News Chemistry Wheat protein smooths ice cream By Jessica Gorman February 26, 2002 at 3:24 pm - More than 2 years ago Share this:Share Share via email (Opens in new window) Email Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Share on X (Opens in new window) X Print (Opens in new window) Print From Boston, at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Ice cream that sits in the freezer too long can have a gritty taste. That’s because ice crystals grow large enough for the mouth to feel. Now, experiments under way in Canada are using proteins extracted from winter wheat to keep ice cream’s crystals in check.