Summer may be over, but ice cream is a year-round favorite regardless of how cold it gets. When you think of dieting and eating healthy, ice cream isn’t something that typically comes to mind, but you may be surprised to learn that there are many better-for-you options out there that can accommodate a wide variety of nutrition plans. Vegan? No problem. Sugar-free? Absolutely! Despite your diet or health goals there is likely an ice cream that will work for you. 

When it comes to dieting and weight loss, many people find that overly restricting and completely giving up their favorite foods isn’t sustainable and ultimately leads to binge eating. This binge and restrict cycle is what keeps many people yo-yo dieting for years without ever achieving long term results. Instead, allowing yourself to enjoy foods you love, like ice cream, in a mindful and intentional way, can help you stay the course and focus on managing your weight. A balanced diet is best; new healthy ice cream options have made it easier to enjoy your sweet treat without compromising your health goals.

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How To Choose A Healthy Ice Cream

Choosing a healthy ice cream involves assessing ingredients, calories, carbohydrates, fat, and protein and seeing how they line up with your personal dietary goals. With an increasing number of brands offering healthier alternatives to traditional ice cream, it is important to know exactly what to look for in order to make the best decision. This section will help guide you through the essential criteria to keep an eye on when choosing a healthy ice cream. 

Nutrition Label

The nutrition label will break down the macronutrients the product contains (carbs, fat, protein) and will also highlight calories. If you’re following a low-carb diet you’ll want to focus on the grams or carbohydrates. On the flip side, if you’re following a low fat diet you want to pay extra attention to the fat content. Brands that are fat free may seem enticing, but these products are typically higher in sugar, and are bound to spike your blood sugar. Fat and protein actually slow down the absorption of sugar and can help minimize blood glucose spikes so keep this in mind as you review labels. 

Serving Size

When comparing ice creams it’s important to make sure the serving sizes listed on each nutrition label is the same. For example, one ice cream may have a serving size of 1 cup, whereas another may list the serving size as ½ cup. Do the math to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. 

Ingredients

Ingredients are listed in descending order, so that the first ingredient listed is always present in the largest amount. This is important to keep in mind because some brands will claim they contain healthy ingredients, but if they are listed as the last ingredient there will be very little of that ingredient in the product. Make sure the first few ingredients align with your diet plan and health goals.

Flavor

The point of eating ice cream is to enjoy it, even if it’s a healthier ice cream. Don’t buy a product if you’re not crazy about the flavor. Eating foods that don’t satisfy you is a waste of calories, because you’ll often end up eating something else afterwards. If your favorite ice cream has more calories, sugar, or fat than you’re looking for, remember you can always practice portion control. Enjoying a small amount of something you really like is better than eating something that tastes like cardboard and still reaching for snacks after. 

<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href=desserts-healthy>Healthy Desserts That Won’t Spike Your Blood Sugar Levels</a></a>.</div>

5 Best Healthy Ice Cream Brands 

Below are brands that offer healthier ice cream options:

Halo Top 

Pro: This brand is known for being low in calories compared to others (1 pint has approximately 290 calories). Halo top pints offer 16 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber, making them one of the best options out there as far as macronutrients go. 

Con: Halo Top contains the sugar alcohol erythritol which can irritate the gut and cause digestive issues in people who are prone. 

Talenti Organic Gelato 

Pro: This tasty gelato offers high quality ingredients like organic milk and organic cream.

Con: Talenti is high in sugar - each pint has a whopping 90 grams of sugar.

Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars 

Pro: These bars have approximately 80 calories per bar. They are made with Greek yogurt, which contains gut-friendly live, active cultures. Each bar has 5 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber.

Con: Each bar contains 12g of sugar, and with 0 grams of fat, the sugar can be absorbed quickly leading to blood sugar spikes. 

Breyers No Sugar Added 

Pro: This could be a good choice if you're mindful of sugar content. Receiving 4.5 stars out of 80 reviews on their website, many people say it tastes just like the traditional version. 

Con: The second ingredient listed is maltitol, a sugar alcohol, which may cause digestive issues in some people. It also contains the artificial sweetener, sucralose, which is widely known to have a negative effect on gut health

Good Pop 

Pro: Good Pop’s Fudge and Vanilla Crunch ice cream bars have 9 grams of sugar (less than the competitors). They are dairy free and gluten free and are even made with organic ingredients.

Con: Each bar contains only 1 gram of protein and 1 gram of fiber.

Dairy Free Options

Although traditional ice cream is made with dairy-based products, those who are lactose intolerant or are looking for a dairy-free alternative can still enjoy this frozen dessert. Dairy-free ice creams are made by using a variety of milk alternatives , such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Here are some of our favorite dairy-free brands:

• Arctic Zero 
• Good Pop
• Oatly 
• So Delicious 

Homemade Ice Cream Recipes

Let’s face it, everything is better homemade! Making ice cream at home allows you to control the ingredients and create the perfect flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and toppings of your choice, you can have a healthy and tasty ice cream in no time. 

Below are two simple and delicious healthy ice cream recipes:

With an Ice Cream Maker

• In an ice cream maker, combine two 13.5 oz cans of full fat coconut milk, ½ cup of regular unsweetened coconut milk, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and follow the instructions on your ice cream maker. Freeze for at least 3 hours before you serve.

Using a Blender 

• In a blender, combine 2 frozen bananas, 1 cup greek yogurt, a handful of berries, and blend until mixture is creamy. Enjoy immediately and store the remainder in your freezer.  

Is Ice Cream Good For Me? 

With any food item, moderation and mindfulness are key to ensuring balance and that your eating style is sustainable through any phase of your health journey. If you don’t know how to mindfully incorporate ice cream into your diet, focus on portion sizes first, and if you need even more guidance, reach out to a registered dietitian for assistance. 

Want to learn more about nutrition and blood glucose management? Check out more articles here!

<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn More: </strong><a href=custard-vs-ice-cream>Frozen Custard vs. Ice Cream: What Are the Differences?</a>.</div>