Problem licked: British scientists discover how to make ice cream melt slower

The summer scourge of sticky hands could become a thing of the past as British researchers announced the discovery of an ingredient to make slow-melting ice cream.

The protein BslA, which occurs naturally in some food, helps to blend the components of ice cream to make it smoother and more resistant to melting.

“The protein binds together the air, fat and water in ice cream, creating a super-smooth consistency,” the University of Edinburgh announced in a statement on Monday.

Developed by researchers at the Scottish universities of Edinburgh and Dundee, the ingredient could be available within three to five years.

“We’re excited by the potential this new ingredient has for improving ice cream, both for consumers and for manufacturers,” Professor Cait MacPhee, of the University of Edinburgh’s school of physics and astronomy.

It can also help to keep ice cream frozen, so it remains creamy and smooth without gritty ice crystals forming.