How many calories are in a medium custard cone?

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data from popular frozen custard shops, a medium vanilla custard cone typically contains between 340 and 420 calories, though this can vary significantly depending on the specific brand and recipe. This dense, creamy treat is known for its rich texture, which is a direct result of its unique ingredients and preparation process.

Quick Summary

A medium custard cone ranges from 340 to over 400 calories, with the exact amount depending on the vendor, flavor, cone type, and toppings. Its dense, rich texture and higher fat content often give it more calories per serving compared to lighter, airier desserts like standard soft-serve ice cream.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A medium custard cone typically has between 340 and 420 calories, with the precise number depending on the specific vendor.
Custard vs. Ice Cream: Frozen custard is denser and richer than ice cream because it contains egg yolks and less air, which leads to a higher calorie count per volume.
Factors Affecting Calories: The calorie count is influenced by the serving size, flavor, additional toppings, and the type of cone (e.g., cake vs. waffle).
Mindful Consumption: To reduce calories, consider opting for a smaller size, choosing a cup over a cone, or skipping high-calorie toppings.
Check Vendor Information: Because calorie counts differ by brand, it is best to consult the nutritional information provided by specific frozen custard shops.
High-Fat Ingredients: The inclusion of milk, cream, and egg yolks in custard results in a higher fat content compared to some lower-fat ice cream and gelato options.

The Calorie Breakdown of a Medium Custard Cone

For a medium-sized custard cone, the calorie content is not a one-size-fits-all number. The final count is a combination of the frozen custard base and the cone itself. The average range typically sits between 340 and 420 calories, but specific examples highlight this variability:

Andy's Frozen Custard (Vanilla, Medium): 400 calories
Culver's (Vanilla, Single Waffle Cone): 420 calories
Shake Shack (Vanilla, Single): 340 calories

These examples show that a customer’s choice of a specific vendor directly impacts the final nutritional information. While the difference might seem small, these details are important for individuals monitoring their caloric intake.

Key Factors That Influence Calorie Count

The final number on your custard cone is influenced by several variables. Understanding these can help you make a more informed decision when ordering.

Size and Portion

This is the most obvious factor. A "medium" is not a standardized serving across all restaurants. Some vendors' mediums may be larger than others', directly affecting the calorie count. For instance, a large cone from Andy's Frozen Custard contains 600 calories, significantly more than its medium counterpart.

Flavor and Toppings

While vanilla is the standard, different flavors and toppings can alter the calorie total. Chocolate custard, for example, often has a slightly different calorie count than vanilla. The most significant changes come from additions like hot fudge, caramel, crushed nuts, or cookie dough, which can add hundreds of extra calories.

Cone Type

The cone itself is a component of the dessert and contributes calories. A simple cake cone is lower in calories than a large, thick waffle cone. A plain waffle cone adds to the total sugar and carbohydrate count, while a chocolate-dipped cone adds a significant amount of fat and sugar.

How Custard Differs from Ice Cream

One of the main reasons for the calorie density in custard compared to regular ice cream is its composition and manufacturing process. Custard, as defined by the FDA, must contain at least 1.4% egg yolk solids. This ingredient makes the dessert denser, richer, and creamier than standard ice cream. This slower churning process also incorporates less air, known as overrun, which means more custard per scoop and thus more calories.

Comparison of Frozen Desserts

To put the calories of a medium custard cone in perspective, here's a comparison of its nutritional profile against other frozen desserts, based on general averages.


Dessert	Key Ingredient	Texture	Calorie Density	Fat Content
Frozen Custard	Milk, cream, egg yolks	Dense, rich, creamy	Higher (more calories per volume)	Moderate to high
Ice Cream	Milk, cream	Lighter, airier	Variable (less calories per volume due to air)	Variable
Gelato	Milk, less cream, no egg yolks	Smooth, soft, dense	Variable (can be lower fat, but often higher sugar)	Lower

Smart Ways to Enjoy a Custard Cone with Fewer Calories

If you are a fan of frozen custard but are mindful of your caloric intake, there are several strategies you can employ to still enjoy this rich treat.

Choose a smaller size. Opt for a small cone or cup instead of a medium or large to instantly reduce your portion size and calories.
Stick to a single scoop. Avoid double or triple-scoop options to keep the calorie count in check.
Request a cup instead of a cone. This eliminates the calories from the cone itself, saving a small but noticeable amount.
Skip the toppings. Additional sauces, nuts, and sprinkles can add substantial extra calories, sugar, and fat.
Check the nutritional information. Many chains, like Andy's and Culver's, publish their nutritional data online, so you can check before you go.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

While a medium custard cone is a delicious, dense dessert, its calorie count varies, generally falling within the 340 to 420 range, though this is heavily dependent on the specific vendor, flavor, and size. Understanding the factors that contribute to this count—such as its dense composition due to egg yolks, the choice of toppings, and the cone itself—allows you to make a more informed and health-conscious decision. Ultimately, whether enjoyed as an occasional indulgence or a more frequent treat, knowing the nutritional facts helps balance flavor with fitness goals. You can find general information on different frozen desserts from sources like WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a custard cone is often higher in calories than a regular ice cream cone of the same size. This is because custard is churned with less air and contains egg yolks, making it denser and richer than standard ice cream.

The calorie contribution from a waffle cone varies but is generally higher than a standard cake cone. For example, Culver's single scoop in a waffle cone has 420 calories, whereas in a cake cone it has 330 calories, suggesting the waffle cone adds about 90 calories in that case.

Yes, the flavor of the custard can slightly affect the calorie count. Additions like chocolate syrup or fruit swirls can increase the overall sugar and calorie content compared to a plain vanilla version.

The most accurate way to find the exact calorie count is to check the nutritional information published by the specific restaurant or frozen custard chain you are visiting. Companies like Andy's and Culver's often list this data on their websites.

The primary reason for custard's higher calorie density is its rich ingredient base, which includes milk, cream, and egg yolks. The churning process also incorporates less air, resulting in a denser and more calorically concentrated product.

Yes, toppings can significantly increase the calorie total. Toppings like hot fudge, caramel, and crushed candy bars or nuts add a substantial amount of extra fat and sugar.

Thanks to the inclusion of egg yolks, frozen custard can provide a decent source of protein. For example, a medium vanilla cone from Andy's provides 8 grams of protein. However, it is still a dessert and high in sugar and fat.