Embracing the summer season means indulging in refreshing ice cream while staying committed to health goals. In the past, finding a balance between great taste and healthier options seemed impossible, with some "healthier" choices falling short on flavor. However, the good news is that numerous brands are now dedicated to crafting ice creams that are both nutritious and delectable.
Determining the healthiest ice cream for you depends on your specific health goals and requirements. Nevertheless, experts unanimously recommend brands that prioritize high-quality ingredients while keeping calorie, fat, and sugar levels reasonably low per serving. Additionally, you'll find that some of these healthier options are dairy-free or vegan, catering to individuals seeking to reduce their dairy intake. Let's explore the top recommendations from dietitians for the healthiest ice creams available that genuinely deliver on taste.
1) Halo Top Chocolate Ice Cream Cake
Per 2/3 cup: 120 calories, 3.5g fat (2g saturated fat), 100mg sodium, 23g carbs (6g fiber, 10g sugar), 6g protein
Halo Top's Chocolate Ice Cream Cake is a crowd favorite. This lower-calorie option boasts rich white icing, creamy chocolate ice cream, and an indulgent ice cream cake flavor. With only 120 calories and 6 grams of added sugar per serving, you can savor this guilt-free pleasure while staying on track with your health and weight loss goals.
2) Noosa Chocolate Fudge Gelato
Per 2/3 cup: 290 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 90mg sodium, 36g carbs (2g fiber, 32g sugar), 5g protein
Noosa, renowned for its yogurt and overnight oats, has expanded its offerings to include a creamy and healthy Chocolate Fudge Gelato. Made with natural ingredients, free from artificial colors or flavors, and containing live probiotics due to the yogurt base, this option provides a satisfying and nutritious indulgence.
3) Yasso Greek Yogurt Pops
Per bar: 100 calories, 2g fat (1.5g saturated fat), 55mg sodium, 16g carbs (2g fiber, 13g sugar), 5g protein
Yasso Greek Yogurt Pops make for a delightful low-calorie dessert, perfect as a healthy alternative to traditional ice cream. These pops, made with Greek yogurt, offer a substantial protein content that keeps you feeling satiated while enjoying a refreshing and guilt-free treat.
4) Arctic Zero Salted Caramel
Per 2/3 cup: 50 calories, 0g fat (0g saturated fat), 140mg sodium, 11g carbs (3g fiber, 8g sugar), 2g protein
For those who enjoy consuming an entire pint, Arctic Zero Salted Caramel is an ideal choice. With an incredibly low calorie count, this guilt-free option contains only 50 calories per serving. It also provides 6 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber per pint, ensuring a satisfying and balanced experience. For enhanced flavor, let it soften on the counter before indulging.
5) Good Humor Creamsicle
Per bar: 100 calories, 2g fat (1.5g saturated fat), 30mg sodium, 20g carbs (0g fiber, 12g sugar), 1g protein
Good Humor's Creamsicle stands out as a healthy alternative to traditional ice cream bars. With its low-fat content and delectable vanilla and orange-flavored sherbet combination, this bar not only satisfies your cravings but also provides essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamin A.
6) So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster
Per 2/3 cup: 250 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 300mg sodium, 32g carbs (<1g fiber, 23g sugar), 3g protein
So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster caters to dairy-free and vegan consumers. Made with cashew milk, this creamy and luscious treat is also gluten-free and soy-free. With a range of flavors to choose from, including Snickerdoodle and Chocolate Cookies 'N Cream, you can enjoy a variety of indulgent options while adhering to your dietary preferences.
7) Planet Oat Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert
Per 2/3 cup: 280 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 160mg sodium, 30g carbs (3g fiber, 16g sugar), 5g protein
Planet Oat offers a non-dairy frozen dessert option that combines the creaminess of oat milk with coconut oil. With its vegan and soy-free profile, this dessert is rich and satisfying. While some flavors may contain gluten, they also offer gluten-free alternatives, ensuring that everyone can indulge in this delightful treat.
8) Skinny Cow Vanilla Gone Wild Sandwiches
Per sandwich: 150 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 115mg sodium, 28g carbs (0g fiber, 14g sugar), 3g protein
Skinny Cow Vanilla Gone Wild Sandwiches offer a classic ice cream sandwich experience with a lighter twist. These decadent sandwiches, made with light ice cream, are smothered between two chocolatey wafer cookies. With only 150 calories per sandwich, they provide a waistline-friendly option that satisfies your cravings without derailing your health goals.
9) Halo Top Mango Fruit Sorbet
Per 2/3 cup: 100 calories, 0g fat (0g saturated fat), 30mg sodium, 33g carbs (10g fiber, 17g sugar), 0g protein
Halo Top Mango Fruit Sorbet provides a refreshing option for those seeking a low-sugar treat. Made with real mango and containing 56% less sugar than leading fruit sorbets, this certified vegan and gluten-free option offers a delightful, guilt-free indulgence on a hot summer day.