Top Brands with Low-Calorie Ice Cream
For many health-conscious consumers, the rise of diet-friendly frozen desserts has been a game-changer. Brands like Halo Top, Enlightened, and Yasso have built their reputation on offering pints and bars with significantly fewer calories and less sugar than traditional ice cream. But among these options, which brands consistently deliver the lowest calorie counts?
Halo Top: The Pioneer of Low-Calorie Pints
Halo Top was one of the first brands to popularize the 'eat the whole pint' concept, with many of its flavors containing around 280-360 calories per pint. It achieves this by using a blend of sugar and the sugar alcohol erythritol, which adds sweetness without the high calories. While its classic flavors remain a solid low-calorie choice, Halo Top also offers a keto-friendly series with a higher fat content and different calorie structure.
Enlightened: Low-Calorie Ice Cream and Bars
Enlightened offers a range of low-calorie, high-protein ice cream pints and bars, often competing directly with Halo Top. Their products are sweetened with natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, and allulose. Some of their ice cream bars can be as low as 80-90 calories per bar, making them an excellent portion-controlled option.
Yasso: Greek Yogurt Frozen Desserts
Yasso specializes in frozen Greek yogurt bars, which are naturally lower in fat and higher in protein than traditional ice cream. Many of Yasso's bars contain just 80 to 100 calories each, with most flavors having less than 10 grams of added sugar. Yasso bars are a great choice for those seeking a protein boost along with their dessert.
Other Low-Calorie Brand Options
- Breyers No Sugar Added: This brand offers frozen dairy desserts sweetened with sugar alcohol and Splenda, with some vanilla flavors as low as 110 calories per serving.
- Edy's Slow Churned No Sugar Added: This option also offers a lower-fat, no-sugar-added variety, appealing to those who prefer a more traditional light ice cream.
Low-Calorie Ice Cream Alternatives
When searching for the lowest-calorie frozen dessert, expanding beyond the traditional 'ice cream' category is essential. Some alternatives contain no dairy and are typically lower in fat, although sugar content can still vary greatly.
The Role of Sorbet and Gelato
Sorbet is a dairy-free dessert made from fruit purée, water, and sugar. Because it contains no dairy, it is fat-free and generally lighter than ice cream. However, the calorie count can still be high due to sugar content, so it's important to check the label. Gelato is denser than ice cream because less air is whipped into it, but it typically has less fat and fewer calories than its American counterpart because it's made with more milk and less cream.
Making Your Own Low-Calorie Frozen Treats
For ultimate control over ingredients and calorie count, making your own frozen dessert is the best option. Simple recipes like "nice cream" can be made by blending frozen bananas with other frozen fruits, yielding a creamy, low-calorie, and healthy treat. Many recipes also use cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or almond milk as a lower-calorie base.
Comparison of Low-Calorie Frozen Desserts
| Product Type | Average Calories (per 1/2 cup) | Key Differentiator | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halo Top (Pint) | Approx. 70-90 | Low sugar, high protein | Pints that can be eaten in a single sitting |
| Enlightened (Bar) | Approx. 80-100 | Low sugar, high protein | Portioned treats with a creamy texture |
| Yasso (Bar) | Approx. 80-100 | Greek yogurt base | A protein boost in a frozen dessert |
| Sorbet | Approx. 60-75 | Dairy-free, fat-free | Fruit-based, refreshing dessert |
| Gelato | Approx. 80-100 | Less fat than regular ice cream | A dense, rich flavor with fewer calories |
| Homemade "Nice Cream" | Varies widely | Made from frozen fruit | Full control over ingredients |
How to Find the Lowest-Calorie Options in the Freezer Aisle
To find the absolute lowest-calorie option, you need to be a savvy label reader. First, check the serving size; some brands market low total calories for a small, unrealistic serving. Look at the 'Calories per serving' and 'servings per container' to know the real nutritional impact. Compare the amount of sugar, as many "diet" ice creams simply substitute sugar with less healthy artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols that can cause digestive issues. Finally, review the ingredients list. Generally, a shorter, more recognizable list indicates a less processed product.
Conclusion
While a definitive single answer for what ice cream has the lowest amount of calories is hard to give due to the constant introduction of new products and flavors, solid contenders consistently surface. Yasso's Greek yogurt bars, certain flavors of Halo Top and Enlightened, and fat-free options like sorbet offer excellent choices for those seeking a low-calorie treat. The lowest calorie option of all might be one you create yourself at home using natural, whole food ingredients like frozen bananas. By checking nutrition labels carefully, you can indulge your sweet tooth without derailing your health goals. A deeper understanding of product types and ingredients will empower you to make the most informed and delicious choice every time.
Center for Science in the Public Interest: Healthy Ice Cream
