Essential Ingredients for Ninja Creami

Your complete shopping list! Quality ingredients make the difference between good and amazing ice cream. Here's what to stock in your kitchen.

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🎁 Beginner's Starter Kit

New to Ninja Creami? Start with these 5 essentials (under $100):

Heavy Cream

$9

Vanilla Extract

$16

Sugar

$5

Monk Fruit Sweetener

$12

Protein Powder

$40

Total: ~$82 for 50+ servings of ice cream!

Base Ingredients (Must-Have)

Essential basics for any recipe

Heavy Cream (Organic Valley)

$8.99

Why: Richest, creamiest base for ice cream

~4 recipes

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Swerve Sweetener

$6.99

Why: Perfect balance of cream and liquid

~6 recipes

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Granulated Sugar (Pure Cane)

$4.99

Why: Clean sweetness, dissolves easily

~20 recipes

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Sweeteners & Flavorings

Control sweetness and enhance flavor

Monk Fruit Sweetener

$11.99

Why: Zero calorie, keto-friendly, no aftertaste

~30 recipes

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Pure Vanilla Extract (Madagascar)

$15.99

Why: Enhances every recipe, pure taste

~50 recipes

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Vanilla Beans (Grade A)

$22.99

Why: Premium quality for special occasions

~10 recipes

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Flavor Extracts Set (12-pack)

$29.99

Why: Variety of flavors: almond, mint, coconut

~100 recipes

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Protein & Healthy Options

For high-protein, low-calorie recipes

Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein

$64.99

Why: Best tasting, smooth texture

70 servings

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Fairlife Protein Shakes (12-pack)

$28.99

Why: No mixing needed, perfect consistency

12 pints

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Unsweetened Almond Milk

$18.99

Why: Low calorie base for protein recipes

~12 recipes

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Nutpods Creamer

$7.99

Why: Protein-rich, tangy base

~4 recipes

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Chocolate & Mix-Ins

Add richness and texture

Ghirardelli Mini Chocolate Chips

$18.99

Why: Premium quality, perfect size

~20 recipes

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Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Hershey's)

$9.99

Why: Deep chocolate flavor

~30 recipes

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Nutella Hazelnut Spread

$27.99

Why: Rich, creamy chocolate-hazelnut

~15 recipes

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Oreo Cookies

$12.99

Why: Classic mix-in favorite

~10 recipes

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Texture Enhancers

Professional-level smoothness

Xanthan Gum

$11.99

Why: Prevents ice crystals, adds creaminess

~200 recipes

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Guar Gum

$9.99

Why: Alternative to xanthan, smooth texture

~150 recipes

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Specialty Items

For unique and gourmet recipes

Coconut Cream (Thai Kitchen)

$19.99

Why: Rich, dairy-free base

~8 recipes

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Matcha Green Tea Powder

$14.99

Why: Authentic Japanese flavor

~20 recipes

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Peanut Butter Powder (PB2)

$11.99

Why: Low-fat PB flavor

~30 recipes

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💰 Money-Saving Tips

Buy in Bulk

  • ✓ Protein powder: Buy 5lb tubs (save 30%)
  • ✓ Heavy cream: Buy 6-packs on sale
  • ✓ Sweeteners: Large containers last months
  • ✓ Vanilla: Buy pure extract in bulk

Smart Substitutions

  • ✓ Half-and-half instead of heavy cream
  • ✓ 2% milk instead of whole milk
  • ✓ Store brand equals name brand
  • ✓ Imitation vanilla for basic recipes

📦 Storage Tips

Dairy Products

Heavy cream lasts 2-3 weeks refrigerated. Freeze in ice cube trays for 3+ months. Milk: use within 7 days of opening.

Protein Powder

Store in cool, dry place. Lasts 1-2 years unopened, 6-12 months opened. Keep lid tight to prevent moisture.

Sweeteners & Extracts

Vanilla extract lasts indefinitely. Monk fruit sweetener: 2+ years. Store in pantry away from heat.

Mix-Ins

Chocolate chips: 1 year in pantry, 2+ in freezer. Nuts: freeze for freshness. Cookies: airtight container, 1-2 months.