In the latest food trend making waves on social media, influencers are elevating their traditional vanilla ice cream experience by drizzling it with olive oil. Yeah, you read that right.

While the flavour combination may initially strike some as unusual, this dessert, loved by Dua Lipa, has pleasantly surprised those with a sweet tooth. Despite initial assumptions that the treat might be subpar, many are now dubbing the concoction an “elite combination.”

For those unfamiliar, this ice cream dish is also an Italian staple known as “gelato con olio e sale.”

The preparation involves serving two, sometimes four, scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream, followed by a generous drizzle of “good” olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

In a TikTok video that garnered 7.9 million views, influencer Nara Smith expressed her delight, stating, “It’s so good; it’s so addicting.” Actress and content creator Claudia Sulewski, who is the girlfriend of musician Finneas O’Connell (Billie Eilish’s brother and collaborator), also shared her endorsement of this decadent dessert online, although some in the comments deemed it a luxury snack.

Though Dr G Sushma, consultant – clinical Dietician, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, said mixing olive oil and salt with ice cream may not necessarily make it “unhealthier in a broad sense”, but “it can significantly change the flavour profile and might not be appealing to everyone.”

“Olive oil and salt are not traditional ice cream toppings, and the combination might be an acquired taste,” she tells indianexpress.com in an interaction.

However, Dr Sushma added that both olive oil and salt can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. “The key is moderation, as excessive intake of added fats and salt can contribute to health issues.”

According to Dr Sushma, there may be potential health benefits to adding a small amount of olive oil and salt to ice cream:

• Olive oil is a source of monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy fats. Incorporating small amounts into your diet may have positive effects on cardiovascular health.
• Olive oil can add a rich and savoury flavor to the sweetness of ice cream, creating a unique taste experience.
• Salt is necessary for bodily functions, in limited amounts

However, it’s crucial to consider the overall nutritional content of the ice cream.

If the ice cream is already high in sugar and saturated fats, adding more fats in the form of olive oil may not necessarily make it a “healthier” option, warned Dr Sushma. It’s also important to be mindful of portion sizes and not overindulge in calorie-dense toppings.

While the combination of olive oil and salt with ice cream may offer some interesting flavours and potentially small health benefits, moderation is key. If you’re looking to make your ice cream experience healthier, consider choosing ice creams with lower added sugars and saturated fats, and enjoy toppings like fresh fruits or nuts in moderation. Always be aware of your dietary preferences, restrictions, and health goals.

Reference Link

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/food-wine/olive-oil-salt-ice-cream-trend-dua-lipa-social-media-9113735/