The First 100-Percent Nut-Free Ice Cream Shop, A La Mode, Is Now Open In New York City
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.