Staying Cool in the Heat: How Sustainable Palm Fat Powers the Next Generation of Slow-Melt Ice Cream
In warm, tropical markets where enjoying ice cream often ends with a sticky mess, innovation in formulation is more than a luxury, it’s essential. As consumers demand indulgent treats that hold up under heat while delivering great taste and clean labels, SD Guthrie International’s food scientists are rethinking the fats behind frozen desserts.
Enter palm oil and palm kernel oil, plant-based ingredients with functional and sensory advantages that are transforming how ice cream performs in the real world, especially in slow-melt formulations.
A Natural Fit for Tropical Climates
Unlike traditional milk fat, which has a softer solid fat structure and a slower melting point, our food scientists have developed a specialty palm kernel-based fat, KK35LT, that offers a distinctive melting profile which supports greater stability in the ice cream matrix. This means the product doesn’t break down as quickly under heat, keeping its shape, and your hands, cleaner for longer.
In hot and humid environments like Malaysia or across Southeast Asia, where ambient temperatures frequently challenge cold chain integrity, a slow-melting solution isn't just desirable—it's market-relevant. Palm kernel-based fat systems naturally form stable fat networks that help ice cream remain solid longer, reducing melt rate and drip. This makes them ideal for products intended for outdoor enjoyment, mobile vendors, and on-the-go snacking.
Longer Shelf Life, Better Ice Cream
A key advantage of our slow-melt ice cream innovation lies in the use of a naturally stable fat blend with superior oxidative resistance. Traditional milk fat, while creamy and rich, is more prone to oxidation over time, which can impact flavour and overall product quality during storage.
In contrast, when using our carefully selected and cleanly processed palm kernel-based fat blend, ice cream formulations are able to leverage the inherent oxidative stability of lauric fats. By combining specific palm kernel fractions in a balanced way, we’ve created a fat system that better protects against flavour degradation and quality loss throughout the cold chain.
The result is an ice cream with improved shelf-life performance, delivering consistent flavour and texture over time without the need for excessive additives or heavy processing.
Texture, Taste & Flexibility
While performance is critical, today’s consumers are equally concerned with the sensory experience. Our palm kernel-based fat delivers on that front too. These fats can create an indulgent creaminess similar to that of milk fat, while offering a lighter, cleaner mouthfeel. It also supports a wide range of sensory profiles, from premium dairy-based recipes to vegan and plant-based alternatives, giving brands the flexibility to formulate according to evolving consumer expectations.
Equally important is the neutral flavour profile of palm kernel oil, which makes it an ideal carrier for even the most delicate flavour notes. Whether working with subtle vanilla, floral infusions, or sophisticated tropical blends, it allows flavour to shine without interference or masking.
Supporting Innovation with Technical Expertise
At SD Guthrie, we work closely with manufacturers to refine their formulations for optimal performance in challenging climates. Our food scientists partner with clients to customise fat systems that address key pain points; from fast melting to unstable textures, ensuring product success across both traditional and emerging market segments.
In particular, our palm kernel-based fat has proven to be a strategic choice for brands looking to improve melt resistance, oxidative stability, and overall product longevity. So, whether you're developing indulgent cones, novelty bars, or family-sized tubs, our palm solutions can help your ice cream stand up to the heat and stand out in the market.
Creating plant-based frozen treats that don’t compromise on taste or performance?
Partner with us to explore palm-based, dairy-free solutions that melt slower, taste creamier, and deliver a clean-label experience—perfect for the conscious consumer.
For enquiries, please contact: samuel.lim.chuinchen@sdguthrie.com
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