How many calories are in a single cone?

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

A single scoop ice cream cone is a classic treat, but the calorie count can vary dramatically depending on the type of cone and the ice cream flavor. While a small sugar cone can add as little as 50 calories, a large waffle cone can contribute over 150 calories before you even add a scoop. This guide breaks down the full nutritional picture to help you make an informed choice.

Quick Summary

The calories in a single ice cream cone depend on the type of cone and ice cream flavor. Sugar and cake cones add fewer calories than larger waffle cones, while a standard ice cream scoop can contain 200-400 calories. The total calorie count is a sum of the cone, ice cream, and any additional toppings.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The total calories depend on the cone type, ice cream, and toppings, with a single cone ranging widely from under 150 to over 500 calories.
Cone Type Matters: A cake cone adds minimal calories (~25), a sugar cone is moderate (~50-60), and a waffle cone is the most calorically dense (~121-150+).
Ice Cream Varies by Fat Content: A single scoop can contain 200-400 calories, with premium flavors being higher, while soft serve and sorbet are generally lower in calories.
Toppings Add Significant Calories: Sprinkles, fudge, and other additions can increase the total calorie count substantially.
Make Lighter Choices: To reduce calories, opt for a cake cone, choose soft serve or sorbet, and limit or skip toppings.
Informed Decisions: Understanding the caloric breakdown empowers you to enjoy an ice cream cone while staying mindful of your dietary goals.

Decoding the Calories in a Single Cone

When you crave an ice cream cone, the total calorie count is influenced by multiple factors, from the cone's composition to the ice cream's richness and any toppings you add. Understanding these components is key to accurately assessing your treat's nutritional impact.

The Cone: A Calorie Foundation

The cone itself forms the base of your dessert and contributes a foundational number of calories. Not all cones are created equal, and their preparation method and size dictate their caloric value. Generally, the simplest and smallest cones are the least calorific.

Cake Cone: Also known as a wafer cone, this type is the lightest and often has the lowest calorie count, typically around 25 calories. It is light, crispy, and offers a neutral flavor that doesn't compete with the ice cream.
Sugar Cone: Taller and sweeter than a cake cone, a standard sugar cone adds approximately 50-60 calories. Its slightly caramelized flavor enhances the overall dessert experience.
Waffle Cone: The large, crunchy, and buttery waffle cone is the most calorically dense option. A single waffle cone can add 150 calories or more before any ice cream is added. This is due to its larger size and richer ingredients.
Chocolate-Dipped Cones: For those who choose this option, a chocolate-dipped cone adds a significant amount of extra calories and sugar, often pushing the cone's count to over 200 calories.

The Ice Cream: The Main Event

After the cone, the type and number of ice cream scoops are the most significant calorie contributors. A single scoop can vary widely depending on the flavor and fat content. Here is a general breakdown:

Single Scoop of Regular Ice Cream: A standard single scoop (around 1/2 cup) can range from 200 to 400 calories. Flavors with more mix-ins like chocolate chips, cookie dough, or caramel will be on the higher end of this scale.
Soft Serve: Often a lower-fat alternative, a soft-serve cone can contain around 128 calories per 3.5-ounce serving. This makes it a popular choice for those watching their calorie intake.
Low-Fat or Light Ice Cream: Supermarket versions of low-fat ice cream can be as low as 100-200 calories per scoop, making them a conscious choice.
Sorbet or Sherbet: These fruit-based frozen treats generally have fewer calories and no fat compared to traditional ice cream. They are a good option for a lighter dessert.

The Full Calorie Picture

Combining the cone with the ice cream gives you a more complete calorie estimate. The total can be surprisingly high, especially with richer options.

For example:

A simple, single scoop of vanilla soft serve in a cake cone: 128 (soft serve) + 25 (cone) = ~153 calories.
A large scoop of premium chocolate ice cream in a waffle cone: 350 (ice cream) + 150 (cone) = ~500 calories.
A single scoop of a premium flavor in a sugar cone: 300 (ice cream) + 60 (cone) = ~360 calories.

Toppings: The Final Calorie Boost

Don't forget the added calories from toppings. Sprinkles, hot fudge, nuts, and whipped cream all contribute to the final tally. A simple addition like hot fudge sauce or sprinkles can add anywhere from 50 to 100+ calories per serving.

Comparison Table: Cone Calories at a Glance


Cone Type	Estimated Calories (Cone Only)	Typical Use	Caloric Impact	Notes
Cake Cone	~25 calories	Soft serve, small scoops	Low	Neutral flavor, light texture
Sugar Cone	~50-60 calories	Single or double scoops	Medium	Sweet, slightly crunchy
Waffle Cone	~121-150 calories	Larger scoops, richer ice cream	High	Rich, buttery flavor, crunchy
Chocolate-Dipped Waffle Cone	~200+ calories	Special treats	Very High	Added sugars and fats from chocolate coating

How to Make a Lighter Choice

If you're watching your calorie intake, there are several ways to enjoy an ice cream cone without overindulging:

Choose a Cake Cone: Opt for the lowest-calorie cone option to save a significant number of calories.
Go for Soft Serve or Lighter Alternatives: Pick soft serve, sorbet, or low-fat frozen yogurt over premium, high-fat ice cream.
Stick to a Single Scoop: While it's tempting to get two, a single scoop keeps calories in check.
Skip the Toppings: Toppings like hot fudge and caramel can add hundreds of calories. Ask for fruit or skip them entirely.
Try a Small Size: Many shops offer mini or kid-sized portions, which are a great way to satisfy your craving with fewer calories.

Conclusion

The question of how many calories are in a single cone has no single answer. The total amount is a sum of its parts: the type of cone, the number and flavor of ice cream scoops, and any additional toppings. By making strategic choices, you can enjoy this classic treat while staying mindful of your calorie goals. Whether you choose a simple soft serve in a cake cone or a decadent premium scoop in a waffle cone, understanding the nutritional breakdown allows for a more informed and balanced decision.

An authoritative resource for further nutritional information can be found at the National Institute of Health's nutritional facts database.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical single-scoop ice cream cone can range from 150 to over 500 calories, depending on the cone type, ice cream flavor, and serving size. A smaller, lighter combination will be on the lower end, while a premium scoop in a waffle cone will be higher.

The cake cone (or wafer cone) generally has the fewest calories, with estimates often around 25 calories per cone. It is the lightest and crispiest option.

Yes, sugar cones are typically lower in calories than waffle cones. A sugar cone adds about 50-60 calories, while a waffle cone can add 121-150 calories or more.

A standard serving of vanilla soft serve adds approximately 128 calories to a cone, making it a lower-calorie ice cream choice compared to many traditional scoopable flavors.

The calorie difference between a single and a double scoop can be substantial. A double scoop will essentially double the calorie count from the ice cream, adding another 200-400+ calories depending on the flavor.

To reduce calories, choose a cake cone, opt for a lower-fat ice cream like soft serve or sorbet, stick to a single scoop, and skip high-calorie toppings like hot fudge or nuts.

Yes, different ice cream flavors vary in calorie count. Flavors with more fat and sugar, or with added mix-ins like cookie dough, chocolate chips, or caramel, will have more calories than plain vanilla or fruit-based ice creams.