Do you crave a cool, creamy treat but don’t want the guilt of regular ice cream? Look no further than healthy ice creams! Today, you can find many delicious, low-calorie treats that are good for you.
Vegan ice cream and protein-packed frozen desserts are now available. Brands like Halo Top, So Delicious, and Yasso offer tasty, guilt-free options. Prices are affordable, ranging from $0.31 to $1.87 per ounce.
Looking for a low-calorie snack or a dairy-free dessert? Healthy ice creams have you covered. Try them out and find a new favorite today!
Key Takeaways
- Healthy ice creams offer a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth
- There are many options available, including vegan, low-calorie, and protein-rich varieties
- Popular brands like Halo Top, So Delicious, and Yasso offer delicious and affordable healthy ice creams
- Prices for healthy ice creams range from $0.31 to $1.87 per ounce
- Incorporating healthy ice creams into your diet can help you reach your health goals without feeling deprived
Table of Contents
The Rise of Healthier Ice Cream Options
In recent years, people have started looking for healthier ice cream options. They want to enjoy their favorite treats without harming their health. The global ice cream market is expected to hit $104.96 billion by 2029, up from $71.52 billion in 2021.
There are many options available, like low-calorie, low-sugar, and high-protein ice creams. These choices show that consumers want to indulge without sacrificing their health. In fact, 60% of North America’s population now prefers healthier desserts, leading to a 3.5% growth rate from 2022 to 2030.
Healthier ice cream is especially important for people with diabetes. With 537 million adults worldwide diagnosed in 2021, finding treats that won’t raise blood sugar is crucial. Brands like Halo Top offer low-calorie and low-sugar options that are safe for diabetics.
Making healthier ice cream that’s creamy and delicious is a challenge. Food producers must follow strict rules, like having at least 10% milkfat and 20% total solids. They use ingredients like emulsifiers to make the ice cream creamy without extra calories.
“We are thrilled to see the positive impact that healthier ice cream options are having on consumers’ lives. By offering guilt-free alternatives that don’t compromise on taste or texture, we are empowering individuals to make better choices for their health and well-being.” – Sarah Thompson, CEO of Healthy Scoops Inc.
As demand for healthier ice cream grows, producers are also focusing on being eco-friendly. Some brands are making ice cream with plant-based ingredients and using organic, carbon-neutral ingredients. This shows that the ice cream industry is moving towards responsible indulgence.
Exploring the Best Healthy Ice Cream Brands
More people want healthier dessert choices, leading to a rise in low-calorie ice cream brands. We’ll look at top brands that offer tasty, nutritious options. These brands meet different dietary needs and health goals.
Halo Top: The Low-Calorie Ice Cream Pioneer
Halo Top changed the ice cream game with its low-calorie, high-protein ice cream. They offer many classic flavors and have grown by 462% from 2013-2018. Their focus on simple ingredients and fewer calories makes them a favorite for those watching their diet.
Their Dairy Free Chocolate flavor has 70 calories per 1/2 cup and 280 calories per pint. This makes it a guilt-free treat.
So Delicious: Plant-Based Frozen Desserts
So Delicious is great for those who want dairy-free and vegan options. They use coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew milk for a creamy texture without dairy. They offer gluten-free and soy-free options too.
So Delicious is known for quality ingredients and unique flavors. It’s a hit with health-conscious consumers.
Yasso: Greek Yogurt Frozen Treats
Yasso turns Greek yogurt into a tasty frozen treat. Their sandwiches and bars are creamy, packed with protein, and have probiotics. Greek yogurt keeps calories and fat low without losing flavor.
Yasso offers many flavors, making it a top choice for a healthier ice cream option.
Brand | Calories per 1/2 Cup | Calories per Pint | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Halo Top Dairy Free Chocolate | 70 | 280 | $3.82 |
Enlightened Chocolate Peanut Butter | 100 | 400 | $5.89 |
Breyer’s Delights Creamy Chocolate | 90 | 270 | $4.49 |
Ben & Jerry’s Moo-phoria Chocolate Milk & Cookies | 140 | 560 | $4.99 |
Simple Truth Low Cow Chocolate | 60 | 240 | $3.49 |
The table shows these brands offer many choices for a sweet treat without high calories or costs. Whether you like low-calorie, plant-based, or Greek yogurt treats, there’s something for everyone.
Vegan and Dairy-Free Ice Cream Alternatives
For those who follow a vegan or dairy-free diet, ice cream has changed. Now, there are many tasty, plant-based options. These treats use cashew milk, coconut milk, almond milk, and even avocado. They offer a creamy taste without dairy.
Cashew, Coconut, and Almond Milk-Based Ice Creams
Many brands now use cashew, coconut, and almond milk in their vegan ice cream. These milks make the ice cream creamy and rich. This makes them a great choice for anyone who loves ice cream.
In a recent taste test, So Delicious Cashew Milk Chocolate Cookies N Cream was a hit. It got an A+ rating. So Delicious Soy Milk Peanut Butter Zig Zag also scored well with an A rating. Almond Dream Toffee Almond Fudge and So Delicious Cashew Milk Salted Caramel Cluster both got a B grade.
“So Delicious ice cream was praised for creaminess but received feedback for falling short on flavor.”
Avocado-Based Frozen Desserts: A Unique Twist
Avocado-based frozen desserts, like those from Cado, offer a unique twist. They use avocado for a creamy texture without dairy or nut milks.
But, reviews for these desserts are mixed. Some found an odd taste and aftertaste. This might not appeal to everyone. Cado’s avocado ice cream got mixed reviews in taste tests.
Brand | Flavor | Rating |
---|---|---|
So Delicious | Cashew Milk Chocolate Cookies N Cream | A+ |
So Delicious | Soy Milk Peanut Butter Zig Zag | A |
Almond Dream | Toffee Almond Fudge | B |
So Delicious | Cashew Milk Salted Caramel Cluster | B |
Whether you choose cashew, coconut, almond milk, or avocado-based ice cream, there’s something for everyone. As more people look for plant-based options, we’ll see even more flavors and types of dairy-free ice cream.
Low-Sugar and No-Sugar-Added Ice Creams
Looking for a sweet treat without the guilt? Low-sugar and no-sugar-added ice creams are great choices. They’re healthier than traditional ice cream and come in many flavors to satisfy any craving.
Halo Top Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert has only 70 to 110 calories and 4 to 10 grams of sugar per half-cup. Arctic Zero Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert is another good option, with 40 to 80 calories and 5 to 10 grams of sugar per serving. These options are perfect for those watching their calorie and sugar intake while still enjoying a delicious dessert.

For a sugar-free ice cream experience, try Rebel and Enlightened’s keto-friendly options. Rebel Coffee Chip Ice Cream has less than 3 grams of net carbs and causes a minimal glucose rise, scoring 8.2 out of 10. Enlightened Keto P.B. Cookie & Brownie Dough has 6 grams of protein and 230 calories per serving, making it a great choice for a low-carb lifestyle.
Many low-sugar and no-sugar-added ice creams use natural sweeteners or sugar alcohols for sweetness without added sugar. Nick’s Swedish-Style Light Ice Cream Birthdäg Cake, for example, has 8 grams of fiber and 0 grams of sugar per serving, thanks to stevia and erythritol.
Brand | Calories per Serving | Sugar per Serving |
---|---|---|
Halo Top Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert | 70-110 (per 1/2 cup) | 4-10g (per 1/2 cup) |
Arctic Zero Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert | 40-80 | 5-10g |
Rebel Coffee Chip Ice Cream | – | <3g net carbs |
Enlightened Keto P.B. Cookie & Brownie Dough | 230 | – |
Nick’s Swedish-Style Light Ice Cream Birthdäg Cake | – | 0g |
While low-sugar and no-sugar-added ice creams are healthier than traditional ice cream, they should still be enjoyed in moderation. Adding them to a balanced diet can help satisfy your sweet tooth without ruining your health goals.
Protein-Rich Ice Creams for Fitness Enthusiasts
Healthier dessert options are in high demand. Protein-rich ice creams are a hit among those who love fitness and healthy living. They mix the fun of ice cream with the benefits of protein, like whey protein. This makes them perfect for active people who don’t want to give up on taste.
The Benefits of High-Protein Ice Creams
High-protein ice creams are great for fitness fans and health buffs. They’re full of protein, which helps muscles recover and grow. This makes them a top choice for athletes and gym rats who want to enjoy a tasty treat without losing their fitness edge.
These ice creams also have less sugar and calories than regular ones. Choosing protein-rich ice cream lets you enjoy a sweet treat without ruining your diet or fitness goals.
Top Brands Offering Protein-Packed Frozen Treats
Many brands lead the protein ice cream market. They offer a variety of flavors to suit different tastes and diets. Some top brands include:
- Halo Top: Known for their low-calorie, high-protein ice creams, Halo Top offers a variety of flavors like Birthday Cake and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, each containing around 20 grams of protein per pint.
- Enlightened: With a focus on high-protein, low-sugar recipes, Enlightened provides a delicious range of flavors, such as Peanut Butter Cup and Mint Chip, packing up to 20 grams of protein per serving.
- Yasso: Famous for their Greek yogurt bars, Yasso has expanded their lineup to include high-protein frozen treats, offering flavors like Mint Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Cup, each providing around 5 grams of protein per serving.
These brands have changed the ice cream game. They mix indulgence with protein benefits, helping people stay healthy and fit without giving up their favorite treats.
Brand | Flavor | Protein per Serving | Calories per Serving |
---|---|---|---|
Halo Top | Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough | 5g | 90 |
Enlightened | Peanut Butter Cup | 7g | 100 |
Yasso | Mint Chocolate Chip Greek Yogurt Bars | 5g | 100 |
Breyers | Butter Pecan | 7g | 110 |
As more people look for healthier treats, protein ice creams will keep getting popular. With so many brands and flavors out there, it’s easy to find a protein ice cream that fits your taste and health goals.
Organic and All-Natural Ice Cream Options
Looking for a healthier ice cream option? Organic and all-natural ice creams are now available. They are made without pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These ice creams use grass-fed dairy, ensuring cows are raised naturally.
Natural sleep aids can help you rest better. Now, you can enjoy organic ice cream without artificial ingredients.
Many brands now use all-natural ingredients and avoid artificial flavors and colors. Alden’s Organic, for example, uses grass-fed cow milk and cream. It has no artificial ingredients or high fructose corn syrup.
Other notable brands include:
- Straus Family Creamery
- Alec’s Ice Cream
- McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
- Van Leeuwen
These brands offer a variety of flavors. They focus on sustainability and organic farming. Choosing organic ice cream supports responsible farming and reduces chemical exposure.
Brand | Flavor | Calories (per 2/3 cup) | Fat (g) | Sugar (g) | Protein (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams | Sweet Cream | 290 | 19 | 20 | 6 |
Jeni’s Ice Cream | Wildberry Lavender | 270 | 15 | 26 | 4 |
Alden’s Ice Cream | Mint Chip | 230 | 14 | 19 | 3 |
Alec’s Ice Cream | Tahitian Vanilla Bean | 270 | 18 | 23 | 5 |
As shown in the table, organic ice creams can be indulgent yet healthier. By choosing brands that focus on organic and natural ingredients, you support sustainable farming. Enjoy a delicious treat while doing good for the environment.
Healthy Ice Creams
In recent years, people want healthier ice cream options. They look for nutritious frozen treats that are good for them. These options have fewer calories, less sugar, and more nutrients.
What Makes an Ice Cream Healthier?
Several things make an ice cream healthier:
- It has fewer calories than regular ice cream
- It has less fat, especially saturated fat
- It has less added sugar or uses natural sweeteners
- It includes protein-rich ingredients like Greek yogurt
- It has fiber-rich elements like whole grains or fruits
- It uses plant-based milk for dairy-free options
Healthy ice cream brands offer a treat that’s good for you. They balance taste with nutrition.
Comparing Nutritional Values of Popular Healthy Ice Creams
Let’s look at the nutrition of some popular healthy ice cream options:
Brand and Flavor | Calories (per serving) | Fat (g) | Sugar (g) | Protein (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Halo Top Light Vanilla | 100 | 2 | 7 | 6 |
Yasso Strawberries & Cream Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars | 80 | 0 | 12 | 4 |
Enlightened Sea Salt Caramel Bars | 80 | 2 | 5 | 5 |
So Delicious Vanilla Sandwiches Almondmilk Frozen Dessert | 100 | 4 | 7 | 1 |
These healthier ice creams have fewer calories than regular ones. They also have less fat, with some being fat-free.
The sugar content varies, but many use natural sweeteners. This makes them better for those watching sugar. Some, like Halo Top and Enlightened, even have protein from Greek yogurt.
Choosing these nutritious frozen treats lets you enjoy your favorite dessert while staying healthy.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth with Healthier Choices
Enjoying a sweet treat doesn’t have to ruin your healthy habits. Healthier ice cream and mindful eating let you have a great dessert while keeping your diet balanced. Focus on eating in moderation, controlling your portions, and choosing wisely to enjoy sweets without feeling guilty.

Moderation and Portion Control
Enjoying healthy treats means knowing when to stop. Many ice cream brands offer smaller sizes like bars and cups. This makes it easier to eat just the right amount. A good serving size is about half a cup, or even a bit less, to fully enjoy without overeating.
When picking healthier ice cream, check the nutrition facts and ingredients. Some may seem low-calorie but have more fat to make up for taste. Frozen yogurt and custard might seem better, but they’re not always. Reading labels helps you pick the best choice for you.
Incorporating Healthy Ice Creams into a Balanced Diet
To truly enjoy treats without guilt, add them to a balanced diet. Eat lots of whole foods like fruits, veggies, grains, proteins, and fats. Treats like healthier ice cream should be occasional, not the main part of your healthy eating.
Try making your own ice cream for even more control. Here are some tasty, healthier options:
Homemade Treat | Description |
---|---|
Banana Nice Cream | Blend frozen bananas for a creamy, ice cream-like consistency. Customize with cocoa powder or nut butter for added flavor. |
Frozen Yogurt Bark | Spread Greek yogurt on a baking sheet, add toppings like fruit and nuts, and freeze for a refreshing treat. |
Avocado Chocolate Mousse | Blend ripe avocados with cocoa powder and a natural sweetener for a rich, creamy dessert. |
Chia Seed Pudding | Combine chia seeds, almond milk, and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a nutritious pudding-like treat. |
Remember, the key to guilt-free indulgence is balance. Enjoy your favorite healthy ice cream as part of a well-rounded diet, practice mindful eating, and savor each delightful bite.
By choosing wisely, controlling portions, and adding healthy ice cream to a balanced life, you can enjoy sweets without harming your health. Dive into the world of healthier frozen treats and indulge with confidence!
Conclusion
The world of ice cream has changed a lot. Now, there are many healthy ice cream options for different diets and health goals. Brands like Halo Top and So Delicious offer low-calorie and plant-based choices.
These options are becoming more popular. The market for low-sugar ice creams has grown by 48% from 2015 to 2019. This shows people want healthier ice cream choices.
Even though healthier ice creams can still have calories and sugar, they’re better than regular ice cream. Reading labels and picking the right brands helps you enjoy ice cream without ruining your health goals. You can find ice cream that fits your needs, whether you’re looking for something with protein or vegan options.
As more people look for healthier ice cream, we’ll see new and better choices. Expect to see unique flavors and better nutrition in the future. So, go ahead and enjoy a healthy ice cream treat. It’s good for you and tastes great.
FAQ
What makes an ice cream healthier?
Healthier ice creams have fewer calories, fat, and sugar than regular ice cream. They might also have fiber, protein, or superfoods. Some use sugar substitutes to keep sugar levels low. Look at calories, saturated fat, added sugars, protein, and fiber to judge healthiness.
Are there any vegan or dairy-free ice cream options?
Yes, many vegan and dairy-free ice cream options exist. They’re made with bases like cashew, coconut, or almond milk. Cado uses avocado for creaminess. These options are great for those on a vegetarian, vegan, or dairy-free diet.
What are some popular healthy ice cream brands?
Halo Top is known for low-calorie, high-protein ice cream. So Delicious offers plant-based frozen desserts. Yasso makes Greek yogurt frozen treats that are lower in calories and fat, with probiotics for gut health.
Are there any protein-rich ice creams available?
Yes, many brands offer protein-rich ice creams. These are good for boosting protein, muscle recovery, and feeling full. Enlightened and Halo Top have up to 7 grams of protein per serving, using whey protein.
What are low-sugar and no-sugar-added ice creams sweetened with?
Low-sugar and no-sugar-added ice creams use sugar alcohols for sweetness. Sugar alcohols like allulose, erythritol, and stevia are used. Brands like Breyers and Nick’s use alternative sweeteners. But, eating too much can upset some people’s stomachs.
Are there any organic or all-natural ice cream options?
Yes, many brands offer organic and all-natural ice creams. These are made with ingredients free of pesticides and GMOs. Brands like 365 Everyday Value and Alden’s Organic use organic ingredients and avoid artificial additives.
How can I incorporate healthy ice creams into a balanced diet?
Healthy ice creams are better than regular ice cream, but eat them in moderation. Many are portion-controlled, like bars and mini cups. Enjoy them as an occasional treat in a diet rich in whole foods. Eat mindfully and savor each bite to feel satisfied.

Hey, I am Dr. Jenna Calloway. What you put into your body is what, intrinsically, makes the difference between success and burnout. Healthy food is fuel, and after years of working with high-performing professionals, I’ve put together nutrition strategies that are not only healthy but delicious and realistically easy to fit into your busy life. Whether you’re powering through a hectic day or looking to elevate your workouts, let me guide you on the path toward feeling your absolute best!