How Unhealthy is Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream? A Nutritional Deep Dive

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a single 'small' (2 scoops) of certain Ben and Jerry's flavors can pack up to 500 calories. The question many of us ask is: just how unhealthy is Ben and Jerry's ice cream when you look beyond the generous chunks?

Quick Summary

Ben and Jerry's ice cream contains high levels of calories, saturated fat, and added sugars, qualifying it as a rich, indulgent treat. Understanding the nutritional content is key to moderation and informed choices about its place in a healthy diet.

Key Points

High Calories: Ben and Jerry's ice cream is very calorie-dense, with a standard pint often containing over 1,000 calories.
Excessive Added Sugar: Many flavors contain sugar far exceeding daily recommended limits, contributing to health risks associated with high sugar intake.
High Saturated Fat: The rich texture comes from a high concentration of saturated fat, with a single serving potentially containing more than half a day's worth.
Moderate to High Processing: According to EWG, many Ben and Jerry's products are classified as ultra-processed, which is linked to health problems.
'Healthier' Options Still Have Drawbacks: 'Moo-phoria' and non-dairy flavors are not necessarily health foods, often retaining significant sugar and fat.
Portion Control is Key: Due to high caloric density, controlling portion size is crucial for fitting Ben and Jerry's into a balanced diet.

The Unpacking of a Pint: What's Inside Ben and Jerry's?

While Ben and Jerry's is known for its creative flavors and commitment to social causes, a look at the nutrition label reveals a different story for health-conscious consumers. The brand's signature 'super-premium' texture is achieved through a high-fat and high-sugar content, positioning it more as a decadent dessert than a simple treat.

The Alarming Numbers: Calories, Sugar, and Saturated Fat

Ben and Jerry's is notoriously dense in calories. A small, two-scoop serving of 'The Tonight Dough' can contain 500 calories, while larger servings or full pints can easily exceed 1,000 calories. This can account for a significant portion of an adult's recommended daily calorie intake.

Even more concerning is the sugar and saturated fat content. Many flavors contain sugar levels that far surpass recommended daily limits. For instance, that same small serving of 'The Tonight Dough' has 38 grams of added sugar, representing 76% of the daily maximum for added sugars. Full pints can easily contain over 100 grams of sugar, the equivalent of more than 20 teaspoons. The high saturated fat levels also contribute to the ice cream's unhealthiness. Flavors like 'New York Super Fudge Chunk' can deliver 75% of a person's daily saturated fat limit in a single serving. A pint, consumed entirely, can contain well over a day's worth of saturated fat.

Beyond the Basics: Ingredients and Processing

Beyond the macro-nutrients, other ingredients in Ben and Jerry's are worth noting. Some products have been flagged by organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for containing emulsifiers and thickeners like carrageenan and guar gum. While these are generally recognized as safe, they have been linked in some studies to digestive issues. Certain products may also contain natural flavors, which can be complex, lab-created mixtures.

The 'Better' Choices: Are They Truly Healthy?

In response to health-conscious trends, Ben and Jerry's has introduced options like their 'Moo-phoria' line, which offers reduced-fat versions. While these are lower in calories and fat, they still contain significant amounts of added sugar. Similarly, the brand's non-dairy alternatives, often made with almond or oat milk, are not necessarily a healthier choice. Their saturated fat content, often from coconut oil, and high sugar levels can rival or even exceed their dairy counterparts.

Comparison: Ben and Jerry's vs. a Healthier Alternative

To put the nutritional content into perspective, here's a comparison between a standard Ben and Jerry's flavor and a lighter option, based on typical serving sizes.


Nutritional Component	Ben and Jerry's 'Tonight Dough' (2/3 cup)	Competitor's 'Light' Vanilla (2/3 cup)
Calories	380	<250
Total Fat	20g	<10g
Saturated Fat	12g (60% DV)	<4g (20% DV)
Added Sugars	31g (62% DV)	<16g (32% DV)

This table illustrates the significant difference in calories, fat, and sugar, highlighting that a simple choice can have a major impact on overall nutritional intake.

The Takeaway for Conscious Consumption

Ben and Jerry's ice cream is an indulgent treat that can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. The high levels of saturated fat and added sugars mean it should not be a daily habit. Being mindful of serving sizes is especially important, as many people consume far more than the suggested serving. Opting for smaller portions or reserving it for special occasions is the healthiest approach. Consumers should also remember that 'light' and non-dairy options, while better in some aspects, are not automatically health foods and require the same level of scrutiny. For more information on food and health, you can visit the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

A Final Scoop on Ben and Jerry's Health Impact

Ultimately, the healthiness of Ben and Jerry's depends on how and how often it's consumed. For those with a sweet tooth, it remains a rich, satisfying option. For those seeking a genuinely healthy dessert, alternatives like fruit, yogurt, or homemade recipes will always be a better choice. The key lies in understanding the facts and making an informed decision that aligns with your personal health goals.

A Summary of Unhealthy Attributes

High Calorie Count: Many flavors, especially large portions, can contribute significantly to or even exceed a person's daily calorie needs.
Excessive Added Sugar: A single pint can contain over 100 grams of sugar, vastly exceeding recommended daily intake levels and contributing to various health issues.
High Saturated Fat: The rich, creamy texture comes from a very high concentration of saturated fat, which has been linked to heart disease.
Potential for High Trans Fat: While not high, the processing of oils and emulsifiers can introduce small amounts of artificial trans fats.
Ultra-Processed Food: Many flavors are classified as unhealthy, ultra-processed foods, which have been linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
Digestive Disruption: The use of thickeners and emulsifiers like carrageenan and guar gum may cause digestive discomfort for some individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small, two-scoop serving of some Ben and Jerry's flavors can contain as many as 500 calories, 12 grams of saturated fat, and 38 grams of added sugar. While a small serving is better than a whole pint, it is still a very high-calorie, high-sugar treat that should be consumed in moderation.

Non-dairy Ben and Jerry's flavors are not automatically healthier. They can contain significant amounts of sugar and saturated fat, particularly from coconut oil used for texture. It is important to check the nutritional information for each specific non-dairy flavor.

As a 'super-premium' brand, Ben and Jerry's is typically higher in fat and calories than standard commercial ice cream brands. This is because it contains less air and more high-fat ingredients, resulting in its dense and rich texture.

Flavors loaded with multiple swirls, chunks, and mix-ins, like 'The Tonight Dough' or 'Chunky Monkey', tend to have the highest calorie, sugar, and fat counts. Checking the nutritional information for specific flavors is the best way to compare their unhealthiness.

Regular, excessive consumption of any high-sugar, high-saturated fat food like Ben and Jerry's can contribute to health issues such as weight gain, heart disease, and high blood sugar levels. Moderation is essential.

Ben and Jerry's states that its products are safe to eat and adhere to food safety standards. However, some ingredients like natural flavors or certain thickeners have raised concerns among food watchdogs, and trace levels of certain chemicals like glyphosate have been detected, though at levels below regulatory limits.

For those seeking healthier frozen desserts, options with lower sugar and saturated fat, such as sorbet, frozen yogurt, or lighter ice cream brands, are better choices. Homemade fruit sorbets or smoothies are even healthier options.