What is a Drumstick 'Ice Lolly'?
The term 'drumstick ice lolly' can be misleading. The name Drumstick is associated with two product lines from different manufacturers: chewy sweets and ice cream cones. Swizzels produces chewy Drumstick lollies, while Nestlé offers ice cream-filled cones, also called Drumsticks. Consumers often confuse the two, leading to confusion about nutritional content.
Calorie Breakdown by Product Type
An accurate answer requires examining the specific type of drumstick product. The calorie count for a small, sugary chew is very different from a rich, dairy-based ice cream cone.
Swizzels Drumsticks (Chewy Sweets)
These are chewy raspberry and milk flavour sweets on a stick. Nutritional information is often based on weight.
- A 10g standard chewy drumstick lolly contains approximately 42 calories.
- The smaller Swizzels Drumstick Squashies Ice Cream Lollies (sold in packs) are distinct frozen treats, with a typical 70ml serving containing about 63 calories.
Nestlé Drumstick Ice Cream Cones
These feature a crispy cone filled with ice cream, a chocolatey coating, and a nut topping. The calorie count is significantly higher.
- A classic vanilla Nestlé Drumstick cone has roughly 280–290 calories per cone.
- Other flavors, like vanilla caramel, can be slightly higher, with around 300 calories per cone.
Other Nutritional Considerations
It is helpful to look at other nutritional components besides the calorie count. For example, sugar and fat content differs dramatically between the products. The high sugar content in the chewy lollies makes them less ideal for those monitoring their intake, while the high saturated fat in the ice cream cones is a point of consideration for heart health.
Ingredient differences
- Chewy Drumstick Lollies (Swizzels): These are essentially hard or chewy candies, made with sugar, glucose syrup, and flavourings. They are very low in fat.
- Ice Cream Cones (Nestlé): These are made from dairy products, a cone, chocolatey coating, and nuts. They are higher in fat and sugar due to these additional ingredients.
Healthier Alternatives to Traditional Drumstick Lollies
Several homemade and store-bought alternatives exist for those who enjoy a cool treat but are conscious of the calorie and sugar content.
- Homemade Fruit Lollies: You can create delicious and healthy ice lollies by blending fresh fruit and a liquid base like water, yogurt, or coconut water. This offers a guilt-free way to cool down, with the flexibility to control sugar content.
- Yogurt-based Lollies: Mixing Greek yogurt with pureed fruit can result in a creamy, protein-rich frozen treat.
- Low-Carb Fruit Tea Lollies: Using brewed and cooled fruit tea as a base with added fruit provides a flavourful, low-calorie treat.
Comparison Table: Drumstick Varieties and Nutrition
| Feature | Swizzels Original Chewy Lolly (10g) | Swizzels Squashies Ice Cream Lolly (70ml) | Nestlé Classic Vanilla Cone (approx. 85g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | ~42 kcal | ~63 kcal | ~290 kcal |
| Fat | ~0.6g | ~2.0g | ~15g |
| Saturated Fat | ~0.4g | ~1.8g | ~9g |
| Carbohydrates | ~8.8g | ~9.1g | ~34g |
| Sugar | ~6g | ~7.5g | ~21g |
| Protein | <0.1g | ~1.1g | ~4g |
| Processing | Highly processed | Highly processed | Ultra-processed |
Conclusion
The number of calories in a drumstick ice lolly depends on which product is being considered. The Swizzels Squashies Ice Cream Lolly has a low count, around 63 calories per 70ml. However, the Nestlé Drumstick ice cream cone has a significantly higher caloric value, close to 290 calories. Always check the packaging for precise details. Knowing the difference can help you make an informed choice based on dietary goals.
For more information on nutritional values, refer to resources like the Environmental Working Group's Food Scores, which provides detailed analyses of many processed foods.
