It’s July 2026. If you live in the United States, you’ve probably heard about cyclospora, the parasite that causes serious bathroom issues. Everything I’ve read online so far has said that fresh produce, like raspberries and lettuce, can carry the parasite. I’ve read that the parasite only dies if exposed to enough heat, so raw, frozen foods aren’t necessarily safe, either. Now, I’m not a scientist or a doctor, so I can’t give any more information on that.

I can, however, advise on frozen desserts to make.

Some frozen dessert recipes are “no-cook” for the sake of convenience, but this could cause a major problem right now with the parasite going around. All of the recipes below include cooked produce or don’t have any produce at all, rendering them safe for consumption. I wish I knew what temperature the parasite dies at, but I don’t, so please consult more science-minded sources if you’re especially concerned.

I hope everyone stays safe and that we have nothing to worry about, but in the meantime, please enjoy these safe-to-eat flavors which do not contain any raw produce!

10 Safe Frozen Dessert Recipes for July 2026

1. Birthday cake ice cream

With just two ingredients—cake and milk—this recipe could not be easier. With no fresh produce in this recipe, it is safe for consumption. Add rainbow sprinkles to make it properly festive. This recipe is made for the Ninja Creami.

2. Cookie butter white chocolate ice cream

Long name, but it suits this recipe. I believe my friends across the pond would describe this as “more-ish.” Cookie butter white chocolate ice cream is decadent and perfect as a sweet treat for any celebration. More of a fall/winter recipe, but I figured I’d still include it here since it would be good any time of year.

3. Cranberry sorbet

The only sorbet recipe on this list, cranberry sorbet is cooked to minimize the berries’ astringency and tartness, which also makes it safe to consume. This makes a really big batch, so feel free to halve it.

4. Cuban oregano gelato

This fresh, herbal flavor is unexpectedly delicious. If you’re someone who enjoys basil, lavender, and rose in desserts, Cuban oregano gelato is right up your alley. Cuban oregano is heated with heavy cream to impart its flavor, rendering it safe to eat. This recipe is formulated for the Ninja Creami, but the Notes section in the post explains how to make it in a standard ice cream machine.

5. Japanese sweet potato gelato

If you’ve never made Japanese sweet potato (yes, “sweet potato” is actually the name of the dessert), you’re seriously missing out! The next best thing is this Japanese sweet potato gelato. Oven-baked sweet potatoes are super easy to make and safe for consumption. This recipe is formulated for the Ninja Creami, but it should be easy to adapt it to a standard ice cream machine by simply doubling the recipe and straining it before churning.

6. Lemon basil olive oil gelato

Olive oil, basil, and lemon pair together to make something that sounds savory but is actually a light and refreshing dessert. Lemon zest and basil get heated in heavy cream, making the gelato safe to eat. Additionally, you don’t need to use any basil leaves—just the stems, making this recipe economical if you already have fresh basil set aside for something else.

7. Olive oil pretzel gelato

Everyone who’s tried this recipe so far has loved it. I try not to be biased, but it’s one of my proudest creations. This recipe contains no fresh produce, instead relying on the flavors of pretzels and olive oil. You’ll have to try it to see why it’s so beloved. It is greater than the sum of its parts! This recipe is formulated for the Ninja Creami but has instructions in the post on how to make it in a standard ice cream machine.

8. Roasted garlic ice cream

Don’t knock it ‘til you try it! Roasting two whole heads of garlic gets rid of the stronger savory notes, adds a sweet caramelized flavor, and makes it safe for consumption. This recipe is another one of my favorites. It’s definitely not for picky eaters, though!

9. Tahini ice cream

I’m not sure if sesame seeds are affected by cyclospora. I’m guessing not since I’ve only really heard about fresh produce, like lettuce, being affected. If you want to be super double ultra safe, purchase tahini that uses roasted sesame seeds, or make it yourself using roasted sesame seeds. This recipe is super creamy and luxurious, and I highly recommend it. It is formulated for the Ninja Creami.

10. Vanilla ice cream

A classic for a reason. Pictured with apple pie in the post. This recipe for vanilla ice cream contains no produce besides for the vanilla in vanilla bean paste. I don’t know how vanilla is processed after it’s picked from the vanilla orchid plant, but this recipe cooks it in the ice cream base, meaning this recipe is perfectly safe.

Thank you for reading my post. Please stay safe this summer!