15 Best Healthy Ice Creams, According to Nutrition Experts

Low-calorie, high-protein, plant-based, and classic frozen treats—all the healthiest ice creams recommended by dietitians.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 28, 2025

Low-calorie, high-protein, plant-based, and classic frozen treats—all the healthiest ice creams recommended by dietitians.

Ice cream is a timeless treat, beloved for its creamy texture and sweet satisfaction. But for those aiming to maintain a healthy lifestyle, traditional ice cream’s high calorie, sugar, and saturated fat content can be concerning. Fortunately, brands are responding with a variety of healthier ice cream alternatives—from low-calorie pints to dairy-free and protein-rich options. In this article, discover the 15 best healthy ice creams, selected and reviewed with input from top dietitians, to make your next frozen treat truly guilt-free.

What Is ‘Healthy’ Ice Cream?

Healthy ice cream comes in many forms, but the best options share common traits:

Lower Calorie Count: Typically less than 150 calories per serving.
Reduced Sugar: Limited added sugars or naturally sweetened.
Less Saturated Fat: Uses milk alternatives or skim milk, or reduces cream content.
Higher Protein or Fiber: Some contain added protein or fiber for satiety.
Non-Dairy Alternatives: Almond, coconut, oat, or cashew milk bases for vegan or lactose-intolerant consumers.
Short Ingredient Lists: Limited use of additives, thickeners, artificial sweeteners, or colors.

Ultimately, the healthiest ice cream depends on your nutritional needs and preferences. Some options prioritize fewer calories, while others spotlight clean ingredients or plant-based nutrition.

How Dietitians Define a Healthy Ice Cream

Registered dietitians and nutrition experts offer clear guidelines for evaluating healthy ice cream:

Calories: Aim for 100–150 calories per ½-cup serving.
Sugar: Choose options with no more than 10 grams total sugar per serving.
Saturated Fat: Less than 3 grams preferred; lower is best.
Protein and Fiber: Added protein or fiber can enhance fullness and nutrition.
Serving Size: Read labels carefully—a single serving may be much smaller than a whole pint.

Experts emphasize enjoying ice cream as part of a balanced diet. “There’s absolutely room in a healthy eating plan for ice cream, as long as it fits within your overall calorie and nutrition goals,” says one dietitian.

Different Types of Healthy Ice Cream

There is a wide range of healthy ice cream choices available today, including:

Low-Calorie Ice Cream (“Light” or “Lite”): Frozen treats made by reducing fat or sugar, using alternative sweeteners, or incorporating more air.
Low-Sugar and Sugar-Free Ice Cream: Sweetened with stevia, erythritol, monk fruit, or allulose instead of table sugar.
Non-Dairy and Vegan Ice Cream: Made from almond, coconut, oat, cashew, or soy bases—ideal for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
High-Protein Ice Cream: Uses added whey, casein, or plant proteins for extra satiation and muscle support.
Fruit-Based Frozen Desserts: Such as sorbet or blended “nice cream,” typically zero fat or dairy but still with natural sugars.

What to Look for When Buying Healthy Ice Cream

Simple Ingredient List: Recognize and trust what’s on the label—fewer artificial thickeners or emulsifiers is best.
Calories Per Serving: Consider if the listed serving size matches how much you’ll eat; many pints contain 2-4 servings.
Added Sugar: Lower sugar varieties rely on alternative sweeteners or more fruit for flavor.
Fat Content: Look for reduced-fat or skim-milk options if fat is a concern; coconut-based choices may have higher saturated fat.
Dietary Needs: For vegans, lactose intolerance, gluten-free, or nut allergies, seek out specification marks.

15 Best Healthy Ice Cream Brands and Flavors

Based on input from nutritionists and product formulations, these 15 healthy ice cream brands stand out for taste, texture, and nutritional profile:

Halo Top
- Nutrition: 60–90 calories, 5-7g protein per serving.
- Uses erythritol and stevia to reduce sugar and calories. Wide range of flavors, including dairy-free varieties.
Enlightened
- Nutrition: 70–100 calories, 6g protein per serving.
- Features low sugar, high fiber, and low net carbs for keto-friendly options.
Arctic Zero
- Nutrition: 40–80 calories per serving; lactose-free varieties made with whey protein concentrate.
- Good for those needing a low-glycemic or dairy-free dessert.
Breyers Carb Smart
- Nutrition: ~60 calories, 4g net carbs per serving.
- Popular for those counting carbs or looking for portion-controlled bars.
Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars
- Nutrition: 100 calories, 5g protein per bar.
- Creamy texture with higher protein; many fruit and classic flavors.
So Delicious Dairy Free Frozen Desserts
- Almond, coconut, cashew, or oat milk bases for a wide variety of vegan-friendly options.
- Some pints as low as 80 calories per serving.
Nado Moo!
- Organic coconut milk base; rich in flavor with lower sugar choices.
Cado Avocado Frozen Dessert
- Uses avocado puree as its creamy, plant-based base for healthy fats and fiber.
Dream Oat & Almond Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts
- Soy-free, plant-based with oat or almond milk bases for smoothness.
Nick’s Swedish Style Light Ice Cream
- Nutrition: 60–90 calories per serving.
- Creamy texture with added dietary fibers.
Rebel Ice Cream
- Designed for ketogenic/low-carb diets; full-fat, high-flavor, minimal net carbs.
GoodPop Hibiscus Mint or Strawberry Lemonade Frozen Pops
- Low-calorie (<45 per pop), fruit-forward, gluten-free, and vegan friendly.
Breyers Delights or Carb Smart
- Offers high-protein, low-carb content in familiar classic flavors.
Chloe’s Pops
- Only fruit, water, and cane sugar; 60 calories per pop.
Simple Truth Organic Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts
- Available through major retailers, featuring almond milk and limited sugar.

Comparison Table: Key Nutritional Stats for Popular Healthy Ice Creams

Brand	Calories (per serving)	Protein (g)	Sugar (g)	Dairy-Free Option?
Halo Top	60–90	5–7	5–7	Yes
Enlightened	70–100	6	4–8	Yes
Yasso Bars	100	5	11	No
So Delicious	80–100	1–2	5–7	Yes
Arctic Zero	40–80	2–3	4–8	Yes

Tips for Selecting and Enjoying Healthy Ice Cream

Portion Size: Serve yourself a single scoop or use a bowl rather than eating from the pint.
Add Fruit: Bulk up nutrition and satisfaction with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or grilled peaches on top.
Watch Mix-Ins: Toppings like candy pieces, caramel, or fudge can add significant extra sugar and calories. Opt for nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of nut butter for added nutrition.
Make It Yourself: Blend up “nice cream” with frozen bananas, a splash of plant milk, and cocoa or nut butter for a dairy-free, naturally sweet treat at home.
Savor Mindfully: Take a moment to enjoy the flavors and treat ice cream as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily necessity.

What About the “Ice Cream Diet”?

Some popular diets, like the so-called Ice Cream Diet, have claimed you can still lose weight while enjoying daily ice cream treats if you stay within a reduced calorie plan. While incorporating treats in moderation can indeed help you stick to a diet long-term, most dietitians warn against overly restrictive or “fad” weight loss plans.

Healthier portions—usually 1/2 to 1 cup of low-fat or low-calorie ice cream—fit easily into balanced eating.
The key is overall calories and nutrition: whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables should make up the bulk of your daily diet, with room left for the occasional ice cream treat.
Calcium from dairy-based ice cream may have moderate benefits for bone health and weight management, but moderation remains crucial.

Are Healthy Ice Creams Really Good For You?

Moderation is essential. While low-calorie and low-sugar ice creams can be a smarter swap for traditional full-fat versions, overconsuming any type can still lead to excess calorie intake or unwanted additives. The best role for healthy ice creams is as an occasional treat that allows you to enjoy dessert without overdoing it.

Research even suggests that moderate consumption of dairy—including ice cream—may provide some cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, especially compared to diets that heavily restrict all treats. The most important strategy remains a focus on overall diet quality and long-term sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Healthy Ice Cream

Q: What makes an ice cream “healthy”?

A: Healthy ice creams often have reduced sugar, fat, or calories, are made with more wholesome ingredients, or provide additional protein or fiber compared to regular ice cream.

Q: Can ice cream be included in a weight-loss diet?

A: Yes, in moderation. Nutrition experts recommend enjoying treats like ice cream occasionally, choosing lower-calorie or portion-controlled varieties, and focusing on your total daily calorie intake.

Q: What is the healthiest ice cream for people with lactose intolerance?

A: Non-dairy ice creams (oat, almond, coconut, cashew bases) are ideal for lactose-intolerant individuals. Check labels for “dairy-free” or “vegan” indications.

Q: Are sugar-free ice creams safe and satisfying?

A: Many sugar-free or low-sugar ice creams use alternative sweeteners such as stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. Some find these options taste slightly different, but they can be part of a healthy eating plan for those limiting added sugars.

Q: Is there a best time to eat ice cream?

A: Enjoying ice cream as part of a balanced meal or after a nutritious dinner can help reduce blood sugar spikes and improve satiety, making it less likely to overindulge.

Key Takeaways

Many healthy ice creams offer fewer calories, less sugar, and sometimes more protein and fiber than regular ice cream.
Read nutrition labels carefully, watch portions, and select brands that fit your dietary preferences.
Ice cream can be enjoyed as an occasional treat in a healthy eating pattern—it’s all about balance, not restriction.
For those with dietary limitations, there are quality non-dairy and allergy-friendly options.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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