How many calories in a 2 scoop Ben and Jerry's ice cream?

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a typical 'small' cup containing 2 scoops of Ben & Jerry's often contains 400 to 500 calories. The exact number of calories in a 2 scoop Ben and Jerry's ice cream depends significantly on the flavor and its mix-ins, which can create a wide range of nutritional values.

Quick Summary

A two-scoop serving of Ben & Jerry's varies considerably in calorie count based on the flavor and ingredients. Many popular options range between 400 and 500 calories per serving.

Key Points

Two Scoops Equals 400-500 Calories: A 'small' cup at a Ben & Jerry's scoop shop typically contains two scoops, which can have between 400 and 500 calories for many popular flavors.
Flavors Vary Significantly: The specific calorie count depends heavily on the flavor and its mix-ins; richer options with fudge, brownie, and caramel are higher in calories.
Choose Smaller Portions: Opting for a single 'kids' scoop or splitting a 'small' can significantly reduce your calorie intake.
Consider Cone Calories: Cones, especially waffle cones and chocolate-dipped versions, add extra calories to your treat.
Look for Lighter Options: The Moo-phoria line and sorbet flavors are lower-calorie alternatives, though still rich in sugar.
Mind Other Nutrients: Beyond calories, be mindful of the high levels of saturated fat and added sugars present in many flavors.

Understanding Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop Calories

When you visit a Ben & Jerry's scoop shop, the calorie information can sometimes be misleading due to the serving sizes used for labeling versus what is actually served. What is labeled as a 'small' cup is generally two scoops, not one. This distinction is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake. While a single 'kids' scoop of vanilla might be around 200 calories, doubling that for a 'small' cup immediately puts you in the 400-500 calorie range before even considering richer, mix-in-heavy flavors.

Many of Ben & Jerry's most beloved flavors are loaded with decadent ingredients like brownie pieces, cookie dough, fudge swirls, and peanut butter cups. These elements contribute to the famously high-calorie density of the brand's offerings. For instance, flavors packed with chunks and swirls, such as The Tonight Dough, will naturally have a higher calorie count per scoop than a simpler flavor like classic Vanilla.

How Scoop Size Affects Calorie Intake

Ben & Jerry's defines a standard 'scoop' as approximately 85g or 1/2 cup, though this can vary slightly by location and the server. In a scoop shop, the size names are important:

Kids' size: 1 scoop (approximately 85g)
Small cup: 2 scoops (approximately 170g)
Large cup: 3 scoops (approximately 255g)

This means that when you order a 'small,' you're consuming twice the calories of a 'kids' size, which is a key factor to remember for calorie tracking. Furthermore, additions like cones can also significantly increase the total. A plain sugar cone adds about 50 calories, while a chocolate-dipped waffle cone can add over 200 calories.

Popular Ben & Jerry's Flavors: A Calorie Comparison (per 2 scoops)

This table compares the estimated calories for a two-scoop (small cup) serving of several popular Ben & Jerry's flavors. These numbers are based on available nutrition information and are subject to slight variation.


Flavor	Calories (per 2 Scoops)	Key Ingredients
Chunky Monkey	~480	Banana ice cream with fudge chunks and walnuts
Phish Food	~460	Chocolate ice cream with fudge fish, caramel, and marshmallow swirls
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough	~400	Vanilla ice cream with chunks of chocolate chip cookie dough
The Tonight Dough	~500	Caramel ice cream with cookie swirls, chocolate cookie swirls, and gobs of cookie dough
Half Baked	~460	Chocolate and vanilla ice cream with brownies and cookie dough
Cherry Garcia	~400	Cherry ice cream with cherries and fudge flakes
Netflix & Chilll'd	~400	Peanut butter ice cream with pretzels and brownie chunks

Calorie Conscious Choices and Alternatives

If you are looking for a lower-calorie option, Ben & Jerry's does offer some alternatives. The Moo-phoria line is designed to be lighter, with many flavors containing around 140-160 calories per serving (which is typically 1/2 cup or about one scoop). However, keep in mind that a 2-scoop portion will still likely be over 300 calories. Another option is sorbet, with flavors like Berry Berry Extraordinary having as few as 80 calories per single scoop.

Mindful Indulgence

For those who prefer a full-fat flavor but want to be mindful of their intake, here are a few strategies:

Order the smaller size: Instead of a 'small' (2 scoops), opt for a 'kids' size (1 scoop) to cut your calories roughly in half.
Share with a friend: Splitting a 'small' cup is a great way to enjoy the indulgence without overdoing it.
Skip the cone: Opt for a simple cup to save around 50-200 calories, depending on the cone type.

What to Consider Beyond Calories

While calories are a main concern for many, it is also important to consider the overall nutritional profile. Many Ben & Jerry's flavors are high in saturated fat and added sugars, which should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For example, a two-scoop serving of The Tonight Dough has about 12g of saturated fat (60% of the daily limit) and 38g of added sugar.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Dessert

In conclusion, the calorie count for a 2-scoop serving of Ben & Jerry's can vary widely, but typically falls within the 400 to 500 calorie range for most standard flavors. While delicious, these treats are dense in calories, fat, and sugar. Being aware of the portion sizes at scoop shops—where a 'small' is actually two scoops—is key to making an informed choice. For those watching their intake, selecting a lower-calorie option like a sorbet or a Moo-phoria flavor, or simply enjoying a smaller portion, can be effective strategies. The key to enjoying a scoop of your favorite flavor is mindful consumption and understanding the nutritional facts behind the indulgence. For more detailed information on specific flavors, visiting the official Ben & Jerry's website is a great resource.

Center for Science in the Public Interest: How many calories are in a 'small' Ben & Jerry's ice cream?

Frequently Asked Questions

A single scoop of a standard flavor like vanilla is typically around 200 calories, but this can increase significantly for flavors with more mix-ins.

Not necessarily. While some non-dairy options can have slightly fewer calories, many still contain a high amount due to ingredients like coconut oil and high sugar content.

At a scoop shop, a 'kids' cup contains one scoop, whereas a 'small' cup contains two scoops. This can be a point of confusion for calorie-conscious consumers.

Flavors rich in multiple mix-ins, like The Tonight Dough, can be on the higher end of the calorie spectrum for a two-scoop serving, approaching or exceeding 500 calories.

No, the calorie counts for the ice cream itself do not include the cone. A sugar cone can add 50 calories, while a chocolate-dipped waffle cone can add over 200 calories.

For the most accurate information, you can check the nutritional information on the Ben & Jerry's website or use a reliable food tracking app, referencing the correct portion size.

Some sorbets or lighter options like the Moo-phoria line could fall under 300 calories for a two-scoop serving, but most standard flavors will be higher.