The phrase "lick ice cream" can refer to a couple of distinct brands, each with a different approach to its ingredients and overall health profile. For example, Lick Honest Ice Creams, based in Austin, Texas, focuses on artisanal, locally-sourced ingredients, while Twisted Licks, an Australian brand, markets itself as a low-sugar, keto-friendly alternative. To determine if "lick" ice cream is healthy for you, it's crucial to understand these distinctions, as the term itself offers no universal health guarantee.
Lick Honest Ice Creams: The Honest Approach
Lick Honest Ice Creams prides itself on a "farm-to-table" philosophy, focusing on natural, traceable ingredients.
Key characteristics of Lick Honest Ice Creams:
- No artificial ingredients: The company explicitly states it never uses artificial colors, flavors, high fructose corn syrup, or preservatives.
- Fresh, local sourcing: They prioritize ingredients from local family farms and food artisans, using milk and cream from grass-fed cows in Texas.
- Nutrient-dense base: The use of real, quality dairy means their ice cream contains naturally occurring calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins derived from milk and cream.
- Artisanal and seasonal: Flavors are often unique and based on seasonal offerings, which speaks to a higher quality product but doesn't necessarily mean it's low-calorie.
Despite the high-quality ingredients, Lick Honest Ice Creams are not inherently low-calorie or low-fat, as they are made with real cream and sugar. Some consumers have noted that nutritional information isn't always displayed on pints, though ingredients are listed. Healthiness is subjective and depends on portion size and frequency of consumption, especially for those watching their calorie or sugar intake.
Twisted Licks: The Low-Sugar Alternative
Twisted Licks offers a different proposition, positioning itself as a healthier indulgence, particularly for those on low-carb or keto diets.
Key characteristics of Twisted Licks:
- Zero added sugar: These treats are sweetened with sugar alcohols and natural sweeteners like monk fruit, aiming for a low-sugar profile.
- Low calorie and low carb: For example, a Twisted Licks Rich Chocolate bar contains a low number of calories and carbohydrates compared to traditional options.
- Natural ingredients: Like Lick Honest, Twisted Licks uses natural ingredients, avoiding artificial additives.
- Contains sugar alcohols: The use of sweeteners like xylitol can cause digestive upset in some people if consumed in large amounts. Crucially, xylitol is toxic to dogs, a warning prominently displayed on their products.
Nutritional Comparison: Lick vs. Twisted vs. Conventional
To better understand the differences, here's a comparison of typical nutritional values. Note that figures for Lick Honest will vary widely by flavor.
| Attribute | Twisted Licks (Rich Choc) | Lick Honest (Vanilla) | Conventional Ice Cream (Generic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 597kJ (142 kcal) per 80mL | 966kJ (231 kcal) per 100g | ~900-1100kJ (215-263 kcal) per 100g |
| Fat | 11.5g per 80mL | 18g per 100g | ~15-22g per 100g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.1g per 80mL | 11g per 100g | ~10-14g per 100g |
| Carbohydrates | 1.8g per 80mL | 15.8g per 100g | ~20-30g per 100g |
| Sugars | 0.9g per 80mL | 15.7g per 100g | ~20-28g per 100g |
| Sweeteners | Sugar alcohols (erythritol, xylitol), Monk fruit | Cane sugar, Rice syrup, etc. | High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sucrose, etc. |
| Additives | Natural flavorings | Natural flavorings | Artificial flavors, colors, stabilizers |
Making an Informed Decision: The Context of "Healthy"
Whether lick ice cream is healthy depends entirely on your dietary needs and definition of "healthy."
- The case for Lick Honest: This is a strong choice for those who prioritize clean, high-quality, whole-food ingredients and are less concerned with calorie or sugar content. It's a premium product with a transparent supply chain. The benefit here is ingredient quality over nutritional moderation.
- The case for Twisted Licks: This is the better option for individuals actively managing sugar or carbohydrate intake, such as those with diabetes or following a keto diet. The low-calorie, low-sugar profile comes with the trade-off of sugar alcohols and potentially a different texture or aftertaste, which some reviews note.
- The psychological factor: Studies indicate that the act of eating ice cream can increase serotonin and dopamine, boosting mood and happiness. Licking, as a slower method of consumption, encourages mindful eating and savoring the flavor. Choosing a treat you enjoy, in moderation, is also a valid part of a balanced diet.
Ultimately, enjoying either brand can fit into a healthy diet, provided it is done in moderation. For those seeking fewer artificial ingredients, Lick Honest is superior. For those managing sugar intake, Twisted Licks is the clear winner. The key is to read labels carefully, understand what you are consuming, and align your choice with your personal health goals. For more in-depth nutritional reviews of a wide range of 'healthier' ice cream brands, Healthline offers a comprehensive list that can guide your choices.
Conclusion: It's all about context
There is no single answer to "is lick ice cream healthy?" because the name refers to two different companies with very different product profiles. Lick Honest Ice Creams stands out for its high-quality, local, and natural ingredients, making it a clean indulgence, albeit one with a higher sugar and calorie count than some alternatives. Twisted Licks excels as a low-sugar, keto-friendly option, though it relies on sugar alcohols and has had mixed consumer reviews on texture. Your definition of a "healthy" dessert, your dietary restrictions, and portion control will determine which brand, if either, is the better choice for you. When consumed mindfully and in moderation, either can be part of a balanced lifestyle.
