Ice cream is a refreshing treat for hot summer days. However, most regular ice creams contain high levels of calories from fats and sugars. Some may also be made with questionable additives and ingredients. There are healthier alternatives. Even organic, vegan, keto, and low-calorie ice creams are available.
Avoid low-fat labels that increase sugar to compensate for lost taste. Also, avoid additives like cellulose gum or carrageenan which can also cause GI problems.
This is a lot to remember when grocery shopping. You’re in luck. Here are 8 nutritionist-approved healthy ice creams to help you pick the right pint.
Healthy Ice Cream Alternatives Brands
When we say healthy ice cream alternatives, we mean nondairy options like soy and coconut milk-based ice cream. But first, let’s talk about your favorite childhood treat: The Good Humor Ice Cream Bar. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as good humor when it comes to eating half the pack of sugar that these babies usually come with (19 grams). Still, craving those tasty treats? Check out this list of healthier brands and places where you can pick up some vegan desserts!
NOTE: We will continue to update this article as more products become available.
Halo Top
Seven flavors are vegan-friendly! These bad boys have only 240 calories per serving, 25g of protein, and only 2-7g of sugar per serving!
So Delicious
These guys have a whole line of soy and coconut milk-based ice cream flavors. They also offer four sorbet flavors. A new creamy cashew milk-based flavor has just been released as well!
Edy’s
All vegan flavors are clearly labeled on the carton as such! – Breyers (nondairy options available) – Don’t worry all you dairy eaters out there, Breyers is still making some classic flavors for those who don’t want to give up their favorite summertime treat; however they now offer five plant-based alternatives: Chocolate Almondmilk, Vanilla Almondmilk, Dark Chocolate Almondmilk, Strawberry Almondmilk, and Mint Chocolate Chip Almond Milk ice cream!
Enlightened
Newest on the market, these guys offer six flavors of high protein, low sugar pints that are vegan. They also only come in four serving-size containers which means less guilt over finishing your pint in one sitting (at least we hope so!)
Arctic Zero
These guys make both low-calorie and “regular” versions of their ice cream. The Lean flavor is vegan while the Rest of the Line has some dairy options like milk and cream. They do however use non-GMO ingredients and don’t add any artificial sugars! Their pints currently range from 210-320 calories with 15g to 18g Protein per serving!
Graeters
These guys offer a variety of flavors that are soy and almond milk-based.
Orange Leaf
These guys offer two vegan sorbets in addition to their selection of handmade frozen yogurts.
List Of 8 Best Healthy Ice Cream Reviews
1. Talenti Organic Gelato Chocolate Mousse 1 pint
- Gelato, which is an ice cream substitute with cream, is usually made with milk and cream. This creates a frozen dessert that is still creamy, but not as rich as traditional ice cream.
- Talenti’s gelato has more sugar than traditional ice cream. Talenti’s Organic Gelato uses only organic ingredients and is free from any processed additives. You can choose from Oak-Aged Vanilla or Brown Butter Caramel flavors, Chocolate Mousse, Ginger Matcha, and Chocolate Mousse.
2. Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars
- These frozen Greek yogurt pops are packed with protein and all the health benefits that come from cultured yogurt. Although I do love mint chocolate chips, my preferences didn’t cloud my judgment. This was tried by a family member who doesn’t like mint chocolate chip and gave it a 10/10 rating for taste.
- These bars are packed with delicious flavor, including bits of chocolate chips mint in every bite. The creaminess is simply divine. This bar style allows you to control your portion size. Bar nutrition information: 100 calories, 1.5 g saturated fat, 40 mg sodium, 16 grams carbs (0.g fiber 13, g sugar), 5g protein.
3. 365 by Whole Foods Market
- Organic Ice Cream Sandwiches taste just like the ones you ate as a child but are better. Our ice cream is made with only the best organic ingredients, such as fresh cream and cane syrup. It’s rich and delicious. It is perfectly layered between two organic chocolate-flavored wafers. Enjoy the decadent taste of organic ice cream sandwiches.
4. Breyers, Vanilla All Natural Ice Cream
- PER 1/2 CUP (66 G), 130 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 35m sodium, 14g carbs (0.g fiber), 14g sugar, 2g protein.
- Breyers Natural Vanilla is a blend of milk, cream, and sugar. Tara gum, which is a stabilizer made of tara seeds, a type legume, and natural flavor are the key ingredients. We love Breyers Natural Vanilla because of its low-calorie recipes and simple ingredient lists.
5. Elite Sweets The Elite Donut
- A donut you can feel good about. The Elite Donut is 12-13g protein-rich and only 1g sugar. It has a cake-like taste. Donuts can keep at room temperature for up to 30 days, but once you get your shipment, we recommend refrigerating or freezing them.
- LOW CARB, only 1-6g net carbohydrates and 1g sugar per donut. Keto just got easier! Donuts can be enjoyed guilt-free
- The same great donut flavor, but without gluten. Celiac and IBS-friendly. Made with top-quality ingredients.
- Elite Sweets is changing the way we think about sweets with our healthier for you Elite Donuts. You want to enjoy a donut with no guilt. Now you can.
6. Enlightened, Brownies & Cookie Dough Ice Cream
- Enlightened Ice cream Pints have low calories, sugar, fat, and high levels of protein and fiber. Enjoy the creamy, smooth texture. Creamy, delicious, low in calories, fat, carbs, high protein, high fiber, kosher
7. Halo Top Creamery, Mocha Chip
- A Perfect Treat for any time: Halo Top light Ice Cream is a great treat for any occasion. It has 320 calories per pint! Smart indulgence: Only 6 grams of sugar per serve! A good source of protein: 20g of protein per pint Certified Kosher dessert that is gluten-free!
8. Halo Top Creamery, Strawberry
- Strawberry lovers, you’ve found the right place. Our Strawberry is made with real strawberries, not artificial flavoring or strawberry swirl. It has strawberry sweetness with ice cream smoothness. You won’t believe how low-calorie it is and that it contains almost twice as much protein as sugar. This is ice cream that you feel good about eating.
Healthy Ice Cream Flavors
Everyone loves ice cream, but most of us are concerned with healthy eating. The following recipes prove that tasty treats can be good for you too. Homemade options are always best, so feel free to try out these recipes or use them as templates to create your own healthy ice cream flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream
- Ingredients: 1 cup low-fat milk, 2 cups nonfat yogurt, ½ cup white grape juice, 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons honey.
- Method: Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix well. Pour into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning time. Serve immediately or store in the freezer until ready to serve. Makes about three servings (about 4 ounces each).
Chocolate Ice Cream
- Ingredients: 1 cup low-fat milk, 2 cups nonfat yogurt, ½ cup cocoa powder, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons honey.
- Method: Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix well. Pour into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning time. Serve immediately or store in the freezer until ready to serve. Makes about three servings (about 4 ounces each).
Strawberry Ice Cream
- Ingredients: 2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen), Juice of one lemon, 1 tablespoon honey.
- Method: Mix strawberries, lemon juice, and honey together in a bowl and let sit overnight so the flavors can combine. Add mixture to blender and process well with ½ cup of water. Pour into the ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning time. Serve immediately or store in the freezer until ready to serve. Makes about three servings (about 4 ounces each).
Pistachio Ice Cream
- Ingredients: 2 cups pistachio milk, 1 tablespoon honey.
- Method: Combine the pistachio milk and honey in a bowl and mix well. Add mixture to blender and process well with ½ cup of water. Pour into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning time. Serve immediately or store in the freezer until ready to serve. Makes about three servings (about 4 ounces each).
Conclusion
While frozen yogurts and ice creams with lower calories have been around for a while, the latest crop has a significantly lower number of calories, fats, and sugars. Some “healthier” frozen creams actually have the same calories in a pint of premium Haagen-Dazs ice cream as a half-cup. It is easy to swap ice cream for frozen yogurt, which is great for finding a healthier alternative.
Blending frozen fruits and vegetables into smoothies is another great option. This will give you the same smooth, cold texture as ice cream and is a great way of getting your 5 a day in. We’re trying to convey that there are many healthy dessert recipes and options online. Are you not prepared to substitute ice cream for a sweet treat similar in taste? There are several healthy options for ice cream.
These are the 8 best online healthy ice creams! We hope you find something new to love from our list.
