Forget Pricey Pints, Make Your Own Protein Ice Cream at Home with the Ninja NC301 CREAMi for $199.99

Summer means cold treats, and nothing beats a scoop of ice cream on a hot day. But trips to the ice cream shop can drain your wallet faster than a heatwave drains your energy. Enter the Ninja NC301 CREAMi, a countertop machine that can churn out ice cream, sorbet, gelato and more.

Traditional machines require pre-freezing bowls, long churning times and a lot of patience. The Ninja NC301 CREAMi flips that on its head. You prepare your liquid base—whether it’s a classic vanilla custard, a fruit packed sorbet mix or even a protein shake for the health conscious—pour it into one of the included pint containers and freeze it for 24 hours. Once frozen solid the CREAMi’s motorized blade, powered by an 800-watt dual-drive motor, shaves and whips the block into a creamy dessert in about 2 minutes. This reverse approach, inspired by high-end commercial machines like the $7,000 Pacojet, delivers results that rival store bought pints without the hefty price tag.

Convenience is what sets the CREAMi apart. Its 7 one-touch programs—Ice Cream, Sorbet, Gelato, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Lite Ice Cream and Mix-in—take the guesswork out of dessert making. Each setting adjusts the blade’s speed and pressure for the recipe whether you’re making a rich gelato or a light sorbet. The Re-spin function allows you to soften a too-firm batch for a smoother texture. Cleanup is just as easy: the pint containers, lids and blade are all top-rack dishwasher safe. At 16 inches tall and 12 inches wide it’s compact enough to store in a cupboard when not in use.

Want low-sugar vanilla ice cream? Blend your base with monk fruit sweetener. Craving vegan coconut sorbet? Swap dairy for coconut milk. The CREAMi can handle it all, you control every ingredient. The Mix-in program lets you add in extras like crushed Oreos or fresh berries and the machine will fold them in for you without overmixing. Online communities like the Healthy Ninja Creami Recipes group on Facebook are overflowing with ideas from pistachio gelato to piña colada sorbet so your dessert options are endless.

Summer means indulgence without the hassle and the Ninja NC301 CREAMi delivers. It’s a machine that lets you make exactly what you want, whether that’s a decadent gelato or a guilt-free smoothie bowl, all while keeping your budget intact. If you’re tired of shelling out for overpriced pints or want a dessert that’s yours alone, this gadget will keep your freezer stocked and your summer sweet.