What are the lowest calorie ice creams?

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, some 'light' ice creams can have as much as one-quarter of the calories of their full-fat counterparts. For those looking to enjoy a sweet, frozen treat without derailing their health goals, identifying what are the lowest calorie ice creams is a crucial first step. This article explores the best brands and options available to help you make a smart, satisfying choice.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the lowest calorie ice creams from popular brands like Halo Top and Enlightened. Explore various light, dairy-free, and keto-friendly options, plus homemade alternatives to satisfy your sweet cravings without excessive calories.

Key Points

Top Brands: Halo Top, Enlightened, and Arctic Zero are leading low-calorie ice cream brands offering various flavors and dietary options.
Calorie Comparison: Halo Top and Enlightened average around 70-120 calories per serving, while Arctic Zero can be as low as 40 calories per serving.
Ingredient Swaps: Low-calorie ice creams use sugar replacements like stevia and erythritol, and reduced-fat dairy or plant-based milks to cut calories.
Digestive Considerations: Some individuals may experience digestive issues from the sugar alcohols used in certain low-calorie ice creams, so checking ingredient lists is important.
Alternative Frozen Treats: Sorbet, frozen yogurt, and homemade 'nice cream' from frozen bananas are excellent low-calorie alternatives to traditional ice cream.
Nutritional Label Awareness: Pay close attention to serving sizes and ingredient lists, as they can reveal added sugars or processed fillers.
Protein and Fiber Boost: Many low-calorie options increase protein and fiber content to enhance satiety, which can help with portion control.
Taste Preferences: What one person finds creamy, another might find icy or artificial, so personal taste testing is often the best way to find your favorite.

Top Brands for the Lowest Calorie Ice Creams

For calorie-conscious consumers, several brands have perfected the art of creating delicious, low-calorie ice cream. These products often substitute high-calorie ingredients like sugar and fat with alternatives like stevia, monk fruit, or sugar alcohols, and may also boost the protein content to enhance satiety.

Halo Top

One of the most popular names in the low-calorie category, Halo Top offers a wide range of flavors in both dairy and non-dairy options. A pint of vanilla bean can contain as little as 280 calories, with one 2/3-cup serving being around 100 calories. Halo Top achieves this low count by using milk protein concentrate and sugar alcohols like erythritol.

Enlightened

Enlightened is another strong contender, known for its high-protein, low-fat offerings. Their light ice cream pints often contain between 80 and 100 calories per serving, featuring flavors like Sea Salt Caramel and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. They also have a popular keto line sweetened with erythritol and monk fruit.

Arctic Zero

For those seeking even fewer calories, Arctic Zero is a noteworthy choice. This brand focuses on creating a nondairy, lactose-free frozen dessert that can be as low as 40 to 90 calories per serving. They are also free of sugar alcohols, which is a benefit for those with sensitivities.

Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars

Moving beyond traditional ice cream pints, Yasso offers a variety of frozen Greek yogurt bars. These bars use Greek yogurt to increase protein and lower fat content, resulting in a creamy texture with fewer calories. A typical Yasso bar, such as the Chocolate Fudge flavor, is just 80 calories.

Understanding Different Low-Calorie Frozen Treats

The frozen dessert aisle has expanded to include many low-calorie choices that aren't strictly ice cream. These alternatives offer unique textures and flavors while helping to keep your calorie count in check.

Sorbet: Made from sweetened fruit juice or purée, sorbet contains no dairy, making it inherently lower in fat and calories than traditional ice cream. Popular options like orange or mango sorbet offer a light and refreshing dessert.
Frozen Yogurt: This is a classic alternative that can be lower in fat and calories than ice cream. However, it's important to check the nutritional label, as some frozen yogurts can be high in sugar. Greek yogurt-based frozen treats often offer more protein.
Homemade "Nice Cream": For complete control over ingredients, making your own "nice cream" is a simple and delicious option. By blending frozen bananas, you can create a creamy, sweet dessert base with just one ingredient. Add-ins like cocoa powder or berries allow for flavor customization without excess sugar or calories.

How Low-Calorie Ice Cream is Made

Low-calorie ice cream achieves its characteristics through clever ingredient substitutions and processing techniques.

Sugar Replacements: Manufacturers replace traditional sugar with alternatives such as stevia, monk fruit, or sugar alcohols like erythritol. These provide sweetness with minimal or zero calories, though sugar alcohols can cause digestive discomfort in some individuals if consumed in large amounts.
Fat Reduction: The use of skim milk, milk protein concentrate, or plant-based milks instead of heavy cream significantly lowers the fat content, reducing overall calories. Coconut milk and avocado-based options provide healthy fats while remaining dairy-free.
Protein and Fiber Boost: Added protein and fiber, often from whey or chicory root, help improve satiety. This can make a smaller serving feel more satisfying, aiding in portion control.
Texture Stabilizers: Stabilizers, emulsifiers, and gums are used to mimic the creamy texture lost when fat is removed. This helps prevent the ice cream from becoming overly icy or grainy.

Comparison Table: Low-Calorie Brands at a Glance


Feature	Halo Top	Enlightened	Yasso	Arctic Zero
Calories per Serving (approx.)	70–160	80–120	80–120	40–90
Protein per Serving (approx.)	5–6g	5–6g	6g (bars)	<1g
Dairy Options	Yes	Yes	Yes (Greek Yogurt)	No
Non-Dairy Options	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Sweeteners Used	Erythritol, Stevia	Erythritol, Monk Fruit	Sugar	Monk Fruit (Some)
Form	Pints, Bars	Pints, Bars	Bars	Pints

Conclusion: Finding the Right Low-Calorie Ice Cream for You

Choosing the lowest calorie ice cream ultimately depends on your personal taste, dietary needs, and health goals. Brands like Halo Top and Enlightened offer creamy, high-protein options that closely mimic traditional ice cream. For those sensitive to sugar alcohols or seeking a truly dairy-free product, Arctic Zero and sorbets provide excellent alternatives. Consider the benefits of added protein and fiber, but be mindful of potential digestive side effects from sugar alcohols. Reading nutritional labels carefully is essential to ensure the product aligns with your dietary needs. Whether you opt for a store-bought pint or a homemade frozen banana treat, you can enjoy a delicious dessert without overindulging in calories.

Simple Tips for Enjoying Low-Calorie Frozen Treats

Read the Label: Always check serving sizes and total calories, as these can vary significantly between brands and flavors.
Monitor Sugar Alcohols: If you have a sensitive stomach, be aware of products containing erythritol or other sugar alcohols, which can cause bloating or digestive issues.
Check Ingredients: A shorter, more recognizable ingredient list often indicates a less processed product.
Consider Homemade: Blending frozen fruit like bananas, berries, or mangoes is a simple, whole-food way to create a low-calorie frozen dessert.
Pair with Toppings: Enhance your treat with healthy toppings like fresh fruit, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of natural honey to boost flavor and nutrients.

Final Takeaways

Halo Top and Enlightened are leading brands for creamy, high-protein low-calorie ice creams.
Sorbets and fruit-based frozen desserts like Arctic Zero are often the lowest calorie options.
Pay close attention to nutritional labels for serving size and added sugar.
For maximum control over ingredients, consider making a simple homemade "nice cream" with frozen fruit.
The best low-calorie ice cream is the one that fits your personal taste and dietary goals without causing discomfort.

Authoritative Source

Center for Science in the Public Interest

Additional Resources

For more information on healthy eating and weight management, consult with a registered dietitian or visit reputable nutrition websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arctic Zero offers one of the lowest calorie counts, with some of its nondairy, lactose-free pints containing as little as 40–90 calories per serving.

They replace traditional sugar and fat with substitutes like artificial or natural sweeteners (stevia, monk fruit), reduced-fat dairy, and plant-based milks. Stabilizers and emulsifiers are often added to maintain a creamy texture.

While lower in calories, it's not always 'healthy.' It can be highly processed and contain sugar alcohols that may cause digestive issues. It's a better choice than regular ice cream for calorie counting, but should still be seen as a treat.

Some people may experience digestive upset, including gas, bloating, and diarrhea, from the sugar alcohols and added fibers used as sweeteners and fillers in certain brands.

Besides Arctic Zero, many brands like Halo Top and So Delicious offer dairy-free lines. Homemade "nice cream" made from blended frozen bananas is also a very low-calorie, all-natural option.

Look for the serving size, total calories, grams of added sugar, and the length of the ingredient list. Shorter ingredient lists with fewer processed items are generally preferable.

For some, it can be very satisfying, especially the creamier options like Halo Top and Enlightened. However, some frozen desserts have an icier or less rich texture. You might find a smaller portion of regular ice cream more satisfying.

Popular flavors vary by brand but often include classics like vanilla bean, chocolate, and cookie dough. Halo Top's vanilla bean is often praised for its creamy flavor, while Enlightened has been recognized for its indulgent options.