include micron-filtered water, sugar, corn syrup, citric acid, lemon juice concentrate, natural flavor, guar, and xanthan gums.
Italian ice is smooth due to its concentration of sugar. Even though traditional granita and Italian ice are typically made with the same ingredients, some claim granita has larger ice crystals, and Italian ice is smoother overall. The textural differences in Italian ice varieties become clear depending on the locations purchased across the country.
Italian ice can potentially help you stay hydrated since it is made with water and contains natural fruit flavors.