Ice cream is a timeless favorite, especially during scorching summer months. While this delightful dessert can often be high in calories, sugar, and fat, innovative manufacturers are now offering healthier alternatives. These options provide lighter calories without sacrificing flavor, making it possible to enjoy ice cream while adhering to health goals.

Choosing Healthier Ice Creams

Selecting a nutritious ice cream depends on individual diet preferences and health objectives. While indulging in traditional ice cream on occasion is perfectly acceptable, consistent consumption warrants a careful approach to nutrition. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a healthier option:

1. Understand Serving Sizes

The FDA defines a typical serving size of ice cream or frozen dessert as 2/3 cup. It’s advisable to stick to this serving to avoid unintentional overeating, especially since a pint generally contains approximately three servings.

2. Monitor Caloric Intake

With ice cream’s potential to contribute significantly to daily calorie limits, opt for varieties that contain no more than 250 calories per serving. Approaching or exceeding 300 calories may necessitate increased physical activity to offset indulgence.

3. Assess Sugar Content

Many traditional ice creams contain high levels of sugar, sometimes exceeding 30 grams per serving. Given the numerous health risks associated with excessive added sugar, such as diabetes and heart disease, seek options with fewer than 15 grams of added sugars per serving.

4. Examine Saturated Fat Levels

While some saturated fat is acceptable in a balanced diet, look for ice creams with under 10 grams per serving to support heart health.

5. Consider Protein Levels

Though some ice creams boast increased protein content, it’s important to remember that they should not replace higher-quality protein sources like lean meats, dairy, and legumes.

6. Dairy-Free Possibilities

For those avoiding dairy, a variety of plant-based ice creams are now available. However, they also might contain high sugar or saturated fat, so reading labels is crucial to ensure you select a health-conscious choice.

Top 9 Healthiest Ice Creams to Consider

From classic flavors to more adventurous ones, here are some of the healthiest ice creams currently on the market:

Halo Top Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

Each serving (2/3 cup) contains 120 calories, 3.5g fat (2g saturated), 23g carbs (6g fiber, 6g added sugar), and 6g protein.

Clio Strawberry Greek Yogurt Bars

One bar contains 140 calories, 6g fat (5g saturated), 14g carbs (1g fiber, 10g added sugar), and 9g protein.

Edy’s Slow Churned French Vanilla

One serving consists of 140 calories, 4.5g fat (2.5g saturated), 23g carbs (2g fiber, 13g added sugar), and 3g protein.

Oatly Chocolate Mini Cup

One cup has 130 calories, 7g fat (4.5g saturated), 17g carbs (0g fiber, 12g added sugar), and 1g protein.

Keto Pint Vanilla Bean

Each serving (2/3 cup) provides 170 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated), 12g carbs (2g fiber, 0g added sugar), and 4g protein.

Breyer’s CarbSmart Mint Fudge Cookie

One serving equals 130 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated), 20g carbs (4g fiber, 2g added sugar), and 2g protein.

KIND Frozen Chocolate Cherry Almond & Nut

One bar contains 180 calories, 13g fat (4.5g saturated), 16g carbs (7g fiber, 7g added sugar), and 3g protein.

Enlightened Caramel Double Dough

Each serving (2/3 cup) has 180 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated), 23g carbs (13g fiber, 0g added sugar), and 4g protein.

Cado Chocolate Mud Pie

This unique dairy-free option provides 230 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated), 26g carbs (2g fiber, 15g added sugar), and 2g protein.

DIY Treat: Peachy Nice Cream

No ice cream machine? No problem! Create your own health-friendly treat using frozen bananas. Below is a simple recipe:

Makes 3 Servings

• 3 frozen chopped bananas
• 2 peaches, chopped
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup fresh mint
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions: Blend the frozen banana pieces in a food processor until they resemble small pebbles. Then, add the peaches, almond butter, mint, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt, continuing to blend until creamy. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the freezer.