For some it's a capital crime at the ice cream counter, for others – especially kids – it's a bright blue, irresistibly sweet little sin: Smurf ice cream.
Smurf ice cream is everywhere, but why do so many kids love the bright blue stuff? We look into that question – and at what's actually in Smurf ice cream and whether the artificial colourings are a health concern.
Smurf ice cream swirled with pink ice cream as soft serve.
Smurf ice cream, bubblegum ice cream or Azzurro
The bright blue eye-catcher in the ice cream counter goes by many names. But you can't lick this crazy – and possibly risky – flavour in every ice cream parlour. Ice cream makers who have banned Smurf ice cream from their counter, or never mixed the bright blue concoction in the first place, like to answer requests by saying that sadly no Smurf wanted to be turned into ice cream today. Not everyone loves this ice cream with its bright blue colour and sweet, vanilla-ish taste. Well-known names for the classic include: Smurf ice cream (in English-speaking countries, "Schlumpf" being German for Smurf), Azzurro, Delfino Blu, simply blue ice cream, sky blue, angel blue, kids' ice cream (in some regions, because it's so popular with children), bubblegum ice cream or blue moon ice cream (USA).
Why there's no Smurf ice cream at Katchi – a commitment to natural ingredients
You'll find it in the brightly coloured counters of many ice cream parlours: the iconic Smurf ice cream with its striking electric blue colour, which took off in the 80s. Kids especially love it for its playful look and sweet taste. Every now and then we're asked at Katchi Ice Cream in Berlin why we don't have Smurf ice cream.
At Katchi we're all about authenticity and transparency in our recipes. Our ice creams are made from high-quality, natural ingredients, and we deliberately skip artificial flavourings and colourings. Our philosophy: "What it says is what's in it!" – and we take that very seriously. When you order strawberry ice cream from us, you can be sure it's made from real strawberries, not flavourings.
Smurf ice cream, in its most common form, gets its bright colour and particular taste mostly from artificial additives. The vivid blue usually comes from synthetic colourings, and the flavour is mostly created with artificial vanilla flavouring. Those ingredients don't fit our principles of natural ingredients and quality.
If you like it even more colourful, go for the rainbow ice cream. Katchi's rainbow ice cream is made from fruit sorbets based on natural ingredients like fruit.
The psychology behind it: why do kids love blue ice cream?
- Colour intensity: kids tend to find intense, bright colours especially appealing. That's because their perception and preferences are strongly visual.
- Attention: colourful food stands out and grabs attention, which makes it interesting and appealing for kids.
Blue – or colourful food in general – is a magnet for kids.
That's exactly why very few people try Smurf ice cream for the first time as adults. Kids are far more fascinated by the glowing blue. Nutrition scientists suspect that the colour associations that make us see blue food as artificial and unhealthy aren't innate but learned. In kids they haven't formed yet – but a deep love of their favourite colour has. If broccoli and cauliflower were blue, there'd be no more arguments at the dinner table.
At Katchi we believe desserts should be not just delicious, but honest too. Our customers value us for skipping artificial additives and for our clear focus on natural ingredients in our ice creams and waffles. And it tastes great – come to one of our ice cream shops in Berlin and see for yourself! You'll find a wide range of carefully handmade flavours where real, natural ingredients set the tone – in every single scoop.
Smurf ice cream: what's inside – a harmless treat or not?
Behind the deep blue of Smurf ice cream there's practically a chemical cocktail, and it's not entirely harmless: the ingredients list contains a few "E numbers", i.e. additives. In Smurf ice cream these are colourings such as Brilliant Blue (E 133) or Brilliant Black BN (E 151). In animal tests, Brilliant Blue caused "deposits in the kidneys and lymph vessels at high concentrations", and Brilliant Black is suspected of triggering allergic reactions.
Here's a quick overview of the colourings most often used in Smurf ice cream:
Katchi's Unicorn Breakdown, on the other hand, is a completely harmless treat made with natural ingredients like fruit sorbet.
E 131 (Patent Blue V)
- Allergies: Some people can be allergic to E 131. This can cause symptoms such as skin rashes and itching.
- Behavioural effects in children: Some studies and reports suggest that E 131 could affect children's behaviour, including an increased risk of hyperactivity.
- Patent Blue V isn't approved as a food colouring in some countries, including the USA, which points to possible safety concerns.
- The story of the popular sundae
E 133 (Brilliant Blue FCF)
- Behavioural effects in children: Just like Patent Blue, this synthetic colouring may have a negative effect on children's attention and can lead to hyperactivity.
- Allergic reactions: Some people can be allergic to Brilliant Blue FCF, with symptoms such as skin irritation or breathing problems.
- Toxicity concerns: Although some studies have disproved this, there are still concerns about the potential toxic effects of E 133.
E 151 (Black PN, Brilliant Black BN)
- Health risks: Studies have pointed to a possible risk of tumour development linked to E 151, although more research is needed to confirm these results.
- E 151 isn't approved as a food colouring in the USA and some other countries, which could point to safety concerns.
Most of the risks of synthetic colourings only come into play at high concentrations, though. That's why they're allowed in food in Germany.
Naturally blue with spirulina
Spirulina algae powder is often used as a natural food colouring and could, in theory, colour ice cream blue too.
Spirulina proves that you can be blue without chemical colourings (or a heavy night out). Spirulina is a blue-green microalga that's popular for its rich nutrient profile and potential health benefits. Thanks to its natural bluish colour, it's also used as a natural food colouring. Spirulina is also taken as a supplement in various forms (e.g. powder, tablets or capsules) and used as an ingredient in some foods. It's often called a superfood because it's an excellent source of protein and rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Here are some key properties and potential benefits of spirulina:
Rich in nutrients:
- Protein: Spirulina is a rich source of protein that contains all the essential amino acids.
- Vitamins: Contains a variety of vitamins such as B vitamins, vitamin E and vitamin K.
- Minerals: Rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium and zinc.
Health benefits:
- Antioxidant properties: Spirulina is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce oxidative damage in the body.
- Immune support: Some studies suggest that spirulina could strengthen the immune system.
- Heart health: There are signs that spirulina can help lower cholesterol and support heart health.
- Anti-inflammatory: Spirulina has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Although spirulina is considered safe to eat, people with autoimmune diseases, phenylketonuria or certain allergies should talk to their doctor before adding it to their diet. Care is also advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women and for children – if in doubt, ask a healthcare professional.
Alternatives to Smurf ice cream: colourful and quirky with Unicorn Breakdown
Ice cream that turns heads is something we've been doing at Katchi for a long time – and always without artificial additives. Discover the natural magic of Katchi's "Unicorn Breakdown": a colourful, fruity fusion of raspberry, blueberry, coconut, passion fruit and mango sorbet, perfectly served in a grey "Katchi basket" and finished with crackling popping candy. Get ready for a colourful, tasty and natural trip. Let Katchi's expertise in handmade, fruity ice cream creations win you over and enjoy the pure taste of nature!
Dive into the magical world of Katchi's "Unicorn Breakdown"! A colourful, fruity fusion awaits you: raspberry sorbet, blueberry sorbet, coconut, passion fruit and mango sorbet melt into one unique taste experience. Our fruity, colourful ice cream is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds alike: let your eyes and tongue wander over the colourful layers of sorbet and enjoy the wealth of natural, intense fruit flavours. With a fizzy surprise included: look forward to crackling popping candy on top, which adds a playful, crunchy texture. We know from Berlin Ice Cream Week that our Unicorn Breakdown doesn't just put a smile on kids' faces.