For most of us, our New Year’s resolutions to give up sweets for barbells and kale are long forgotten. But what if there was a compromise? That’s what alumni Chris Spencer and Gabby Sanders set out to do when they founded UpStar: guilt-free ice cream that tastes incredible.
In college, Spencer and Sanders were dedicated to healthy eating, but their major weakness was ice cream. They tried several “healthy” ice cream brands, but were disappointed in their lackluster flavor and texture.
“We knew we had an opportunity in front of us because no offerings on the market had a similar texture to traditional ice cream or even tasted good,” said Sanders. “From that moment, it was ‘go time.’”
High in protein, low in sugar, and uncompromising in flavor, UpStar is not your typical dessert. A pint of UpStar ranges from 280 to 360 calories, with 24 grams of protein and less than 20 grams of sugar. Compare to a pint of vanilla Ben and Jerry’s: 1,000 calories, 80 grams of sugar, and 16 grams of protein per pint. While it’s no replacement for fruits and vegetables, UpStar is a solid alternative for the health-conscious sweet tooth.
Spencer and Sanders originally met in an advanced accounting class while attending the University of Oregon in April 2013. After graduation, the couple moved to Portland to pursue careers as CPAs.
For two years, the coupled worked 80- to 90-hour work weeks and traveled frequently across the country. Exhausted by their demanding schedules, they took a camping trip to Mount Hood. There, overlooking the summit and Lost Lake, they had a moment of inspiration.
The couple bought an ice cream maker from Bed, Bath, and Beyond and began testing recipes in their tiny apartment. Sanders’s father insisted on trying their first batch of mint ice cream, but as soon as he took his first bite, he spit it out and exclaimed, “This tastes like toothpaste!”
Six months and more than 500 attempts later, the couple developed a recipe that met their criteria: low in sugar, high in protein, and—what is most important—delicious. Other “better-for-you” ice creams, like Halo Top, whip more air into their product to reduce the caloric value, but UpStar uses tapioca fiber to reduce the depression point and give it the thick, creamy feel of real ice cream.
Many of the ingredients, including the dairy, fruit, and mint leaves, are locally sourced from Oregon farms. The brand currently offers seven flavors: Cinnamon Doodle (Sanders’ favorite), Mocha Joe (Spencer’s favorite), Strawberry Sunrise, Vanilla Dream, Mint to Be, Birthday Bash, and Chocolate Blast.
In the beginning, Sanders and Spencer hand-packaged and delivered pints door-to-door and to local gyms. Today, UpStar is available to purchase in more than 100 grocery stores across Oregon, including at the Duck Store. UpStar also offers two-day shipping to locations in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona.
Sanders and Spencer intend to expand their current flavor profiles and will begin product development on a line of dairy-free ice cream next year.
- by Abby Keep, writing and editing associate