Ice cream is the ultimate refreshing indulgence, especially during the hot summer days. However, most traditional ice creams are loaded with calories from fats and sugars, and may even contain questionable additives and ingredients. But fear not, because there are healthier alternatives out there – from organic and vegan options to keto and low-calorie treats.

When navigating the ice cream aisle, it can be overwhelming to remember all the do’s and don’ts. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are 8 nutritionist-approved healthy ice creams that will help you make the right choice.

Healthy Ice Cream Alternatives Brands

Let’s start with the nondairy options, like soy and coconut milk-based ice creams. But before we dive into that, let’s talk about a childhood favorite: The Good Humor Ice Cream Bar. While these treats may bring back some fond memories, they also come with a hefty amount of sugar (19 grams, to be exact). But fear not, we’ve compiled a list of healthier brands and places where you can find vegan desserts.

NOTE: We will continue to update this article as more products become available.

Halo Top

If you’re looking for vegan-friendly options, Halo Top is the way to go! With seven flavors to choose from, each serving contains only 240 calories, 25g of protein, and a mere 2-7g of sugar.

So Delicious

So Delicious offers a wide variety of soy and coconut milk-based ice cream flavors, including four sorbet options. They have even recently released a creamy cashew milk-based flavor.

Edy’s

Edy’s clearly labels all their vegan flavors on the carton. And for those who still enjoy dairy-based treats, they have classic flavors along with five plant-based alternatives, such as Chocolate Almondmilk, Vanilla Almondmilk, Dark Chocolate Almondmilk, Strawberry Almondmilk, and Mint Chocolate Chip Almond Milk ice cream.

Enlightened

As one of the newest players on the market, Enlightened offers six flavors of high protein, low sugar pints that are completely vegan. Plus, their serving-size containers make it easier to enjoy your pint without feeling guilty.

Arctic Zero

Arctic Zero caters to both low-calorie and “regular” ice cream enthusiasts. Their Lean flavor is vegan, while the rest of the line includes dairy-based options. They prioritize non-GMO ingredients and do not add any artificial sugars. Their pints currently range from 210-320 calories with 15g to 18g Protein per serving.

Graeters

Graeters has a variety of soy and almond milk-based flavors for those who prefer alternatives to traditional ice cream.

Orange Leaf

In addition to their selection of handmade frozen yogurts, Orange Leaf also offers two vegan sorbet options.

List of 8 Best Healthy Ice Cream Reviews

1. Talenti Organic Gelato Chocolate Mousse 1 pint

   • Talenti’s Organic Gelato is made with only organic ingredients, free from any processed additives. Indulge in flavors like Oak-Aged Vanilla, Brown Butter Caramel, Chocolate Mousse, Ginger Matcha, and more.

2. Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars

   • Packed with protein and the health benefits of cultured yogurt, these frozen Greek yogurt bars come in various flavors. Mint chocolate chip is a crowd favorite, with its creamy texture and delightful chocolate chip bits.

3. 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Ice Cream Sandwiches

   • Reminiscent of the childhood favorite, these ice cream sandwiches are made with only the best organic ingredients. Enjoy the decadent taste of organic ice cream, perfectly layered between two chocolate-flavored wafers.

4. Breyers, Vanilla All Natural Ice Cream

   • Breyers Natural Vanilla is a blend of milk, cream, sugar, and natural flavor. With low-calorie recipes and a simple ingredient list, it’s a classic choice for ice cream lovers.

5. Elite Sweets The Elite Donut

   • A donut you can feel good about! The Elite Donut is protein-rich with minimal sugar. Enjoy the same great donut flavor but without gluten, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

6. Enlightened, Brownies & Cookie Dough Ice Cream

   • Enlightened Ice cream Pints are low in calories, sugar, and fat, but high in protein and fiber. Indulge in the creamy, smooth texture guilt-free.

7. Halo Top Creamery, Mocha Chip

   • With only 320 calories per pint and 6 grams of sugar, Halo Top light Ice Cream is a perfect treat for any occasion. It’s a good source of protein and certified kosher.

8. Halo Top Creamery, Strawberry

   • Made with real strawberries, Halo Top’s Strawberry flavor strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and creaminess. It’s low-calorie and contains almost twice as much protein as sugar.

Healthy Ice Cream Flavors

Everyone loves ice cream, but most of us also strive for healthy eating. Luckily, there are plenty of recipes out there that prove tasty treats can be good for you too. Here are a few homemade options to get you started:

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 the ingredients in a blender and mix well. Pour the mixture 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. Each serving is about 4 ounces.

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 the ingredients in a blender and mix well. Pour the mixture 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. Each serving is about 4 ounces.

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 to let the flavors combine. Add the mixture to a blender and process well with ½ cup of water. Pour the mixture 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. Each serving is about 4 ounces.

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 the mixture to a blender and process well with ½ cup of water. Pour the mixture 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. Each serving is about 4 ounces.

Conclusion

While frozen yogurts and lower-calorie ice creams have been around for a while, the latest options have significantly fewer calories, fats, and sugars. Some “healthier” frozen treats even have the same number of calories in a pint as a half-cup of premium Haagen-Dazs ice cream. Swapping ice cream for frozen yogurt is a simple yet effective way to find a healthier alternative.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try blending frozen fruits and vegetables into smoothies for a delicious and nutritious treat. Remember, there are numerous healthy dessert recipes and options available online. And don’t forget to check out our list of the 8 best online healthy ice creams to find something new to love.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a nutritionist or healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

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