Healthy Food Guideby KarbCoach

Healthy Food Guide by KarbCoach

Turkey Hill Black Cherry Premium Ice Cream: Food Integrity analysis

Updated 2026-10-19 · Turkey Hill

Quick answer

Lower integrity

Turkey Hill black cherry premium ice cream received a Food Integrity Score of 38 out of 100 (lower integrity). This reflects highly processed and high additive load. This reads more like a food-engineering project than a simple dessert, with artificial colors, gums, emulsifiers, and an artificial flavor system stacked together. Real dairy and fruit are present, but they share the label with many texture and color helpers. Treat it as an occasional treat rather than an everyday food. Main considerations include synthetic dyes red 40 and blue 1, multiple gums, stabilizers, and emulsifiers, and vague natural and artificial flavors. Simpler options: Choose ice cream with milk, cream, sugar, and real fruit only; pick options without synthetic dyes, gums, or vague flavor systems.

Food Integrity Score 38/100

What stood out on the label?

  • Highly processed
  • High additive load
  • Transparency: High

What to watch?

  • Synthetic dyes Red 40 and Blue 1
  • Multiple gums, stabilizers, and emulsifiers
  • Vague natural and artificial flavors

Simpler options to consider

  • Choose ice cream with milk, cream, sugar, and real fruit only
  • Pick options without synthetic dyes, gums, or vague flavor systems

You are viewing ingredients and processing. Switch to Longevity for nutrition and longer-term eating pattern fit.

Source data, GTIN, and Healthy Food Guide analysis details

Product facts

Product
Turkey Hill Black Cherry Premium Ice Cream
Category
Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts (source: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt)
GTIN / UPC
00020735161401
Serving size
87 g (2/3 cup (87g))
Source data — ingredients
Ingredient list from product label data (see Sources)
Healthy Food Guide analysis
Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards. See methodology under Sources.
Data last verified

Food Integrity results

Black Cherry Premium Ice Cream

Turkey Hill

Lower integrity

Warning Signs

Red 40 and Blue 1 colors, corn syrup, and carrageenan stack up fast in this cherry ice cream.

Consider This

Cellulose gel, cellulose gum, mono and diglycerides, and natural and artificial flavors signal factory-formulated texture and flavor engineering.

Good Substitutes

Try a short-list cream ice cream with real cherries, cane sugar, and milk, skipping gums and dyes.

Overall Assessment

Lower integrity

This reads more like a food-engineering project than a simple dessert, with artificial colors, gums, emulsifiers, and an artificial flavor system stacked together. Real dairy and fruit are present, but they share the label with many texture and color helpers. Treat it as an occasional treat rather than an everyday food.

Key Highlights

What stood out

  • Synthetic dyes Red 40 and Blue 1
  • Multiple gums, stabilizers, and emulsifiers
  • Vague natural and artificial flavors

Family Watchlist

Ingredients some users may personally want to know about.

  • Corn Syrup — Refined syrup sweetener
  • Red 40 — Synthetic color
  • Blue 1 — Synthetic color
  • Natural and Artificial Flavors — Vague flavor system
  • Carrageenan — Gum used for texture
  • Cellulose Gum — Stabilizer

Highest concern ingredients

  • Red 40 (8/10) — Synthetic color additive
  • Blue 1 (8/10) — Synthetic color additive
  • Cellulose Gel (7/10) — Texture thickener

Better choice tips

  • Choose ice cream with milk, cream, sugar, and real fruit only.
  • Pick options without synthetic dyes, gums, or vague flavor systems.

Ingredients

Ingredient list

MILK, CREAM, SUGAR, CHERRIES (CHERRIES, WATER, SUGAR, CITRIC ACID, LOCUST BEAN GUM, CARRAGEENAN, NATURAL FLAVORS, RED 40, BLUE 1), CORN SYRUP, WHEY, NONFAT MILK, CELLULOSE GEL, CELLULOSE GUM, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, MONO & DIGLYCERIDES, CARRAGEENAN, BEET JUICE COLOR, CARAMEL COLOR

Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.

Highest-concern ingredients first. Expand an item for notes.

  1. Red 40Concern 8/10 — Higher concernColor additiveWatchlist · Additive · Higher concern

    What this is

    Color additive

    Processing category

    Synthetic / man-made

    Main concern area

    Family Watchlist

    Why it matters

    Synthetic dye many users prefer to avoid.

    Additional note

    Synthetic color additive.

    Family watchlist

    Artificial color many users want flagged.

  2. Blue 1Concern 8/10 — Higher concernColor additiveWatchlist · Additive · Higher concern

    What this is

    Color additive

    Processing category

    Synthetic / man-made

    Main concern area

    Family Watchlist

    Why it matters

    Synthetic dye many users prefer to avoid.

    Additional note

    Synthetic color additive.

    Family watchlist

    Artificial color many users want flagged.

  3. Cellulose GelConcern 7/10 — Higher concernThickenerWatchlist · Additive

    What this is

    Thickener

    Processing category

    Synthetic / man-made

    Main concern area

    Additive load

    Why it matters

    Texture helper that signals formulation rather than simple cooking.

    Additional note

    Plant-derived texture agent used for body and stability.

    Family watchlist

    Texture additive many users prefer to avoid.

  4. Cellulose GumConcern 7/10 — Higher concernStabilizerWatchlist · Additive

    What this is

    Stabilizer

    Processing category

    Synthetic / man-made

    Main concern area

    Additive load

    Why it matters

    Stabilizer added for texture and shelf-life engineering.

    Additional note

    Modified cellulose used as a stabilizer and thickener.

    Family watchlist

    Stabilizer many users want flagged.

View all 18 ingredient assessments
  1. Natural and Artificial FlavorsConcern 7/10 — Higher concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Additive · Vague label term

    What this is

    Vague ingredient

    Processing category

    Unknown / not listed

    Main concern area

    Family Watchlist

    Why it matters

    Undisclosed flavor blend obscures what is actually added.

    Additional note

    Vague flavor system mixing natural and artificial inputs.

    Family watchlist

    Vague flavor system with artificial components.

  2. Corn SyrupConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernRefined sweetenerWatchlist

    What this is

    Refined sweetener

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Family Watchlist

    Why it matters

    Refined syrup adds sweetness and bulk in an industrial formulation.

    Additional note

    Refined syrup, formulation-oriented sweetener.

    Family watchlist

    Refined sweetener many users want to track.

  3. Mono & DiglyceridesConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernEmulsifierWatchlist · Additive

    What this is

    Emulsifier

    Processing category

    Synthetic / man-made

    Main concern area

    Additive load

    Why it matters

    Emulsifier added to control texture in a formulated product.

    Additional note

    Emulsifier used for texture and smoothness.

    Family watchlist

    Emulsifier many users prefer to track.

  4. CarrageenanConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernGumWatchlist · Additive

    What this is

    Gum

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Family Watchlist

    Why it matters

    Gum used for texture, repeated in the formula.

    Additional note

    Seaweed-derived gum used for body and stability; listed twice.

    Family watchlist

    Gum many users want to watch.

  5. Locust Bean GumConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernGumWatchlist · Additive

    What this is

    Gum

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Additive load

    Why it matters

    Gum added for texture in the cherry component.

    Additional note

    Plant gum used as a thickener and stabilizer.

    Family watchlist

    Gum many users want flagged.

  6. SugarConcern 4/10 — Mild concernSweetener

    What this is

    Sweetener

    Processing category

    Natural refined

    Main concern area

    Ingredient concern

    Why it matters

    Refined sweetener adds sugar load without much nutritional bulk.

    Additional note

    Refined sweetener, common and recognizable.

  7. Caramel ColorConcern 4/10 — Mild concernColor additiveAdditive

    What this is

    Color additive

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Additive load

    Why it matters

    Color additive used for appearance in the formula.

    Additional note

    Caramelized color additive.

  8. WheyConcern 3/10 — Mild concernDairy protein

    What this is

    Dairy protein

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Processing

    Why it matters

    Separated dairy fraction adds a mildly processed component.

    Additional note

    Dairy-derived protein fraction, mildly refined.

  9. Citric AcidConcern 3/10 — Mild concernAcidulantAdditive

    What this is

    Acidulant

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Additive load

    Why it matters

    Common acidulant with mild formulation role.

    Additional note

    Acidulant for tartness and preservation.

  10. Beet Juice ColorConcern 3/10 — Mild concernColor additiveAdditive

    What this is

    Color additive

    Processing category

    Processed

    Main concern area

    Additive load

    Why it matters

    Colorant adds visual appeal in a formulated product.

    Additional note

    Plant-derived color used in place of synthetic dye.

  11. MilkConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Recognizable dairy base with no added formulation concern.

    Additional note

    Simple dairy base ingredient.

  12. CreamConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Recognizable dairy ingredient with no added formulation concern.

    Additional note

    Simple dairy fat ingredient.

  13. CherriesConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Real fruit component is recognizable and simple.

    Additional note

    Whole fruit component of the flavor base.

  14. Nonfat MilkConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food

    What this is

    Simple food

    Processing category

    Whole food

    Why it matters

    Recognizable dairy ingredient with no added concern.

    Additional note

    Simple dairy ingredient.

KarbCoach Food Integrity is an ingredient-based formulation estimate, not a medical safety rating. Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.

How this product may fit different goals

The same food can look different depending on what matters most to you. Here is a general preview of how this product may align with several common goals.

  • Low-Spike Stability

    Watch-outs

    Metabolic Health

    For someone prioritizing Low-Spike Stability, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.

    A consideration: Sweetener/sugar on watchlist (see Food Integrity)

    This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.

    See more for this goal

  • GLP-1 Eating Support

    Watch-outs

    Metabolic Health

    For someone prioritizing GLP-1 Eating Support, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.

    A consideration: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar", "syrup", "corn syrup". See ingredients for details.)

    See more for this goal

  • Low Sugar Lifestyle

    Watch-outs

    Metabolic Health

    For someone prioritizing Low Sugar Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.

    A consideration: Sweetener/sugar on watchlist (see Food Integrity)

    This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.

    See more for this goal

  • Appetite & Portion Awareness

    Watch-outs

    Metabolic Health

    For someone prioritizing Appetite & Portion Awareness, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.

    A consideration: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar", "syrup", "corn syrup". See ingredients for details.)

    See more for this goal

  • Vegan

    Watch-outs

    Dietary Patterns

    For someone prioritizing Vegan, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.

    A consideration: Animal-derived ingredients (Mentions "milk", "cream", "whey". See ingredients for details.)

    See more for this goal

  • Plant-Based

    Watch-outs

    Dietary Patterns

    For someone prioritizing Plant-Based, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.

    A consideration: Animal-derived ingredients (Mentions "milk", "cream", "whey". See ingredients for details.)

    See more for this goal

See how this product fits your goals

Choose what matters most to you and explore a more detailed interpretation of this product's nutrition, ingredients, and tradeoffs.

Personalize this analysis

Understanding the Food Integrity analysis

What the Food Integrity analysis evaluates

The Food Integrity analysis focuses on how a packaged food is formulated and made. It examines processing level, ingredient quality, additives, oils, sweeteners, purity cues, and how clearly a label communicates what is in the product. The Food Integrity Score summarizes that formulation and transparency picture on a 0–100 scale. It is not a full nutrient report and it is not a personalized meal plan.

Why processing, ingredients, and transparency matter

Processing level and ingredient quality shape what you are actually eating beyond calories on the label. Additives, industrial oils, and intense sweeteners can change how clean or heavily engineered a product feels, even when the front of pack looks wholesome. Purity and transparency matter because incomplete or marketing-heavy labeling can hide tradeoffs that only show up when the full ingredient list is reviewed carefully.

Who may prioritize Food Integrity

Some people care mainly about Food Integrity because their dietary goals center on formulation rather than macros alone. Examples include checking vegetarian or vegan suitability, preferring simpler ingredient sources, avoiding certain additives or sweeteners, watching oil choices, or preferring less processed options. For those priorities, the Food Integrity Score can be the more practical first read.

How Food Integrity differs from Longevity

Food Integrity is the focused analysis of processing, ingredients, additives, purity, and transparency. Longevity is the broader analysis of nutritional composition, metabolic and dietary characteristics, processing, and ingredient quality together. Favorable nutrition values do not necessarily mean strong Food Integrity: a product can look balanced on macros yet still rely on heavy processing or additives that the Food Integrity analysis flags in more detail.

Why the two analyses overlap—and why to review Longevity too

The analyses overlap intentionally. Food Integrity–related characteristics contribute to Longevity, and Longevity still benefits from the same ingredient-quality lens. They are not competing verdicts; they answer different questions at different depths. Reviewing the Longevity analysis can add information about nutritional composition, metabolic characteristics, and dietary balance that Food Integrity alone does not emphasize. Looking at both usually gives the most complete understanding of tradeoffs.

Common questions about this product

Is Turkey Hill Black Cherry Premium Ice Cream highly processed?

Food Integrity lists processing level as Highly processed. That reflects formulation and processing signals from the ingredient analysis — not a medical or regulatory classification.

How much fiber is in one serving?

Turkey Hill Black Cherry Premium Ice Cream shows about 0g of fiber per labeled serving in the Longevity nutrition facts.

Does it contain added sugar?

Turkey Hill Black Cherry Premium Ice Cream: 17g added sugar per serving; sweetener signals include sugar, corn syrup. Confirm the current package Nutrition Facts and ingredient list.

What helped the Longevity Score?

Key positives called out in the analysis include: Contains real cherries and some dairy protein; Low sodium for a frozen dessert.

What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?

Key concerns noted include: High added sugar (17g per serving); Saturated fat from cream (5g per serving); Artificial colors Red 40 and Blue 1.

Who might evaluate this product differently?

People prioritizing different goals (for example lower carbs, higher protein, or minimally processed eating) may weigh the same ice cream & frozen desserts differently. Use the goal preview on this page, then personalize in KarbCoach for your priorities.

Other published analyses in Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts, selected from the same Healthy Food Guide catalog.

Source data and Healthy Food Guide analysis

  1. Public label databases (including USDA FoodData Central and Open Food Facts) — Possible sources for package ingredients and nutrition.
  2. Healthy Food Guide analysis (Longevity and Food Integrity) — Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards.
  3. How the Longevity Score is calculated
  4. How the Food Integrity Score is calculated
  5. Scoring models: KarbCoach Longevity and Food Integrity.
  6. Independent analysis. No manufacturer affiliation.
  7. Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions. Full sources and safety details.
Label accuracy and safety information

Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.

Sources, citations & safety

See how this item lines up with your goals

Healthy Food Guide covers this product in detail. In KarbCoach, your goals shape what matters most for your meals.

Set your goals in KarbCoach

Also available in the app

Download on the App StoreGet it onGoogle Play