Ice Cream

Soft Serve Ice Cream Mix Selection and Usage Guide

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Soft Serve Ice Cream Mix Selection and Usage Guide

1.Types of Ice Cream Mix

1.1 Powder Mix

Features:

Low cost, easy transport, long shelf life (12–24 months)

Just add water or milk before use

Ideal for chain stores and high-volume operations

Advantages:
Excellent cost control
Easy to store
Flexible flavor adjustments

Mixing Ratio:
1 part powder : 2–3 parts water or milk

1.2 Liquid Mix

Features:

Ready to use, no dilution required

Creamier and more natural flavor

Requires cold-chain transport and refrigeration (0–4°C)

Advantages:
Convenient operation
Premium and stable taste
Suitable for branded chains or high-end dessert shops

Storage:
Keep refrigerated at 0–4°C, shelf life 7–14 days

1.3 Self-Made Mix

Typical Ingredients:

Whole milk

Cream

Sugar

Stabilizers & emulsifiers

Flavorings (vanilla, chocolate, fruit purée, etc.)

Advantages:
Customizable flavors
Highly flexible

Disadvantages:
Time-consuming
Difficult to stabilize

 

2. Main Ingredients and Functions

IngredientFunction
ButterfatProvides richness and smooth texture
SugarAdds sweetness and lowers freezing point
StabilizerPrevents ice crystals, ensures creaminess
EmulsifierKeeps fat and water evenly blended
Milk SolidsAdds body and volume
FlavoringProvides taste and aroma

3.Usage & Storage Guidelines

3.1 Preparation

Mix thoroughly and rest for 15–30 minutes before use

Allows bubbles to dissipate and temperature to equalize

3.2 Temperature Control

Ideal input mix temperature: 4–6°C

Too warm → slow freezing; too cold → icing in hopper

3.3 Cleaning & Maintenance

Clean barrel and beater daily

Perform a full dismantling and cleaning three times a week

Use food-grade cleaning solution only

3.4 Storage Conditions

TypeConditionShelf Life
PowderCool, dry place12–18 months
LiquidRefrigerated(0–4°C)7–14 days
Fresh MixRefrigerated≤48 hours

 

4.Common Problems & Solutions

ProblemCauseSolution
Ice cream too softLow solids or insufficient freezingCheck refrigeration, increase mix concentration
Too hard / slow dispensingMix too thick or over-frozenDilute formula, reduce freezing time
Weak flavorLow butterfat or sugarIncrease fat or sugar content
Rough textureUneven mixing or temperature fluctuationUse stabilizer and maintain consistent cooling

5. Practical Recommendations

Start with powder mix for market testing; upgrade to liquid mix later.
Clean the machine daily; perform deep cleaning three times a week.
Use dual-cylinder machines for two flavors (e.g. vanilla + chocolate).
Choose phosphate-free, low-sugar, plant-based powders for EU/US compliance.

 

6. Conclusion

Premium ingredients + Proper mixing ratio + Regular cleaning =
Smooth dispensing, stable texture, and satisfied customers.

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