Ice cream is a tasty treat on hot summer days, but most regular ice creams are loaded with calories from fat and sugar. While these treats are fine to enjoy in moderation, other options exist as well.
You can even buy organic, vegan, keto, low calorie, and no-sugar-added ice cream to fit into your eating plan.
A quick look at Healthline’s picks for the best ice cream
- Best overall: Halo Top
- Best gelato: Talenti Organic Gelato
- Best organic: 365 Everyday Value Organic Ice Cream
- Best vegan: NadaMoo!
- Best plant-based: Cado
- Best dairy-free: Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy
- Best lactose-free keto: Rebel Keto Ice Cream
- Best keto: Halo Top Keto Series
- Best ice pops: reBLEND Frozen Smoothie Shots
- Best frozen yogurt: Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars
- Best low calorie: Enlightened
- Best sugar-free: Breyers No Sugar Added
- Best low fat: Edy’s Slow Churned No Sugar Added
How we chose
Healthline evaluated the healthiest ice creams for various dietary needs using the following criteria:
- nutrient content
- ingredient quality
- the presence of additives, such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and natural or artificial flavors
It’s important to note that some of these products still have relatively high numbers of calories from sugar and fat, even if they adhere to a certain dietary pattern, so be sure to enjoy in moderation if you’re tracking calories.
Here are the 13 “healthiest” ice cream brands of 2022.
Share on PinterestDesign by WenzdaiA note on price and online purchasing
Buying frozen items online
Some vendors offer ice cream for purchase online. This can be a convenient option as long as safe and timely delivery is guaranteed. Online ordering may not be available in all areas, so you may have to look for products locally.
Prices
General price ranges are indicated below with dollar signs ($–$$$). One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $0.31–$1.87 per ounce (30 mL), or $4.99–$14.99 per package, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $0.25 per ounce (30 mL)
- $$ = $0.25–$1.00 per ounce (30 mL)
- $$$ = over $1.00 per ounce (30 mL)
Best overall
Best overall
Halo Top
- Price: $$
- Flavors: Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, Birthday Cake, Blueberry Crumble, Candy Bar, Caramel Macchiato, Chocolate Cake Batter, Chocolate Caramel Brownie, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Mocha Chip, Cookies & Cream, Mint Chip, Oatmeal Cookie, Peaches & Cream, Peanut Butter Cup, Pistachio, Red Velvet, Sea Salt Caramel, Strawberry, and Vanilla Caramel Milkshake
- Ingredients: ultrafiltered skim milk and skim milk, erythritol, corn fiber, cream, sugar, vegetable glycerine, egg yolks, inulin, natural flavors, ground vanilla beans, stabilizers, sea salt, stevia, caramel color, and vitamin A palmitate
Halo Top earns the top spot on this list for its low calorie count, fairly simple ingredient list, and variety of classic ice cream flavors.
It also boasts a substantial amount of protein and is sweetened with sugar and erythritol, a naturally sourced sugar alcohol.
Many products on this list contain sugar alcohols, which are safe zero-calorie sweeteners. However, keep in mind that consuming large amounts of sugar alcohols may cause digestive upset in some people (1).
Also, note that Halo Top’s classic flavors are not organic or dairy-free.
A 1/2-cup (70-gram) serving of vanilla bean Halo Top ice cream provides (2):
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 3 grams
- Carbs: 21 grams
- Fiber: 6 grams
- Added sugar: 3 grams
- Sugar alcohol: 8 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
Who should scoop it?
- people watching their overall calorie intake or following a keto-friendly diet
- people looking for a gluten-free and kosher dairy option
- people searching for a protein-rich ice cream
Who should skip it?
- people with a dairy or egg allergy or lactose intolerance
- people following a vegan diet
- people who dislike artificial flavors
- people looking to make the most of their budget, as the container is not completely full
Best organic
Organic ice creams have been certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to be made from ingredients that are free of pesticides and GMOs.
Still, they may be higher in sugar, fat, and/or calories than other products on this list.
Best gelato
Talenti Organic Gelato
- Price: $$
- Flavors: Oak-Aged Vanilla, Brown Butter Caramel, Chocolate Mousse, and Ginger Matcha
- Ingredients: organic skim milk, organic cream, organic cane sugar, organic dextrose, oakwood extract, organic carob bean gum, and organic vanilla extract
Gelato is ice cream’s lower fat cousin, usually made with milk instead of cream. The result is a frozen dessert that’s still creamy but not quite as rich as traditional ice cream.
It’s important to note that many gelato products — including Talenti’s — contain more sugar than traditional ice cream.
Talenti Organic Gelato is made with 100% organic ingredients and free of highly processed additives. The available flavors are Oak-Aged Vanilla, Brown Butter Caramel, Chocolate Mousse, and Ginger Matcha.
Just 2/3 cup (128 grams) of Talenti Organic Oak-Aged Vanilla Gelato contains (3):
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 11 grams
- Carbs: 31 grams
- Fiber: 0 gram
- Sugar: 30 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
Who should scoop it?
- people looking for an organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher dairy option
Who should skip it?
- people with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance
- people looking for a low fat and low sugar ice cream
- people following a vegan diet
Best organic
365 Everyday Value Organic Ice Cream
- Price: $$
- Flavors: Chocolate, Mint Chip, Chocolate Chip, Coffee Chip, Cookies & Cream, and Toffee Caramel
- Ingredients: pasteurized organic milk and organic cream, organic cane sugar, organic non-fat dry milk, vanilla extract, organic stabilizers, and organic vanilla bean
365 Everyday Value is a brand that’s sold at Whole Foods and on Amazon and offers numerous organic options.
The brand’s ice creams, while not lower in sugar, fat, or calories than traditional ice cream, are made with high quality, 100% organic ingredients. The available flavors include traditional favorites like Chocolate, Vanilla, and Mint Chip.
A 2/3-cup (96-gram) serving of 365 Everyday Value Organic Vanilla Bean Ice Cream contains (4):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 11 grams
- Carbs: 20 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 19 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
Who should scoop it?
- people looking for a creamy, organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher dairy option
Who should skip it?
- people following a vegan diet
- people looking for a low fat and low sugar ice cream
Best vegan
The ice creams in this section are free of dairy and other animal products, so they’re ideal for anyone following a vegetarian, vegan, or dairy-free diet.
However, because ice cream is legally defined as a product that contains at least 10% milk fat, these options aren’t technically called ice cream. Instead, they’re often labeled “frozen dessert.”
Best vegan
NadaMoo!
- Price: $$
- Flavors: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Peach Cobbler, Strawberry Cheesecake, Caramel Cold Brew & Cookies, S’mores, Rockiest Road, Pistachio Nut, Cookies & Crème, Birthday Cake Cookie Dough, Maple Pecan, Organic Vanilla Bean, Organic Chocolate, Organic Mint Chip, and Cookie Dough Fudge
- Ingredients: organic coconut milk, water, organic agave and tapioca syrup, organic inulin, organic guar gum, sea salt, organic locust bean gum, organic vanilla bean powder, and natural vanilla flavor
NadaMoo! is a popular line of dairy-free and vegan frozen desserts made with a coconut milk base.
Fans of the brand say the coconut taste is very subtle, allowing the other flavors to shine. As a bonus, many flavors are organic.
A 2/3-cup (95-gram) serving of NadaMoo! Organic Vanilla Bean frozen dessert provides (5):
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 9 grams
- Carbs: 18 grams
- Fiber: 6 grams
- Sugar: 11 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
Who should scoop it?
- people following a vegan diet
- people looking for a dairy-, soy-, and gluten-free; non-GMO; and organic option
Who should skip it?
- people who are allergic to coconut
Best plant-based
Cado
- Price: $$
- Flavors: Choco Peanut Butter, Chocolate Mud Pie, Deep Dark Chocolate, Mint Chocolate Chip, Cookies & Cream, Java Chip, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Bean, Cherry Amaretto Chip, and Simply Lemon
- Ingredients: water, avocado oil, organic cane sugar, tapioca starch, vanilla bean paste, sea salt, organic guar gum, and organic gum acacia
Cado frozen dessert is a unique option in the world of healthy frozen treats. It’s made with avocado, with some flavors featuring avocado puree and others avocado oil.
Avocado adds a creamy fat source that’s often lacking in vegan ice creams. What’s more, the brand’s products are made with organic ingredients and are dairy-free, vegan, and soy-free.
A 1/2-cup (75-gram) serving of Cado Vanilla Bean Avocado frozen dessert contains (6):
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 11 grams
- Carbs: 18 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
Who should scoop it?
- people following a vegan diet
- people looking for a dairy-, soy-, and gluten-free; non-GMO; kosher; and organic option
Who should skip it?
- people looking for budget-friendly options, as this one is on the pricier side
Best dairy-free
Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy
- Price: $$
- Flavors: Boom Chocolatta, Bananas Foster, Mint Chocolate Chance, Colin Kaepernick’s Change the Whirled, Crème Brûlée Cookie, “Milk” & Cookies, Mint Chocolate Cookie, American Dream, Caramel Almond Brittle, Cherry García, Chocolate Caramel Cluster, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Coconut Seven-Layer Bar, Karamel Sutra Core, Netflix & Chilll’d, P.B & Cookies, Peanut Butter Half Baked, Phish Food, and The Tonight Dough
- Ingredients: almond milk, sugar, cherries, coconut oil, corn syrup solids, dried cane syrup, cocoa, pea protein, stabilizers, fruit and vegetable concentrates, natural flavor, lemon juice concentrate, vanilla extract, carrageenan
Ben & Jerry’s, a brand known for unique flavors that are loaded with cookie chunks, candy pieces, and flavor swirls, offers a line of vegan and dairy-free frozen desserts made with either sunflower butter or almond milk.
One thing to note is that these rich flavors are exceptionally high in sugar and calories as compared with other ice creams.
Only 2/3 cup (140 grams) of Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy Cherry Garcia frozen dessert provides (7):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 16 grams
- Carbs: 43 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 31 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
Who should scoop it?
- people following a vegan diet
- people looking for a dairy-free and non-GMO option
Who should skip it?
- people watching their overall calorie intake or following a ketogenic diet
- people with peanut or tree nut allergies, as it is made with almond milk
- people looking for a creamy dairy-free ice cream, since some consumers report a watery texture
Best keto
Delectable desserts that are suitable for a very low carb, high fat keto diet can be hard to come by.
Still, the ice creams below are rich in fat and low in net carbs — that is, the total carbs minus the fiber and sugar alcohols.
Best lactose-free keto
Rebel Keto Ice Cream
- Price: $$
- Flavors: Raspberry Sorbet, Lemon Sorbet, Mango Sorbet, Peppermint Chip, Orange Cream, Peanut Butter Caramel Chip, Birthday Cake, Snickerdoodle, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Banana Peanut Butter Chip, Chocolate Chip, Triple Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Cherry Chip, Coconut Almond Swirl, Black Raspberry, Cookies & Cream, Butter Pecan, Mint Chip, Coffee Chip, Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Fudge, Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry
- Ingredients: cream, water, erythritol, vegetable glycerin, egg yolks, chicory root fiber, milk protein isolate, natural vanilla flavor, lactase enzyme, stabilizers, salt, and monk fruit
Rebel ice cream is extra creamy because it’s made with real cream instead of milk. It’s also sweetened with monk fruit and erythritol to keep the carb count low.
Although it contains no sugar, its calorie count is comparable to those of most other ice creams because of its high fat content.
Rebel offers more than 10 classic ice cream flavors.
A 2/3-cup (89-gram) serving of Rebel Natural Vanilla Ice Cream offers (8):
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 19 grams
- Carbs: 13 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Sugar alcohols: 9 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
Who should scoop it?
- people following a keto, low carb, or sugar-free diet
- people looking for lactose- and gluten-free, non-GMO option
Who should skip it?
- people with an allergy to dairy or eggs
- people following a vegan diet
Best low calorie keto
Halo Top Keto Series
- Price: $$
- Flavors: Mint Chocolate Cookies, Turtle Cheesecake, Banana Cream Pie, Brownie a la Mode, Caramel Butter Pecan, Chocolate Caramel Lava Cake, Chocolate Cheesecake, Macadamia Nut Cookie, Peanut Butter Chocolate, and Vanilla Bean
- Ingredients: ultrafiltered skim milk, cream, caramel swirl, erythritol, eggs, roasted pecans, vegetable glycerin, soluble corn fiber, inulin, natural flavors, cellulose gel and gum, sea salt, and stevia
Along with its standard fare, Halo Top offers a line of keto-friendly ice creams. They’re made with a base of skim milk and cream and sweetened with erythritol and stevia.
This line offers some unexpected flavors, including Banana Cream Pie, Caramel Butter Pecan, and Jelly Donut.
However, these products contain fillers, such as sunflower lecithin and cellulose, and natural flavors, which are highly processed, despite their name.
A 2/3-cup (87-gram) serving of Halo Top Keto Series Caramel Butter Pecan ice cream offers (9):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 12 grams
- Carbs: 15 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Sugar alcohol: 9 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
Who should scoop it?
- people following a keto, low carb, or sugar-free diet
- people looking for a kosher, gluten-free, and non-GMO dairy option
Who should skip it?
- people with an allergy to dairy or eggs
- people looking for a creamy keto ice cream, as some customers report a dry and gritty texture
- people following a vegan diet
Best ice pops
These single-serving ice pops are the perfect way to regulate your portion size. They contain just a fraction of the calories of the other products on this list.
Best ice pop
reBlend Frozen Smoothie Shots
- Price: $$$
- Flavors: Very Berry Glow, Tropical Bliss Recover, Super Greens Detox, Frosé All Day Chill, and Raspberry Lemonade Refresh
- Ingredients: strawberry, cauliflower, banana, raspberry, cherry, date, beet, apple juice, organic citric acid, flaxseed, rose water
These frozen, sorbet-like smoothie shots are made with high quality whole-food ingredients that are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. They’re also free of added sugars.
Flavors include Tropical Bliss (pineapple, peach, and mango), Frosé All Day (strawberry, raspberry, and rosewater), and Very Berry Glow (strawberry, cherry, and blueberry).
One reBLEND Frosé All Day Frozen Smoothie Shot (46 grams) contains (10):
- Calories: 30
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 8 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 7 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
Who should scoop it?
- people looking for a dairy- and gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO option
- people with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance
- people looking for a nutrient-rich, low calorie treat to take on the go
Who should skip it?
- people looking for budget-friendly options, since this one is on the pricier side
Best frozen yogurt
Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars
- Price: $$
- Flavors: Birthday Cake, Black Raspberry Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip, Coffee Chocolate Chip, Cookies ‘n Cream, Fudge Brownie, Mint Chocolate Chip, Pistachio Brittle, and Sea Salt Caramel
- Ingredients: non-fat milk, Greek yogurt, sugar, milk protein concentrate, maltodextrin, Dutch-processed cocoa, natural flavors, stabilizers
Yasso bars are made from frozen Greek yogurt, which is higher in protein and lower in fat than traditional ice cream — but still creamy and cool.
These small bars come in flavors like Black Raspberry Chip, Orange Cream, and Chocolate Hazelnut.
One Yasso Chocolate Fudge bar provides (11):
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 15 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
Who should scoop it?
- people looking for a kosher, gluten-free, low calorie, and low fat dairy option
- people searching for a protein-rich dessert
Who should skip it?
- people with dairy, soy, tree nut, egg, or peanut allergies
- people following a vegan diet
Best low calorie/no sugar added
While these ice creams still contain some sugar, they’re lower in calories than traditional ice creams.
Best low calorie
Enlightened
- Price: $$
- Flavors: Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, Brownies & Cookie Dough, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cold Brew Coffee, Cookies & Cream, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Marshmallow Peanut Butter
- Ingredients: skim milk, non-GMO soluble corn fiber, milk protein concentrate, cream, erythritol, egg, allulose, tapioca syrup, vegetable glycerin, natural flavor, mono and diglycerides, cellulose gel and gum, monk fruit extract, ground vanilla bean, and vitamin A palmitate
Enlightened makes low calorie, high protein, low fat, and low sugar ice cream with a skim milk base.
Although these products contain fillers, they’re free of artificial sweeteners and flavored with real ingredients and natural flavors.
A 2/3-cup (89-gram) serving of Enlightened Cookies & Cream Ice Cream contains (12):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 3.5 grams
- Carbs: 28 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Sugar: 7 grams
- Sugar alcohol: 4 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
Who should scoop it?
- people watching their overall calorie intake or following a keto-friendly diet
- people looking for a kosher dairy option
- people searching for a protein-rich ice cream
Who should skip it?
- people with dairy, soy, tree nut, egg, or peanut allergies
- people following a vegan diet
Best sugar-free
Breyers No Sugar Added
- Price: $$
- Flavors: Vanilla, Vanilla-Chocolate-Strawberry, Caramel Swirl, and Butter Pecan
- Ingredients: milk, maltitol syrup, maltodextrin, cream, whey, mono and diglycerides, vegetable gums, natural flavor, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, vitamin A palmitate, and annatto
The popular ice cream brand Breyers features a line of frozen desserts with no sugar added.
They’re sweetened with the sugar alcohol maltitol and Splenda. Keep in mind that maltitol may cause digestive issues if eaten in large amounts (1).
This line of products also contains several fillers, along with artificial sweeteners. If you try to avoid these ingredients, it’s best to choose another item from this list.
A 2/3-cup (74-gram) of Breyers No Sugar Added Vanilla frozen dessert provides (13):
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 4 grams
- Carbs: 17 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sugar alcohol: 8 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
Who should scoop it?
- people looking for a kosher and gluten-free dairy option
- people limiting their overall calorie intake or following a sugar-free diet
Who should skip it?
- people with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance
- people looking to avoid artificial flavors and sweeteners
- people following a vegan diet
Best low fat
Edy’s Slow Churned No Sugar Added
- Price: $
- Flavors: Butter Pecan, Fudge Tracks, Neapolitan, Triple Chocolate, Vanilla Bean, and Vanilla
- Ingredients: non-fat milk, cream, maltitol syrup, maltodextrin, polydextrose, whey protein concentrate, glycerin, natural flavor, propylene glycol monostearate, guar gum, sorbitol, citric acid, xanthan gum, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, vitamin A palmitate, and anatto
Edy’s Slow Churned ice cream has a lower fat content and fewer calories than traditional ice creams.
Like Breyers, Edy’s offers a no-sugar-added line, though the products do contain fillers, artificial sweeteners, and flavors.
However, Edy’s is available in some rural areas where some of the other products on this list may not be available.
A 2/3-cup (83-gram) serving of Edy’s Slow Churned No Sugar Added Vanilla contains (14):
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 4 grams
- Carbs: 19 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sugar alcohol: 5 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
Who should scoop it?
- people looking for a kosher dairy option
- people watching their overall calorie intake or following a sugar-free diet
Who should skip it?
- people with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance
- people looking to avoid artificial flavors and sweeteners
- people following a vegan diet
Comparing brands
-NutritionPriceProsConsHalo Top• Calories: 100• Fat: 3 g• Carbs: 21 g• Fiber: 6 g• Added sugar: 3 g• Sugar alcohol: 8 g• Protein: 6 g$$• gluten-free• kosher• protein-richnot suitable for dairy or egg allergy or lactose intoleranceTalenti Organic Gelato• Calories: 240• Fat: 11 g• Carbs: 31 g• Fiber: 0 g• Sugar: 30 g• Protein: 4 g$$• organic• gluten-free• non-GMO• koshernot suitable for dairy allergy or lactose intolerance365 Everyday Value Organic Ice Cream• Calories: 200• Fat: 11 g• Carbs: 20 g• Fiber: 0 g• Sugar: 19 g• Protein: 4 g$$• organic• gluten-free• non-GMO• kosherhigh in added sugarsNadaMoo!• Calories: 160• Fat: 9 g• Carbs: 18 g• Fiber: 6 g• Sugar: 11 g• Protein: 1 g$$• dairy-, soy-, and gluten-free• non-GMO• organic not suitable for coconut allergiesCado• Calories: 170• Fat: 11 g• Carbs: 18 g• Fiber: 0 g• Sugar: 12 g• Protein: 0 g$$• dairy-, soy-, and gluten-free• non-GMO• kosher• organicon the pricier sideBen & Jerry’s Non-Dairy• Calories: 320• Fat: 16 g• Carbs: 43 g• Fiber: 1 g• Sugar: 31 g• Protein: 2 g$$• dairy-free• non-GMOhigh in calories, carbs, and added sugarsRebel Keto Ice Cream• Calories: 190• Fat: 19 g• Carbs: 13 g• Fiber: 2 g• Sugar: 0 g• Sugar alcohols: 9 g• Protein: 2 g$$• lactose- and gluten-free• non-GMO not suitable for dairy or egg allergyHalo Top Keto Series• Calories: 150• Fat: 12 g• Carbs: 15 g• Fiber: 5 g• Sugar: 0 g• Sugar alcohol: 9 g• Protein: 6 g$$• kosher• gluten-free• non-GMOnot suitable for dairy or egg allergyreBLEND frozen smoothie shots• Calories: 30• Fat: 0 g• Carbs: 8 g• Fiber: 1 g• Sugar: 7 g• Protein: 1 g$$$• dairy- and gluten-free• vegan• non-GMOon the pricier sideYasso Greek Yogurt Bars• Calories: 80• Fat: 0 g• Carbs: 15 g• Fiber: 1 g• Sugar: 12 g• Protein: 6 g$$• kosher• gluten-free• low calorie• low fatnot suitable for dairy, soy, tree nut, egg, or peanut allergiesEnlightened• Calories: 120• Fat: 3.5 g• Carbs: 28 g• Fiber: 8 g• Sugar: 7 g• Sugar alcohol: 4 g• Protein: 6 g$$• low calorie• kosher• protein-richnot suitable for dairy, soy, tree nut, egg, or peanut allergiesBreyers No Sugar Added• Calories: 110• Fat: 4 g• Carbs: 17 g• Fiber: 0 g• Sugar: 5 g• Sugar alcohol: 8 g• Protein: 2 g$$• low calorie• kosher• gluten-freenot suitable for dairy allergy or lactose intoleranceEdy’s Slow Churned No Sugar Added• Calories: 130• Fat: 4 g• Carbs: 19 g• Fiber: 0 g• Sugar: 5 g• Sugar alcohol: 5 g• Protein: 4 g$• low calorie• koshernot suitable for dairy allergy or lactose intoleranceHow to choose a healthy ice cream
Choosing a healthier ice cream depends, first and foremost, on your dietary needs. Don’t forget that options are available if you’re following a vegan, gluten-free, low sugar, or keto diet.
It’s also a good idea to choose a product that’s free of artificial sweeteners and unnecessary additives and low in sugar, as these ingredients may contribute to digestive issues and weight gain (1, 15).
There’s nothing wrong with occasionally eating traditional full fat, full sugar ice cream. But it’s best to enjoy it in moderation and to try to stick to the recommended serving size of 1/2–2/3 cup (approximately 50–100 grams).
Frequently asked questions
What is the healthiest ice cream?
While these low fat, low calorie, and low sugar ice cream options sound delicious and appealing, it’s important to note that they typically contain artificial ingredients and fillers to make up for their nutrient reductions.
This means that, despite being lower in calories, fat, or sugar, they tend to be high in artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors.
Research shows that consuming large amounts of artificial sweeteners such as sugar alcohols — which are commonly found in sugar-free ice creams — can cause digestive issues like flatulence, abdominal discomfort, and increased bowel movements (1).
Therefore, ice creams perceived as healthier because of their reduced calorie and sugar content may end up leaving you with an upset stomach if consumed in large amounts.
However, they’re not harmful if consumed in moderation and may even be the healthiest choice for people following keto or low sugar diets.
The healthiest ice cream for you will ultimately depend on your individual dietary needs.
Just remember to look for products made with high quality ingredients instead of focusing solely on their nutritional profile. Among the products mentioned on this list, reBLEND frozen smoothie shots tick all the boxes.
Lastly, keep in mind that ice cream is meant to be enjoyed in moderation, regardless of which variety you choose.
What is a healthier substitute for ice cream?
Determining a healthier substitute for ice cream will also depend on your dietary needs.
Countless homemade options made with high quality ingredients make excellent ice cream alternatives. For instance, if you’re looking for a dairy-free substitute, homemade frozen banana-based ice creams, often called “nice creams,” can be a rich and creamy dessert.
However, they wouldn’t be the most suitable choice for someone on a keto diet. Instead, homemade ice pops made with unsweetened coconut milk, vanilla extract, cacao powder, berries, and your favorite nut butter could be a delicious keto-friendly option.
Similarly, if you’re looking for a low fat, protein-rich option, you can try making homemade frozen treats using Greek yogurt and fruit.
Is there a heart-healthy ice cream?
Novel avocado-based ice creams, such as Cado, deliver heart-healthy fats instead of the saturated fats found in regular ice cream (16).
Avocados are a high fat food, which contributes to the rich and creamy consistency of these products.
However, their fat content consists primarily of monounsaturated fatty acids, a heart-healthy type of fat. Avocados also contain zero cholesterol, are rich in fiber, and provide numerous beneficial plant compounds (16, 17).
Thanks to their nutritional content, avocados may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels (16, 17).
Still, some avocado-based ice creams still contain their fair share of sugar, which, if consumed in excess, can increase the risk of weight gain and heart disease (18, 19).
What is healthier, frozen yogurt or ice cream?
Despite being perceived as a healthier option, frozen yogurt is not necessarily healthier than ice cream.
While frozen yogurt can be a source of protein and prebiotics, it can also be high in sugar and fat (20).
Also, frozen yogurt is often enjoyed with toppings such as candies and syrups, which can further increase its sugar content (21).
Feel free to enjoy frozen yogurt and ice cream from time to time. Just remember to do so in moderation since, much like other sweets, they should not account for more than 10% of your total daily calorie intake (20).
The bottom line
Although ice cream is usually high in sugar, fat, and calories, there are some great alternatives with more favorable nutrient profiles.
However, just because a dessert is organic, keto, vegan, or dairy-free doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s lower in calories than traditional ice cream.
Furthermore, “healthy” ice cream is not meant to replace a balanced diet. Be mindful of how much ice cream you consume, and follow recommended serving sizes. Prioritize eating balanced meals to ensure your nutrient needs are being met.
Your best bet is to choose a flavor and brand that you truly enjoy — regardless of its calorie content — and to stick to a single serving.
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