Dante Carrillo
There are a variety of ice cream options for those who are dieting. While ice cream is typically very high in calories, fat, and sugar, there are some healthier options available. Some brands offer low-calorie ice cream made with natural and organic ingredients, such as Halo Top, which offers 25 flavors at only 70 calories per serving. Other options include dairy-free ice creams made from oat, cashew, coconut, soy, or almond milk, such as So Delicious Dairy-Free, which is also vegan and gluten-free. For those who want to stick to regular ice cream, Turkey Hill's light ice creams offer the same flavors with lower fat content. It's important to note that while these options may be lower in calories, they can still be highly processed and contain unhealthy ingredients like artificial sweeteners, so it's important to read ingredient lists carefully. Ultimately, the healthiest option will depend on an individual's personal health goals and needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | Low-calorie ice cream can be part of a balanced diet, but it may be highly processed and contain unhealthy ingredients like artificial sweeteners. |
| Dairy | Dairy-free ice cream is an option for those watching their dairy intake. |
| Sugar | Sugar-free ice cream may still contain milk sugar (lactose). |
| Fat | Low-fat ice cream is available. |
| Natural | All-natural ice cream is the diet buzzword of the moment. |
| Artificial Ingredients | Artificial flavours and food dyes may be linked to health concerns, including allergic reactions and behavioural problems in children. |
| Portion Size | Experts recommend brands that use high-quality ingredients with reasonably low amounts of calories, fat, and sugar per serving. |
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What You'll Learn
Low-calorie ice cream
While it is true that ice cream is often associated with high levels of fat and sugar, there are many low-calorie options available that can satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your diet.
Some recommended brands of low-calorie ice cream include Halo Top, which offers a wide range of flavors and comes in both dairy and dairy-free options, and So Delicious Dairy Free, which uses milk alternatives like oat, cashew, coconut, soy, or almond milk and contains many organic ingredients. Yasso is another great choice, as it is made with Greek yogurt, increasing its protein content, and some flavors are gluten-free. Chilly Cow is a low-calorie, low-sugar option that uses ultra-filtered milk and provides a high amount of protein per serving. Arctic Zero offers nondairy, lactose-free, and light pints with only 40–90 calories per serving, and they are also free of sugar alcohols. If you're looking for a dairy-free and paleo-friendly option, Cado's avocado-based ice cream is a unique choice that also includes organic ingredients.
In addition to these brands, you can also find low-calorie ice cream at stores like Aldi, Target, and Trader Joe's. Aldi's sea salt caramel ice cream and Target's Market Pantry light vanilla ice cream have been praised for their flavor and creamy texture. If you're looking for a fruit-based option, Aldi's peaches and cream ice cream is a tasty choice, with chunks of real peach. For a chocolate fix, Trader Joe's Chocolate Coconut Milk Ice Cream is a good option, as it's low in calories and sugar.
If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own low-calorie ice cream at home. A simple recipe includes blending frozen bananas until smooth and then adding cocoa powder to achieve a chocolate flavor. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding ingredients like vanilla extract, frozen strawberries, or peanut butter. This way, you can control the ingredients and create a healthier, low-calorie treat that suits your taste preferences.
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Dairy-free ice cream
There are several delicious dairy-free ice cream options available, typically made with a base of coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk, or other plant-based alternatives. These alternatives provide a creamy texture and rich flavour, replicating the mouthfeel of traditional ice cream.
Coconut milk-based ice creams, for example, offer a naturally sweet and creamy option, with a hint of coconut flavour. They are perfect for those who enjoy tropical flavours or who want a more indulgent experience. Almond milk-based ice creams, on the other hand, have a slightly nuttier flavour and a lighter texture, making them a fantastic choice for fruit-based flavours or sorbets.
When choosing dairy-free ice cream, it's important to read the labels carefully. While these treats are free from dairy, they may still contain allergens like nuts or soy. Additionally, some brands may add extra sugars or flavour enhancers, so it's worth checking the ingredient list to ensure it aligns with your dietary preferences and restrictions.
You can also make dairy-free ice cream at home, allowing you to control exactly what goes into your treat. There are numerous recipes available online, often utilising blended frozen bananas or other fruit purees as a base, resulting in a creamy, naturally sweet dessert without any added sugars or preservatives.
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Natural ingredients
Firstly, look for ice creams with short ingredient lists, as these are usually less processed. Some brands, like Halo Top, use natural and organic ingredients, with some flavours offering only 70 calories per serving. So Delicious Dairy-Free is another brand with many organic ingredients, and their products are also vegan and gluten-free, made from oat, cashew, coconut, soy, or almond milk.
If you're an ice cream sandwich lover, Skinny Cow's 140-calorie option allows you to indulge without sacrificing flavour. For a creamy chocolate option, Noosa Chocolate Fudge, made with natural ingredients and free from artificial colours or flavours, offers a boost of live probiotics thanks to its yogurt base. Similarly, Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars are a low-calorie alternative to high-calorie ice cream.
For those who enjoy fruity flavours, Talenti's Simply Strawberry, at 170 calories per pint, is a waistline-friendly choice. Arctic Zero also offers non-dairy, lactose-free, and light pints with only 40-90 calories per serving, free of sugar alcohols. If you're craving chocolate, So Delicious's almond milk chocolate ice cream is a low-calorie, dairy-free option.
While these options may be more diet-friendly, it's important to remember that ice cream should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The key to successful dieting is ensuring your diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains, with occasional treats like ice cream.
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Calorie-restricted diets
When it comes to dieting, it's important to remember that not all ice creams are created equal. While it's generally advised to limit your intake of sugar and fat, there are ways to include ice cream in a calorie-restricted diet.
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that ice cream is considered an ultra-processed food, which means it's typically very high in calories, fat, and sugar. As such, it's recommended to opt for brands that offer reasonably low amounts of these per serving. For example, Halo Top offers 25 flavours with only 70 calories per serving, and lower fat and higher protein content than regular ice cream. Similarly, Arctic Zero provides non-dairy, lactose-free, and light pints with only 40-90 calories per serving, and they're also free of sugar alcohols.
Another strategy is to choose dairy-free or vegan ice creams, which can be a healthier alternative for those watching their dairy intake. So Delicious Dairy Free, for instance, offers ice creams made from oat, cashew, coconut, soy, or almond milk, and they also include many organic ingredients. They're vegan and gluten-free, too.
You can also make your own low-calorie ice cream at home. This gives you complete control over the ingredients and their quality. However, it's important to be cautious of artificial sweeteners, which have been linked to long-term weight gain and other negative side effects.
While it's possible to include ice cream in a calorie-restricted diet, it's essential to remember that it should be treated as an occasional treat and not the foundation of your daily sustenance. A healthy, well-balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains is generally the best approach for lasting results.
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Health concerns
While it is possible to eat ice cream while dieting, there are several health concerns to be aware of. Firstly, ice cream is typically high in fat, sugar, and calories, which can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Consuming too much sugar can also lead to cavities and elevated levels of blood triglycerides, another type of unhealthy fat. Therefore, it is essential to consume ice cream in moderation or choose low-fat, low-sugar alternatives.
Additionally, ice cream is a dairy-based product, containing lactose, a milk sugar. About 30 million Americans are lactose intolerant and may experience digestive issues when consuming ice cream. Lactose-intolerant individuals can replace ice cream with similar frozen products made with milk alternatives or take a lactase supplement when consuming ice cream.
Furthermore, some low-calorie ice creams may be highly processed and contain unhealthy ingredients like artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners have been linked to long-term weight gain and may lead to overeating throughout the day. They have also been associated with stomach pain and other health concerns, including allergic reactions and behavioural problems in children. Thus, it is crucial to read ingredient lists carefully and opt for products with shorter ingredient lists, as these tend to be less processed.
While some brands offer low-calorie, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, it is important to remember that these alternatives may still be high in calories and sugar. For example, Ben & Jerry's Moo-Phoria Light Ice Cream is low in fat but contains 140-160 calories per serving, which is higher than some other options. Therefore, it is essential to read nutrition labels and compare different brands to make informed choices.
Lastly, it is worth noting that the ice cream diet, which suggests adding ice cream to your daily routine for weight loss, is not a sustainable or effective approach. This diet is a form of calorie restriction, and any weight loss is due to consuming fewer calories than burned, not because of the ice cream itself. Eating only ice cream or consuming large amounts while on a calorie-restricted diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies and health risks. Thus, it is crucial to prioritise a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, with occasional treats like ice cream enjoyed in moderation.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular low-calorie ice cream brands include Halo Top, Arctic Zero, and Skinny Cow. Halo Top offers 25 flavors and only 70 calories per serving. Arctic Zero's Cake Batter flavor contains only 150 calories for an entire pint, while Skinny Cow's 140-cal ice cream sandwich allows you to indulge without sacrificing flavor.
Yes, there are several dairy-free ice cream options available. So Delicious Dairy Free offers ice cream made from oat, cashew, coconut, soy, or almond milk. Arctic Zero and Halo Top also offer dairy-free options.
Yes, Planet Oat is a delicious and healthy vegan and soy-free ice cream option. It is made with oat milk and coconut oil, making it a creamy and rich dessert.
The ice cream diet suggests that adding ice cream to your daily routine can help with weight loss. However, this is not because ice cream contains any magic weight loss powers, but because you are limiting calories overall. Eating only ice cream is never healthy, and consuming large amounts of ice cream while on a calorie-restricted diet can be risky.
Ice cream is considered an ultra-processed food, typically high in calories, fat, and sugar. As a result, consuming too much ice cream may negatively impact your health. Some studies suggest that it may be linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver. However, it's important to note that the quality of a person's overall diet may matter more for health than a specific food.
