How much potassium is in strawberry ice cream? A Nutritional Breakdown

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a standard half-cup serving of strawberry ice cream contains an average of 124 mg of potassium. This essential mineral, important for fluid balance and muscle contraction, is present in ice cream due to its dairy content and, to a lesser extent, the fruit itself.

Quick Summary

This article explores the average potassium content in strawberry ice cream, detailing how ingredients like milk and the fruit itself contribute to the mineral's presence. It compares the potassium levels in different ice cream flavors and provides context on the daily recommended intake.

Key Points

Average Potassium: A standard half-cup serving of strawberry ice cream contains approximately 124 mg of potassium.
Source of Potassium: The mineral primarily comes from the dairy ingredients (milk, cream) used to make the ice cream, with a smaller contribution from the strawberries.
Flavor Comparison: Strawberry ice cream has less potassium than chocolate ice cream, which gets an extra boost from cocoa.
Impact of Serving Size: A typical full cup (8 oz) serving of strawberry ice cream can contain nearly 250 mg of potassium, double the standard serving.
Recipe Variations: Homemade and different brand recipes can cause significant variations in potassium levels; always check the nutrition label for specifics.
Dietary Considerations: For those managing health conditions that require monitoring potassium, such as kidney disease, being aware of serving size is essential.

Understanding Potassium in Strawberry Ice Cream

Potassium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, regulating blood pressure, and ensuring proper nerve and muscle function. When examining a seemingly simple dessert like strawberry ice cream, it's important to consider where its potassium content originates. The primary sources are the dairy base—milk and cream—and the strawberries used for flavoring.

The exact amount of potassium can vary based on several factors, including the brand, specific recipe, and serving size. For example, richer, premium ice creams that contain more milk fat and less water may have different mineral concentrations than lower-fat alternatives. Homemade versions, where the amount of fresh strawberries can be controlled, will also see variations in potassium levels.

The Role of Dairy and Fruit

Dairy products are naturally significant sources of potassium. Milk and cream, the foundational ingredients in ice cream, contribute a substantial portion of the dessert's mineral content. A single cup of 1% milk contains approximately 366 mg of potassium, demonstrating the impact of a dairy-heavy base. In contrast, a half-cup serving of strawberries provides around 130 mg of potassium, which is relatively low and kidney-friendly, but still contributes to the final product. The combination of these two elements, primarily the dairy, determines the overall potassium count in the finished strawberry ice cream.

Comparing Strawberry to Other Ice Cream Flavors

While strawberry ice cream contains a moderate amount of potassium, it's interesting to compare it to other popular flavors. This helps put its nutritional profile into perspective, especially for those who need to monitor their intake for health reasons, such as individuals with kidney disease.


Flavor	Approximate Potassium (per 1/2 cup)	Key Factors
Strawberry Ice Cream	~124 mg	Potassium from dairy and fruit.
Vanilla Ice Cream	~130 mg	Mostly from the dairy base.
Chocolate Ice Cream	~164-174 mg	Higher potassium due to cocoa powder, which is a rich source.
Oat-based (dairy-free) Strawberry	~60 mg	Significantly lower, as it lacks a dairy base.

As the table shows, chocolate ice cream typically contains more potassium than strawberry due to the cocoa powder. Plant-based alternatives, which use ingredients like oat milk, are often much lower in potassium, making them a suitable option for those on a restrictive diet.

How Serving Size Affects Potassium Intake

It is easy to misjudge portion sizes, and this can significantly impact the amount of potassium consumed. A standard nutrition label often lists values for a 1/2 cup serving, but many people consume a full cup or more in a single sitting. For example, if a 1/2 cup of strawberry ice cream has 124 mg of potassium, a full cup would contain approximately 248 mg. Paying attention to serving sizes is crucial for accurate dietary management.

Here is a list of factors that can influence the potassium content of strawberry ice cream:

Dairy Type: Whole milk versus skim milk will change the exact nutritional profile, though both are significant sources of potassium.
Added Ingredients: Swirls of fudge or caramel, or mix-ins like nuts, will increase the overall potassium content.
Brand Variations: Different brands have unique recipes with varying amounts of cream, milk, and strawberries. Always check the nutrition facts label for the most accurate information.
Homemade vs. Commercial: Homemade versions can be customized, with less dairy or more fruit added, which directly impacts the potassium level.

Conclusion

While strawberry ice cream is not considered a high-potassium food, it does contain a moderate amount of this essential mineral, primarily from its dairy base. For the average person, this is a negligible contribution to their daily intake. However, for those with health conditions requiring dietary potassium monitoring, such as kidney disease, it is wise to be mindful of serving size and brand variations. Comparing strawberry ice cream to other flavors reveals that chocolate and other nut-based options are typically higher in potassium. For those needing a lower-potassium alternative, non-dairy, plant-based frozen desserts are a viable option. For the most precise nutritional information, always consult the specific product's label or an authority like the USDA.

Authoritative Resource

To learn more about the role of potassium in the body and general dietary guidelines, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health provides a comprehensive resource on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

While it contains potassium, primarily from the dairy, strawberry ice cream is not considered a primary source of this mineral. It contains a moderate amount, but fruits and vegetables are typically richer sources.

Based on a half-cup serving containing approximately 124 mg of potassium, a full one-cup serving of strawberry ice cream would have around 248 mg.

The potassium content in homemade strawberry ice cream depends on the recipe. Recipes using less dairy or more fruit might differ from commercial products. It is important to calculate the nutritional content based on the specific ingredients used.

Among common flavors, chocolate ice cream generally has the most potassium, primarily because cocoa powder is a significant source of the mineral.

People with kidney disease, who often need to monitor their potassium intake, can typically eat strawberry ice cream in moderation. It is best to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice, and to be mindful of serving sizes.

Yes, many dairy-free, plant-based frozen desserts, such as those made with oat milk, contain significantly less potassium than traditional ice cream. Some can have as little as 60 mg per serving.

A half-cup serving of fresh, sliced strawberries contains around 254 mg of potassium, which is more than double the amount found in a standard half-cup of strawberry ice cream.