Best Low Calorie Ice Cream

Who doesn’t love a creamy, delicious bowl of ice cream? But if you’re watching your calorie intake, you might think ice cream is off-limits. The good news? You don’t have to give it up! I am here to tell you that eating healthy does not have to be boring. Thanks to innovation in the frozen dessert industry, there are plenty of best low calorie ice cream options that let you enjoy your favorite treat without overloading on sugar and fat. Here is a list of low-calorie options that actually taste good!

Best Low Calorie Ice Cream: What to Look For?

Before we dive into the best options, let’s discuss what makes an ice cream “low calorie” and how you can pick the best one for your needs.

1. Calories Per Serving

Most low-calorie ice creams have between 100-150 calories per serving. Always check the nutrition label to ensure you’re making a good choice. Use a measuring cup when scooping to ensure you have the correct serving size.

2. Natural Ingredients

Look for natural ingredients, less added sugar, and high protein content. Avoid artificial sweeteners and preservatives when possible.

3. Protein and Fiber Content

A good low-calorie ice cream will have a decent amount of protein and fiber, helping you stay full longer while maintaining muscle mass.

4. Sugar Alternatives

Many brands use sugar alternatives like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit to keep the sweetness without the added calories.

Top 5 Best Low Calorie Ice Cream Brands

Let’s explore some of the best low calorie ice cream options available today!

1.      Halo Top Light Ice Cream, Sea Salt Caramel

Halo Top Sea Salt Caramel Light Ice Cream offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in a guilt-free frozen dessert. This premium light ice cream features ribbons of rich sea salt caramel swirled throughout a creamy caramel base.

Compared to traditional ice cream, Halo Top Sea Salt Caramel offers several health advantages:

• Portion Control with Fewer Calories: My favorite thing about Halo Top is the portion size. You can enjoy the entire pint for roughly the same calories as a single serving of premium traditional ice cream.
• Higher Protein Content: Halo Top Ice Cream contains 24-30 grams of protein per pint which helps promote satiety and supports muscle maintenance.
• Lower Sugar Formula: Contains significantly less sugar than regular ice cream, making it a better option for those monitoring sugar intake. More specifically, it contains 12-18 grams per pint. (mostly from natural sweeteners)
• Prebiotic Fiber: Contains 3-5 grams of fiber per pint which may help to support gut health and digestive function.
• Calcium Source: Provides calcium for bone health, similar to traditional dairy products.

2.     Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars

Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars combine the creaminess of greek yogurt with delightful flavors, resulting in a nutritious and indulgent treat. Each bar is packed with protein and live cultures, making it a guilt-free dessert option for health-conscious individuals. There are many flavors to choose from including chocolate fudge, mint chocolate chip, and my favorite sea salt caramel, just to name a few.

Compared to other traditional frozen treats, Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars offer several nutritional advantages:

• Protein Content: With 4 grams of protein per bar, they provide more protein than typical frozen desserts, helping to promote satiety.
• Lower Calorie Option: Most bars contain 100 calories, making them a lighter alternative to traditional ice cream bars.
• Probiotic Potential: While some probiotics may not survive the freezing process, Greek yogurt contains beneficial cultures that support gut health.
• Portion Control: The individual bar format helps with portion control, making it easier to enjoy a satisfying treat without overindulging.
• Lower Fat Content: These bars typically contain less fat than premium ice cream alternatives.

3.     Oatly Salted Caramel Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert

Oatly’s Salted Caramel Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert offers a creamy and indulgent experience without dairy. Made from oats, this frozen dessert features a rich salted caramel flavor, providing a plant-based alternative for ice cream lovers. It is worth noting that this particular ice cream still contains added sugars and saturated fat (primarily from coconut oil), so it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat as part of a balanced diet. Some nutritional advantages include:

• Dairy-Free Alternative: Suitable for those with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or following a vegan lifestyle.
• Plant-Based Ingredients: Made primarily from oats, which have a lower environmental impact than dairy production.
• Cholesterol-Free: Contains no dietary cholesterol, unlike dairy-based ice creams.
• Beta-Glucans: Oats contain beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that may help support heart health by maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
• Fortified Nutrients: Often fortified with vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D that are typically found in dairy products.

4.     Skinny Cow Vanilla Gone Wild Low Fat Ice Cream Sandwiches

Skinny Cow’s Vanilla Gone Wild Low Fat Ice Cream Sandwiches consist of creamy vanilla low-fat ice cream nestled between two chocolate wafers. As one of the best low calorie ice cream options, these sandwiches offer a satisfying dessert experience with reduced fat content.

These ice cream sandwiches provide several nutritional advantages over traditional frozen treats for example:

• Calorie Control: With about 150-160 calories per sandwich, they offer a satisfying sweet treat for fewer calories than many alternatives.
• Reduced Fat Content: Contains significantly less fat than premium ice cream sandwiches, making them a better option for those monitoring fat intake.
• Portion Control: The individually wrapped format helps prevent overeating, as each sandwich provides a complete, satisfying serving.
• Calcium Source: Provides calcium which supports bone health and other essential bodily functions.
• Lower Sugar Option: While still containing added sugars, these sandwiches typically contain less sugar than many comparable frozen desserts.
• Satisfaction Factor: The combination of creamy ice cream and chocolate wafers provides textural contrast and flavor satisfaction, which can help prevent overindulgence in less nutritious treats.

5.     Jeni’s Ice Cream Lemon Bar Dairy-Free Ice Cream

Jeni’s Lemon Bar Dairy-Free Ice Cream delivers a zesty lemon flavor in a creamy, dairy-free base. If you are looking to avoid dairy and enjoy a creamy delicious lemon flavored ice cream, this is a great option for you! Some advantages include:

• Dairy-Free Alternative: Suitable for those with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or following a vegan diet.
• Plant-Based Ingredients: Made with coconut cream and other plant-derived ingredients, aligning with plant-forward dietary preferences.
• Real Fruit Ingredients: Contains actual lemon juice and zest, providing natural flavor along with some vitamin C.
• No Artificial Additives: Free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives commonly found in conventional frozen desserts.
• Moderate Fat Content: While still containing fat from coconut cream, it provides satisfying creaminess without dairy fat.
• Cholesterol-Free: Contains no dietary cholesterol, unlike dairy-based ice creams.
• Allergen-Friendly Option: Offers an alternative for those with dairy allergies or sensitivities.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to check the product packaging or the respective brand’s official website.

How to Make the Best Low Calorie Ice Cream at Home

If you prefer homemade treats, try whipping up some healthy homemade ice cream! Here is a simple recipe you can enjoy.

Simple Banana Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar-free sweetener
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Slice and freeze bananas overnight.
2. Blend frozen bananas with almond milk, vanilla extract, and sweetener until smooth.
3. Pour into a container and freeze for 2 hours.
4. Scoop and enjoy!

This homemade ice cream is dairy-free, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrients!

FAQs About Best Low Calorie Ice Cream

1. Is low calorie ice cream healthy?

Yes! Many low-calorie ice creams use natural ingredients and are high in protein or fiber, making them a healthier choice compared to traditional options.

2. Does low calorie ice cream taste good?

Absolutely! Many brands have perfected the balance between taste and health, offering delicious flavors without excess sugar or fat.

3. Can I eat low calorie ice cream every day?

While these options are healthier, moderation is key. Too much of anything—even a healthy treat—can impact your diet.

4. What is the best low calorie ice cream for weight loss?

Halo Top and Enlightened are great choices due to their high protein content, which can help with satiety and muscle maintenance.

5. Are there dairy-free low calorie ice cream options?

Yes! Brands like So Delicious and Arctic Zero offer plant-based options that are just as tasty as dairy-based ice creams.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best low calorie ice cream doesn’t mean compromising on flavor or texture. With so many tasty, nutritious options available, you can indulge in a creamy treat without feeling guilty. Whether you prefer store-bought brands or making your own, there’s a perfect low-calorie ice cream out there for you! I hope you loved this delicious blog! Share your favorite low-calorie ice cream picks in the comments!