A new machine lets users create customized premium ice cream in only 40 seconds, freeing ice cream fans from the tyranny of the freezer. The downside: The fridge-sized machine is not set up for home use. But it is bringing instant ice cream to select college campuses and businesses.
The MooBella Ice Creamery machine uses a newly patented technology to instantly aerate, flavor and flash freeze ice cream mixes in 96 combinations of premium or light, 12 different flavors and three mix-in ingredients. Customers make their selection in three easy steps using the machine’s interactive touch screen, the company says, reports msnbc.
The concept of offering made-to-order treats of premium ice cream mixed with ingredients such as M&Ms or chocolate chips was pioneered in by Steve Herrell in 1973 at his eponymous chain of ice cream parlors in Boston.
MooBella has given that concept a 21st century spin by automating the process and using 100 percent all-natural dairy ingredients that require no refrigeration. “We took it one step further from Steve Herrell,” Bruce Ginsberg, CEO of the Taunton, Mass.-based MooBella, told TechNewsDaily.
Cheaper, greener ice cream
Traditional factory-produced ice cream has to be shipped at minus 20 degrees to prevent the growth of ice crystals, which are the enemy of quality. This is an expensive method. MooBella’s ingredients are shipped in aseptic packaging that requires no refrigeration.
The machines are configured to operate in high-volume environments such as college campuses, hospitals and business cafeterias where attendants on staff can collect payments.Each machine can dispense 200 servings before it needs to be refilled, which takes just minutes. Because they are linked to MooBella’s headquarters via the Internet.Food service operators set the price. On average, it’s $2.85 per serving.
MooBella’s machines feature modular design, which makes it easy for operators to refill, clean and maintain and monitor inventory.
The technology can be reconfigured to serve other areas in frozen desserts such as yogurts and sorbets, or be adapted to produce frozen beverages such as smoothies, Ginsberg said.
The bottom line in ice cream is all about taste. MooBella takes pride in the quality of its ice cream. The company’s brand managers visit each machine daily to train foodservice staff, service the machines and ensure “everyone understands the commitment to quality,” Ginsberg said.
