Introduction

Ice cream, frozen yogurt, custard, gelato… ever wondered what sets them apart? Well, let me break it down for you!

Now, I’m not claiming to be an expert (unless you count my nightly indulgence in frozen desserts), but I can certainly shed some light on the basics.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s important to note that the nutritional information provided here is just an example based on the brand shown in the photo. The nutrition content of each type of frozen dessert can vary significantly depending on the brand you choose.

Now, let’s dive into what makes each frozen treat unique, regardless of their nutritional values.

Ice Cream

Let’s start with everyone’s favorite – classic ice cream.

Ice cream is a delightful blend of milk, cream, sugar, and various flavorings depending on your preference.

To qualify as ice cream, it must contain at least 10% milkfat. If it falls below this standard, it is typically labeled as “frozen dairy dessert.” For instance, Breyer’s ice cream falls into this category due to its lower milkfat content.

While the calorie count for a scoop of ice cream can vary widely, let’s consider an example based on Hudsonville Vanilla Bean Ice Cream:

Nutrition of a 2/3 Cup Serving of Ice Cream:

• Calories: 170
• Fat: 9g
• Carbs: 19g
• Protein: 4g

Keep in mind that ice cream can be made with different ingredient proportions and air content, resulting in varying calorie counts. For example, Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food packs around 390 calories in a 2/3 cup serving. So, it truly depends on the brand.

If you’re at a local ice cream shop and want to estimate the calories, I suggest checking out my guide on estimating calories when dining out.

Frozen Yogurt

Next up, we have the trendsetter – frozen yogurt or “froyo.”

Frozen yogurt is prepared much like ice cream, but it replaces cream with cultured dairy, similar to regular yogurt. The lower cream content results in reduced fat and calorie levels compared to traditional ice cream.

The addition of cultured dairy brings some health benefits, including probiotics. Though the probiotic levels in frozen yogurt are not as high as in regular yogurt, it’s still a positive aspect compared to ice cream.

On the flip side, frozen yogurt tends to be tangy, so additional sweeteners are required to balance the flavor. While you may find low-sugar or sugar-free options, they often use sugar substitutes.

If you’re following a low-carb diet, be cautious when opting for frozen yogurt.

Now, let’s examine the nutrition facts for a scoop of Kroger Frozen Yogurt:

Nutrition of a 2/3 Cup Serving of Frozen Yogurt:

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 1.5g
• Carbs: 24g
• Protein: 3g

Frozen Custard

In some areas, like where I live, we’re fortunate to have several frozen custard options, with Culver’s being a popular choice.

I must admit, until putting this post together, I never fully understood what sets custard apart from ice cream.

Custard is similar to ice cream but contains a higher proportion of egg yolk, resulting in a creamier texture and a distinct yellow color.

While ice cream may also include eggs, custard incorporates a higher overall percentage. This extra egg goodness contributes to a creamier product with slightly higher fat content than ice cream.

Let’s take a look at the general guideline of calories in frozen custard using Edy’s Frozen Custard:

Nutrition of a 2/3 Cup Serving of Frozen Custard:

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 10g
• Carbs: 25g
• Protein: 4g

Gelato

Lastly, we have gelato, which is often considered the epitome of frozen indulgence. Italians truly know how to make it right!

Gelato is the Italian version of ice cream, made with similar ingredients but in different proportions.

The secret to gelato’s irresistibly soft and rich texture lies in the fact that it contains less air than other frozen desserts. This minimal air incorporation results in a dense, smooth, and creamy delight that can almost be spread like butter.

Gelato is served at a slightly higher temperature compared to ice cream, keeping it incredibly soft and velvety.

When it comes to nutrition, a 2/3 cup serving of gelato is not directly comparable to the other options due to its denser nature. The weight of gelato is typically around 50% greater than other frozen desserts of the same serving size.

Naturally, gelato tends to have higher calories, but its density makes it more filling.

While the nutrition content of authentic Italian gelato may vary, let’s consider an example based on Talenti’s Organic Gelato, known for its authenticity:

Nutrition of a 2/3 Cup Serving of Gelato:

• Calories: 240
• Fat: 11g
• Carbs: 31g
• Protein: 4g

No matter which frozen delight you choose, you’re in for a treat!

If you’re interested in creating your own ice cream recipes at home, make sure to explore all the recipes I posted for Ice Cream Week.

So, whether it’s creamy ice cream, tangy frozen yogurt, luscious custard, or velvety gelato, I hope you now have a better understanding of the unique characteristics offered by each frozen dessert.

Remember, this article is all about Ice Cream, so if you want to explore more about this frozen delight, head over to Ice Cream for a comprehensive directory of all things ice cream. Enjoy your frozen adventures!