Trader Joe's Ube Ice Cream: A Full Nutritional Breakdown
Trader Joe's Ube ice cream has captivated shoppers with its vibrant purple hue and distinct sweet, nutty, and vanilla-like flavor profile. While its unique taste is a draw, many are curious about the nutritional details of this indulgent dessert. A standard 2/3-cup serving of Trader Joe's Ube ice cream contains 200 calories, but it's important to look at the broader picture of its macronutrients, ingredients, and how it compares to other frozen treats.
Per-Serving Nutritional Facts
Based on official nutrition information from Trader Joe's and other databases, here is a detailed breakdown for one 2/3-cup (100g) serving:
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: <1g
- Total Sugars: 18g (16g Added Sugars)
- Protein: 4g
The serving size of 2/3 cup is a standard measurement for ice cream, but it is less than the traditional half-cup serving, which is why checking the label is always advised. With 200 calories, it's a moderately dense treat, and its added sugar content is relatively high compared to natural food sources.
The Full Pint Breakdown
For those who find it hard to stick to a single serving, knowing the total nutritional value of the pint is useful. Since there are three 2/3-cup servings in one pint, the math is straightforward:
- Total Pint Calories: 600 kcal (approx. 610 kcal, according to some sources)
- Total Pint Fat: 33g
- Total Pint Added Sugar: 48g
This highlights the importance of moderation. A single pint consumed in one sitting represents a significant portion of a daily caloric intake and exceeds the recommended daily intake for added sugars for many individuals.
Ingredients and Their Contribution
The ingredient list provides insight into the source of the calories and macronutrients:
- Cream and Milk Powder: These dairy ingredients are the primary sources of fat and contribute to the rich, creamy texture, as well as the saturated fat content.
- Sugar and Sugared Egg Yolks: These are major contributors to the calorie count and added sugar content. The egg yolks also add richness and fat.
- Ube Puree: While ube itself contains some nutrients and fiber, the puree used in the ice cream is also sweetened, adding to the sugar total.
- Natural Colors and Flavors: Unlike some conventional ice creams, Trader Joe's uses natural sources like grape extract and beet juice for the vibrant color, not artificial dyes.
Comparison with Other Frozen Desserts
To put the calories of Trader Joe's Ube ice cream into perspective, here is a comparison table with other popular frozen desserts:
| Dessert (2/3 cup serving) | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Total Sugars (g) | Added Sugars (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trader Joe's Ube Ice Cream | 200 | 11 | 18 | 16 |
| Trader Joe's Vanilla Non-Dairy Oat Frozen Dessert | ~200-210 | ~10 | ~21 | ~20 |
| Ben & Jerry's Vanilla (standard) | ~250 | ~15 | ~25 | ~24 |
| Halo Top Vanilla Bean (light) | ~90 | ~2 | ~6 | ~5 |
This comparison shows that Trader Joe's Ube ice cream is similar in nutritional profile to other premium dairy ice creams, but significantly more calorie-dense than light or low-calorie alternatives.
How to Enjoy Mindfully
For those who love the unique flavor of Trader Joe's Ube ice cream but are watching their caloric intake, a few strategies can help:
- Portion Control: Stick to the recommended serving size of 2/3 cup. Use a measuring cup to be accurate.
- Pair with Lighter Toppings: Instead of high-calorie toppings like hot fudge, opt for fresh fruit or a sprinkle of nuts for added texture and nutrients.
- Consider Alternatives: If you need a lower-calorie ube fix, Trader Joe's also offers Ube Mochi, where each piece is only 80 calories.
- Make It a Treat: Since the pint contains a significant amount of added sugar and fat, reserve this ice cream for a special occasion rather than a daily dessert.
Conclusion
In summary, one serving of Trader Joe's Ube ice cream contains 200 calories, with 11 grams of total fat and 18 grams of total sugars. While it is a delicious and naturally colored treat featuring real ube, it is comparable to other premium ice creams and should be enjoyed in moderation. By being aware of the serving size and overall nutritional information, you can savor the unique flavor while staying mindful of your dietary goals.
