Remember Tyra Banks' viral 'hot ice cream'? Well, you won't be seeing that name anymore, and the reason why is a fascinating dive into the surprisingly strict world of food labeling. When the supermodel launched her 'Hot Mama' drink in Sydney, she billed it as a revolutionary 'ice cream you can drink.' But here's where it gets controversial: if it's not frozen, can it really be called ice cream?
Banks was quick to clarify what her 'Hot Ice Cream' wasn't – not melted gelato, not microwaved ice cream, not a latte, and definitely not crème anglaise. But what it was remained a bit of a mystery. Reviews were mixed, with some calling it 'soggy biscuits' and others describing it as 'lukewarm, like a forgotten cup of tea.'
And this is the part most people miss: food labeling isn't just about catchy names. In Australia, food products must meet specific standards, and these definitions are surprisingly detailed. Jam, for instance, must contain at least 650g of water-soluble solids per kilogram, and peanut butter needs to be at least 85% peanuts. Ice cream, according to the official definition, is a 'sweet frozen food made from cream or milk products, generally aerated.' It also has to contain a minimum amount of milk fat and food solids.
So, where does 'Hot Mama' fit in? It's not frozen, which immediately raises questions about its classification as ice cream. I took this question to the NSW Food Authority, who investigated and found that while the in-store ordering system initially referred to it as ice cream, the product itself wasn't labeled as such. The authority worked with SMiZE & DREAM to remove any misleading references, and the product name has since been changed to 'Hot SMiZE Cream.'
The store has also committed to plain packaging and has removed all online references to ice cream. In a statement, they explained the change as a way to 'lean further into our brand voice,' emphasizing the customer experience and the concept of 'smizing' (smiling with your eyes).
But the controversy doesn't end there. Sharon Givoni, a lawyer specializing in food standards, points out a gap in the law when it comes to online food sales and marketing. While physical labels are tightly regulated, online advertising rules are still being debated. This can lead to confusion for consumers, especially with the rise of viral food trends.
Givoni emphasizes the importance of clear labeling for health and safety reasons. 'People want to know what they're buying,' she says. 'If someone with allergies can't see the true ingredients online and sees a label with a common meaning, they might end up consuming something dangerous.'
While some exaggeration is allowed in advertising, Givoni stresses that objective descriptions must be accurate. So, after all the hype, the question remains: did consumers buying 'Hot Mama' think they were getting ice cream? And more importantly, should food trends be allowed to bend the rules of labeling, or do we need stricter regulations to protect consumers? What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
