How many calories are in enlightened chocolate ice cream?

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single half-cup serving of Enlightened's original chocolate light ice cream contains just 70 calories. Discover exactly how many calories are in Enlightened chocolate ice cream, covering its different product lines to help you make an informed dietary choice.

Quick Summary

Enlightened chocolate ice cream calories vary by product, with low-fat pints containing fewer calories than keto or dairy-free alternatives. A full nutritional breakdown by product is key to understanding the difference.

Key Points

Enlightened Original Light Chocolate: Contains 70 calories per 1/2 cup serving.
Keto Collection Calories: Keto chocolate products are higher in calories due to their higher fat content, with some bars at 150 calories and pints higher.
Dairy-Free Options: Dairy-free chocolate options, like Monkey Business, have around 100 calories per 1/2 cup serving, higher than the light ice cream but still a great alternative.
Ingredients Affect Calories: Different formulations, such as those for light, keto, or dairy-free products, use different ingredients (e.g., fats, proteins, sweeteners) that directly impact the final calorie count.
Read the Label: Always check the specific flavor and product type to know the exact calorie count, as it varies significantly across the Enlightened product range.

A Closer Look at Enlightened's Chocolate Ice Cream Line

Enlightened is a popular brand of better-for-you ice cream, offering a variety of products that cater to different dietary needs, such as low-fat and keto options. This means that the calorie count for "Enlightened chocolate ice cream" is not a single number, but rather a range depending on the specific flavor and product type you choose. Understanding these distinctions is the first step to accurately tracking your calorie intake.

Original Chocolate Light Ice Cream Pint

The classic Enlightened Chocolate Light Ice Cream pint is one of the brand's most recognizable products. Designed for those seeking a lower-calorie, high-protein dessert, its nutritional profile is quite appealing.

Serving Size: 1/2 cup (67g)
Calories: 70 per serving
Total Fat: 2g
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 6g

This pint achieves its lower calorie count by using alternative sweeteners like erythritol and monk fruit extract, and by incorporating milk protein concentrate to boost protein content. This makes it a great option for a satisfying, lower-guilt treat.

Keto Collection Dark Chocolate Ice Cream

For those following a ketogenic diet, Enlightened offers a Keto Collection with a different formulation. This version prioritizes higher fat and very low net carbs, which means a higher calorie count compared to the light ice cream. The Keto Dark Chocolate ice cream is one such example.

Serving Size: Typically 2/3 cup
Calories: Approximately 220-230 per serving (for similar keto pints)
Key Ingredients: Cream, egg yolks, and coconut oil, along with erythritol and monk fruit

While the specific dark chocolate pint's exact stats can vary slightly by retailer and production run, it is significantly higher in calories due to the higher fat content essential for a keto diet. The focus here is on fat and flavor, not just low calories.

Dairy-Free Monkey Business Chocolate Ice Cream

Enlightened also offers dairy-free options for those with lactose intolerance or who follow a vegan lifestyle. The Monkey Business flavor, which features a chocolate and peanut butter combination, is a popular choice.

Serving Size: 1/2 cup (65g)
Calories: 100 per serving
Made with: Almond milk, broad bean protein, and coconut oil

This variety shows that the dairy-free options offer a different calorie profile, which is still relatively low compared to traditional premium ice creams, but higher than the original light pints.

The Impact of Ingredients and Formulations

Enlightened's varying calorie counts are a direct result of their targeted formulations. The use of sugar alcohols like erythritol and allulose, along with monk fruit extract, allows them to achieve sweetness without the caloric impact of traditional sugar. High-protein versions use milk protein concentrate, while keto versions increase fats from sources like cream, egg yolks, and coconut oil to meet dietary macros. Dairy-free options use plant-based milk alternatives and proteins. This strategic use of ingredients is what allows the brand to cater to multiple consumer bases.

Comparison Table: Enlightened vs. Halo Top Chocolate Flavors

To put Enlightened's calories in perspective, here's a side-by-side comparison with a key competitor, Halo Top, which also offers low-calorie ice cream. Nutritional values are based on a standard 1/2 cup serving.


Product	Enlightened Original Chocolate	Enlightened Chocolate Peanut Butter	Halo Top Chocolate	Halo Top Chocolate Peanut Butter
Calories	70	100	100	100
Protein (g)	6	7	6	6
Net Carbs (g)	4	7	10-15	10-15
Serving	1/2 cup	1/2 cup	2/3 cup	2/3 cup

Note: Net carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber and sugar alcohols from total carbs. Serving sizes vary, so it's important to read the label carefully.

Choosing the Right Enlightened Chocolate Ice Cream

Your choice of Enlightened chocolate ice cream should be guided by your specific health and dietary goals. If you are strictly counting calories and aiming for the lowest number, the Original Chocolate Light Ice Cream is your best bet. If you are following a low-carb or keto diet, a keto-specific pint or bar, despite having a higher calorie count, will be more suitable for your macros due to the higher fat and very low net carb content. If you have dairy restrictions, the dairy-free options provide a tasty and comparable alternative.

Ultimately, Enlightened offers a wide range of chocolate ice cream options that provide a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, no matter your dietary plan. For more information, you can always check the nutritional labels on their products or visit their official website [eatenlightened.com].

Conclusion

Understanding the calorie count for Enlightened chocolate ice cream requires a bit of detective work, as the brand offers several distinct products. The Original Light Chocolate ice cream boasts just 70 calories per serving, making it a stellar option for calorie counters. In contrast, keto and dairy-free options have higher calorie counts, reflecting their different ingredient bases and nutritional goals. By paying attention to the product label, you can easily find the perfect Enlightened chocolate ice cream to fit your dietary needs while still enjoying a delicious chocolatey treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Enlightened's Original Chocolate Light Ice Cream pint contains 70 calories per 1/2 cup serving.

Yes, Enlightened's keto chocolate ice creams are higher in calories because they are formulated with more fat to align with ketogenic dietary goals. For example, a keto chocolate bar may have around 150 calories, compared to the light pint's 70 calories per serving.

The dairy-free Monkey Business flavor, which is a chocolate and banana blend, has 100 calories per 1/2 cup serving.

Enlightened uses a blend of alternative sweeteners such as erythritol and monk fruit extract, which provide sweetness without adding calories or significantly impacting blood sugar levels.

Enlightened's Original Light Chocolate has fewer calories per serving (70 vs. Halo Top's 100), but serving sizes can differ (1/2 cup for Enlightened vs. 2/3 cup for some Halo Top products). The nutritional profile of specific flavors, like chocolate peanut butter, is quite similar between the two brands.

Calorie counts differ based on the product line's specific formulation. The Light pints are low-fat and high-protein, while Keto options prioritize high fat and low net carbs, and Dairy-Free options use plant-based alternatives, all of which alter the final calorie total.

Many of Enlightened's products, including their Original Chocolate Light Ice Cream and several keto and dairy-free varieties, are explicitly labeled as gluten-free.