Are Ben and Jerry's Healthy? A Scoop-by-Scoop Nutritional Breakdown

January 13, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a single 'small' (two scoops) of some popular Ben and Jerry's flavors can pack up to 500 calories, far exceeding dietary recommendations for an occasional treat. This raises the question: are Ben and Jerry's healthy, or are they a high-sugar, high-fat indulgence best saved for a rare occasion?.

Quick Summary

Ben and Jerry's ice cream is high in calories, saturated fat, and added sugar, and is best viewed as an occasional treat rather than a healthy dessert. While non-dairy options exist, they also tend to be high in sugar and fat, requiring cautious consumption for health-conscious individuals.

Key Points

High in Sugar and Saturated Fat: Most Ben and Jerry's flavors contain significant amounts of added sugar and saturated fat, often exceeding daily recommended limits in a single serving.
Non-Dairy is Not a 'Health Food': While vegan options are available, they are still high in calories, sugar, and fat (from sources like coconut oil) and are not a significantly healthier alternative.
Moderation is Key: Due to its high-calorie and high-sugar profile, Ben and Jerry's is best enjoyed as an occasional treat and not as a regular dessert.
Check the Label: Nutritional information can vary widely by flavor and type, so always review the specific label to understand what you are consuming.
Ingredient Concerns: Some ingredients, including thickeners like carrageenan and guar gum, have raised potential health concerns related to digestion and inflammation.
Consider Healthier Alternatives: For frequent dessert cravings, healthier options like frozen fruit or homemade fruit-and-yogurt blends provide more nutritional value.

The Core Nutritional Challenges of Ben and Jerry's

While Ben and Jerry's is a delicious and beloved treat, its nutritional profile is typically high in calories, saturated fat, and added sugar. The generous mix-ins and rich creamy base contribute to these high numbers. For instance, a small (two-scoop) serving of 'The Tonight Dough' contains 500 calories, 12 grams of saturated fat, and 38 grams of added sugar. These figures often represent a significant percentage of a person's recommended daily intake for fat and sugar, even in a small portion. Consumed frequently, such treats can contribute to excessive calorie intake, weight gain, and related health issues like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Deconstructing the Key Ingredients

Beyond the headline-grabbing calorie and sugar counts, a closer look at the ingredients list reveals more details about the product's health implications. A few common ingredients stand out:

Sugar: Ben and Jerry's is notoriously high in various forms of sugar, including liquid sugar, corn syrup solids, and cane syrup. Excessive consumption of added sugar can lead to dental problems and is linked to numerous health concerns.
Saturated Fat: The rich, creamy texture comes from a significant amount of saturated fat. While debates continue about its effects, high saturated fat intake is still associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
Emulsifiers and Thickeners: Some versions of the ice cream contain additives like guar gum and carrageenan. Some research links carrageenan to digestive issues and inflammation, and guar gum has been cited as potentially disrupting gut bacteria.
Dairy Sourcing: Concerns have been raised about the sourcing of dairy, with some reports noting the potential use of antibiotics and hormones in the conventionally sourced milk, which isn't covered by their non-GMO label.

Dairy vs. Non-Dairy: Is Vegan Ben and Jerry's Healthier?

Ben and Jerry's offers a popular line of non-dairy flavors made with bases like almond or oat milk. While these alternatives are often chosen for ethical or dietary reasons, their nutritional profile is not drastically different from their dairy counterparts. For example, a comparison shows that the calorie and saturated fat savings in non-dairy options are often not significant, and they can still contain large amounts of sugar and fat from ingredients like coconut oil. The Centers for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) notes that non-dairy pints are better for the planet, but not necessarily for your health. You should always check the label, as nutritional variations exist even within the non-dairy line.

Nutritional Comparison: Dairy vs. Non-Dairy Example (Half Baked vs. Non-Dairy Milk & Cookies)


Nutritional Aspect	Half Baked (Dairy) (1/2 cup)	Milk & Cookies (Non-Dairy) (1/2 cup)
Calories	370	350
Total Fat	19g	16g
Saturated Fat	12g	9g
Sugars	37g	29g
Added Sugars	31g	28g
Protein	6g	5g

Note: Nutritional information can vary by flavor and formulation over time. This table uses data points available from recent labels.

The Role of Moderation and Informed Choices

Ultimately, enjoying a treat like Ben and Jerry's is a matter of mindful consumption and balance within your overall diet. Given the high concentration of calories, fat, and sugar, it is not a 'healthy' food in the traditional sense, and treating it as such would be misleading. Instead of categorizing foods as 'good' or 'bad,' a balanced approach focuses on consuming nutrient-dense whole foods most of the time while making room for occasional, indulgent treats. Strategies for mindful indulgence include buying single servings, sharing a pint with friends, or simply savoring a smaller portion. For those seeking more nutrient-rich alternatives, frozen fruit or homemade frozen yogurt are better options. Reading the nutritional label on any frozen dessert before buying is always the best practice. For more insights on making healthier dessert choices, you can explore resources like the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Conclusion: So, Is It Healthy?

The simple answer is no, Ben and Jerry's is not inherently healthy, whether it's a dairy or non-dairy variety. The high amounts of sugar, saturated fat, and calories in most flavors mean it should be considered an occasional, decadent treat rather than a regular part of a balanced diet. For health-conscious individuals, the key is understanding the nutritional facts and practicing moderation. Non-dairy pints, while better for the environment and an option for those with allergies, are not a 'health food' substitute and still contain high levels of sugar and fat. The best approach is to enjoy Ben and Jerry's mindfully and infrequently, while prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods in your daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ben and Jerry's is not inherently 'bad' but is high in calories, saturated fat, and added sugar, which can negatively impact health if consumed frequently or in large quantities.

The amount of sugar varies by flavor, but some pints can contain over 85 grams of sugar, equivalent to more than 20 teaspoons.

The non-dairy version is not necessarily healthier. While it has less saturated fat and slightly fewer calories than some dairy counterparts, it remains high in sugar and fat from sources like coconut oil.

Yes, frequent consumption can contribute to weight gain due to its high calorie and sugar content. It's an easy-to-overindulge food that is not ideal for maintaining a calorie deficit.

Key ingredients to be aware of include high levels of various sugars, saturated fats, and potential additives like carrageenan and guar gum that have been linked to digestive issues.

It is not recommended for frequent consumption on a weight loss diet due to its high calorie density and low nutritional value. It is best to treat it as a rare indulgence to avoid hindering your progress.

Yes, there are healthier frozen dessert alternatives. You can find options with fewer calories and less saturated fat by comparing labels, or choose whole food-based options like frozen fruit.