Tiktok’s Viral Ninja Creami: Is it Actually Worth it?

Written by: Madison Torre

For the past few months, the Ninja Creami frozen dessert maker has been going viral on tiktok. From sorbets, to icecreams, to smoothie bowls, this kitchen appliance is seemingly versatile and conducive to those with a busy schedule. As an avid ice cream lover, I was drawn in by the healthy recipes for lite ice cream, which significantly cut down on the calories and sugar, while still resembling the same texture and creaminess as store bought alternatives. After a lot of research, I decided to buy a Ninja Creami for myself. Now, six months later, I can say that it has certainly surpassed my expectations! With minimal ingredients and under five minutes of prep time, I always have pints ready to go in my freezer for when I need some ice cream. After significant trial and error, I want to share a couple of my go to recipes that are easy to adapt and customize!

1. Strawberry Cheesecake (240 cal for full pint w/o toppings)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strawberry low fat greek yogurt (I use a 5.3oz “two good” yogurt)
• 240 mL unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 tsp xanthan gum
• 1 tbsp SF cheesecake jello mix
• 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tbsp fat free cream cheese
• Optional: 1 graham cracker

Directions:

1. Combine almond milk, yogurt, jello mix and xanthan gum in Ninja Creami pint container until smooth
2. Add in strawberries and mix
3. Put on lid and freeze until solid
4. When ready to serve, run pint with lid under hot water for 30 seconds to slightly thaw edges
5. Insert pint into Ninja Creami per Ninja’s directions
6. Spin on “lite ice cream” setting
7. Make a hole in the middle of the ice cream with a spoon or knife
8. Put cream cheese into the hole, and place pint back into Ninja Creami
9. Hit “respin”
10. Optional: add 1 crushed graham cracker on top to serve!

** can be customized with other berries such as blueberries or raspberries!

2) Cookies and Cream(i) (258 cals for whole pint with oreos)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vanilla low fat greek yogurt (I use a 5.3oz “light+fit SF” yogurt)
• 300 mL unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 tsp xanthan gum
• 1 tbsp SF cheesecake jello mix
• 1 tbsp softened fat free cream cheese
• 3 oreo thins

Directions:

1. Let 1 oreo thin soak in almond milk until dissolved
2. Combine cookie milk with yogurt, cream cheese, xanthan gum and jello mix
3. Put on lid and freeze until solid
4. When ready to serve, run pint with lid under hot water for 30 seconds to slightly thaw edges
5. Insert pint into Ninja Creami per Ninja’s directions
6. Spin on “lite ice cream” setting
7. Check consistency of ice cream- if super powdery, add in 1 tsp almond milk
8. Place pint back into Ninja Creami
9. Hit “respin”
10. Crush 2 remaining oreo thins on top to serve!

** can be customized with other cookies like chocolate chip or peanut butter!