How many calories in a scoop of strawberry ice cream?

October 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to data from the USDA, a standard half-cup serving of strawberry ice cream contains approximately 127 calories. However, the exact number of calories in a scoop of strawberry ice cream can fluctuate significantly based on the brand, portion size, and specific recipe, with some premium scoops exceeding 200 calories.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for strawberry ice cream varies widely based on brand, serving size, and fat content. Understanding these variables helps determine the nutritional impact of a single scoop. Premium versions with higher fat or mix-ins typically have more calories than standard or light options. Knowing the factors involved can guide a mindful approach to this popular dessert.

Key Points

Calorie Variability: A single scoop can range from ~90 to over 200 calories, depending on the brand and serving size.
Factors Affecting Calories: Fat content, sugar levels, and added ingredients like chocolate or cheesecake swirls significantly impact the total calorie count.
Serving Size Matters: What you consider a 'scoop' might be far larger than the standard half-cup (~127 calories) or 2.5 oz serving (~130 calories) on nutritional labels.
Brand Comparison: Halo Top's light strawberry ice cream is much lower in calories (90 per 2/3 cup) than Häagen-Dazs's premium strawberry (260 per 1/2 cup).
Healthier Alternatives: Options like frozen yogurt, sorbet, or blending frozen fruit with milk offer tasty, lower-calorie alternatives to traditional ice cream.
Read the Label: The most reliable way to know the calorie count is to check the specific product's nutrition label for its fat, sugar, and protein content.

Understanding the Calorie Count in Strawberry Ice Cream

For many, a scoop of strawberry ice cream is a simple pleasure. Yet, the question of how many calories in a scoop of strawberry ice cream is more complex than it appears. The seemingly straightforward answer is influenced by several factors that range from the manufacturer's recipe to the size of the scoop itself. For instance, a light or reduced-fat option will contain fewer calories than a premium, full-fat variety with extra mix-ins. Even the 'scoop' itself lacks a standard definition; a scoop from a commercial ice cream parlor is often much larger than the half-cup serving size listed on a nutrition label.

Factors Influencing Calorie Content

To accurately determine the number of calories in your treat, consider these key variables:

Fat Content: The type and amount of milk and cream used are major calorie drivers. Premium brands with a higher milkfat percentage will be more calorie-dense than budget-friendly or 'light' alternatives.
Sugar and Sweeteners: Standard ice cream recipes rely heavily on sugar for flavor and texture. Reduced-sugar or no-sugar-added varieties can significantly lower the calorie count, as evidenced by products like Halo Top.
Added Ingredients: The inclusion of mix-ins such as chocolate chunks, swirls of cheesecake, or cookie pieces will drastically increase the calorie count. A simple strawberry ice cream will be less caloric than one with a complex flavor profile.
Serving Size: A small, standard scoop (approx. 60g or 2.5 oz) will have a different calorie count than a larger scoop (approx. 113g or 4 oz).

A Comparison of Strawberry Ice Cream Calories by Brand

To illustrate the calorie variation, here is a comparison of different strawberry ice cream options. All values are approximate and based on listed serving sizes, which can vary by product. Always check the nutritional label for the most accurate information.


Brand	Product	Serving Size	Approximate Calories
USDA Generic	Standard Strawberry	0.5 cup	127
Baskin-Robbins	Very Berry Strawberry	2.5 oz scoop	130
Breyers	Natural Strawberry	0.67 cup	150
Halo Top	Strawberry Light	0.67 cup	90
Häagen-Dazs	Strawberry	0.5 cup	260
Alden's Organic	Organic Strawberry	0.67 cup	200
Kemps	Old Fashioned Strawberries & Cream	0.67 cup	170
Blue Bunny	Strawberry Marble Light	0.5 cup	110

Nutritional Breakdown: More Than Just Calories

Beyond the calorie count, strawberry ice cream contains a blend of macronutrients that contribute to its energy value. A typical scoop provides carbohydrates, primarily from sugar, along with varying amounts of fat and protein. It also contains trace amounts of micronutrients, such as calcium, due to its dairy base. While it can offer some small nutritional benefits, it is important to remember that ice cream is primarily a dessert meant for enjoyment in moderation rather than a nutrient-dense food source. The high sugar content is particularly important to consider for those monitoring their intake.

Making an Informed Choice: How to Enjoy Mindfully

If you are aiming to enjoy your strawberry ice cream mindfully, there are several strategies you can employ. First, pay close attention to the serving size listed on the container. What looks like a single scoop might actually be two or three standard servings. Another strategy is to choose lighter ice cream options, such as low-fat, non-dairy, or no-sugar-added varieties that are widely available. For example, low-calorie options like Halo Top offer a significantly lower calorie count per serving. Alternatively, you can opt for a sorbet, which is often dairy-free and lower in fat, or a frozen yogurt, which may contain more protein. For those who enjoy homemade treats, blending frozen strawberries with a touch of milk or yogurt can create a surprisingly delicious and much lower-calorie alternative, as showcased by a recipe on Facebook.

Conclusion: The Final Scoop

In conclusion, the calorie count for a scoop of strawberry ice cream is not a single, fixed number. It is a spectrum determined by the product's formulation, serving size, and additional ingredients. While a generic half-cup serving might be around 127 calories, a larger, premium scoop could easily double that. For those concerned with their calorie intake, it is crucial to check the nutrition label and consider all the factors that contribute to the total. By being aware of these variables, you can make an informed decision and still enjoy your favorite frozen dessert in a way that aligns with your dietary goals. For comprehensive nutritional data, authoritative sources like the USDA database are invaluable.

Key takeaways: Check the label, consider the brand, and be mindful of serving size to manage the calories in your strawberry ice cream scoop. Remember that premium ice cream typically has a higher fat and calorie count, while light options are significantly lower. Homemade alternatives offer a fresh, low-calorie treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard serving size is typically considered to be a half-cup, which is about 60-70 grams or 2.5 fluid ounces. However, many people consume more than this amount in a single scoop.

Yes, many people find that light or low-fat ice cream has a slightly different texture and less rich flavor than premium, full-fat versions. Brands like Halo Top use alternative sweeteners to reduce calories, which can also affect the taste.

You can create a low-calorie alternative by blending frozen strawberries with low-fat yogurt or a splash of milk. Some recipes use protein powder or sugar substitutes to enhance flavor without adding many calories.

The variation is primarily due to differences in fat content, sugar, and the inclusion of high-calorie mix-ins. Premium brands often use more cream, while others may contain more air or lower-fat ingredients.

They can be, but it depends on the specific product. Sorbet is often fat-free and lower in calories but can be high in sugar. Frozen yogurt is lower in fat than ice cream and contains beneficial probiotics, but its sugar content varies widely.

An ice cream parlor scoop can be much larger than a standard half-cup serving, often weighing between 3 and 5 ounces or more, which significantly increases the calorie count.

Yes, different types of sweeteners affect calories. While table sugar (sucrose) has a standard calorie count, sugar substitutes like those found in low-calorie ice cream brands contain fewer to zero calories, lowering the overall energy content.