According to the Food Allergy Research and Education organization, one in every 13 children (under 18 years of age) in the United States has the potential to have a fatal allergy to nuts. Moreover, more than 15 million Americans currently exhibit food allergies of some kind.
With that in mind, how crazy is it that, finally, the first-ever 100-percent nut-free ice cream shop in New York City is now open?
A La Mode is officially the first homemade ice cream in the United States that is completely nut-free, egg-free, and sesame-free. This ice cream wonderland is also home to a huge variety of rainbow, sparkle, and jewel-encrusted children’s clothing, accessories, and fun gifts for children (and some adults).
A La Mode came to fruition when Sandy Roth, co-owner, had the dream of opening an ice cream shop that everyone could enjoy. Not only nut-free, it is also offering gluten- and dairy-free options.
“We wanted everyone to come in and enjoy ice cream; it’s a part of childhood and should be for everyone,” Roth said. “We wanted to take an all-inclusive approach and be mindful of a lot of people who have allergies now-a-days. We wanted everyone to be able to indulge in their ice cream and feel safe and happy.”
The five innovative flavors that can currently be found at A La Mode are Wired: coffee ice cream with chocolate chips; Partly Cloudy: blue cotton candy ice cream with mini marshmallows; Pink Sprinkle: pink vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles; Speed Bump: dark chocolate ice cream with mini marshmallows with white and dark chocolate chips; and Strawberry Cheesecake: vanilla ice cream, strawberries, cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and graham crackers.
My favorite? Partly cloudy.