Great Value Mini Ice Cream Sandwich Nutritional Overview
A single Great Value mini ice cream sandwich, a popular and conveniently sized treat from Walmart, generally contains 100 calories. The exact calorie and nutritional information can vary slightly depending on the specific product formulation and flavor, but the classic vanilla version typically hovers around this figure. While the calorie count is relatively low for an ice cream treat, it is still important to understand the full nutritional breakdown to make an informed choice for your diet. Key macronutrients to consider include fats, carbohydrates, and sugars.
Breaking Down the Macronutrients
To fully appreciate the nutritional value (or lack thereof) of this frozen snack, let's examine its macronutrient composition. For the Great Value mini vanilla ice cream sandwich, the percentages of macronutrients are split as follows: carbohydrates make up about 63% of the calories, with fat contributing 29%, and protein providing about 7%.
Key Macronutrient Information (per sandwich):
- Total Fat: Around 4 grams per serving. This includes both saturated and unsaturated fats.
- Saturated Fat: Typically 2 grams, representing 10% of the daily value based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Cholesterol: Approximately 10 milligrams.
- Sodium: About 70 milligrams, which is 3% of the daily value.
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 17 grams, accounting for 6% of the daily value.
- Sugars: Contains around 8 grams of sugar.
- Protein: Roughly 2 grams.
Understanding these figures helps you see that while the calorie count is modest, a significant portion of those calories comes from carbohydrates and sugars. This is typical for most frozen dessert items.
The Ingredients Behind the Nutrition
An investigation into the ingredients provides a clearer picture of what makes up this treat. The ice cream typically contains milk, cream, and sugar, among other things. The chocolate wafers include wheat flour, sugar, and palm oil. The presence of sugar and high-fructose corn syrup contributes to the sugar content, which is a major factor in the calorie count.
Common Ingredients Found in Great Value Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- Ice Cream: Milk, Cream, Skim Milk, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Whey, Natural Flavors, and stabilizers like Cellulose Gum and Carrageenan.
- Wafer: Wheat Flour, Sugar, Palm Oil, Caramel Color, Dextrose, and Soy Lecithin.
It is always wise to check the most current and specific product packaging for the most accurate and up-to-date ingredient list and nutritional information, as manufacturers can change their formulas.
Comparison with Other Frozen Desserts
To put the Great Value mini ice cream sandwich into perspective, a comparison with other popular frozen treats can be helpful. Portion control is often the key to responsible snacking, and a mini ice cream sandwich serves that purpose well.
| Item | Serving Size | Calories (Approx.) | Sugar (Approx.) | Fat (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart Mini Ice Cream Sandwich | 1 sandwich (1.4 oz) | 100 | 8g | 4g |
| Great Value Standard Ice Cream Sandwich | 1 sandwich | 160 | 12g | 6g |
| Fudge Pop | 1 bar | 40-60 | 10g-15g | <1g |
| Small Scoop Vanilla Ice Cream | 1/2 cup | 140-160 | 14g+ | 7g+ |
| Ice Cream Cone (small) | 1 cone | 150-200 | 15g+ | 8g+ |
From the table, it is clear that the mini ice cream sandwich offers a lower calorie and sugar option compared to its full-sized counterpart and a regular scoop of ice cream. It is a portion-controlled choice that can satisfy a sweet craving without a significant calorie intake. However, for those watching their fat and sugar, options like a fudge pop may be a slightly better choice, though this varies greatly by brand and product specifications. This highlights the importance of checking labels, not just assuming a “mini” version is a low-sugar alternative.
Making Healthier Choices with Ice Cream
Even with a small, calorie-controlled treat like a Walmart mini ice cream sandwich, it's beneficial to think about your overall dessert consumption. Here are some strategies for incorporating frozen treats into a balanced diet:
- Prioritize Mindful Eating: Savor every bite of your treat. By eating slowly, you can increase your satisfaction and prevent overindulgence.
- Use it as a Reward: Use your favorite frozen treat as an occasional reward for sticking to your healthy eating habits. This prevents it from becoming a regular, mindless indulgence.
- Explore Healthier Substitutions: Consider making your own 'nice cream' from frozen bananas or try low-sugar, fruit-based alternatives. This can help reduce your overall sugar and saturated fat intake.
- Balance with Nutritious Foods: If you enjoy a mini ice cream sandwich, balance it out with healthy choices throughout the day. Ensure your other meals are rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- Check the Ingredients: As mentioned, always look at the ingredient list. Products with simpler, whole-food-based ingredients are generally a better choice, even in small amounts.
Conclusion
In summary, a single Walmart Great Value mini ice cream sandwich contains 100 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie treat compared to many other frozen desserts. Its nutritional profile includes a moderate amount of carbohydrates and sugar, as well as some fat. The primary benefit of this snack is its small, pre-portioned size, which helps with calorie control. However, for those monitoring their sugar or saturated fat intake, it is important to be aware of the other nutritional components. Ultimately, a balanced diet is about moderation, and enjoying a mini ice cream sandwich occasionally can fit into a healthy lifestyle without derailing your goals. Checking the nutrition facts label on the specific product is always the most accurate approach to verify the latest information.
Visit the official Walmart website to find current product information.
