What Ice Cream is Sugar Free and Gluten-Free? A Comprehensive Guide

December 10, 2025 •

5 min read

A significant segment of the population is reducing sugar intake, which has increased the availability of sugar-free foods. Those with dietary restrictions might find it difficult to find safe frozen treats. Many ice cream options are both sugar-free and gluten-free.

Quick Summary

Several brands offer ice cream that is both sugar-free and gluten-free, using alternative sweeteners and production methods. Always check labels for certified gluten-free status and understand the sweeteners used, especially for specific dietary needs.

Key Points

Check for Certifications: Always look for 'certified gluten-free' logos on packaging to ensure products are safe from cross-contamination, especially if you have celiac disease.
Understand Sweeteners: Sugar-free ice creams use alternatives like erythritol, monk fruit, and stevia; check which one works best for your dietary needs and digestive system.
Beware of Mix-ins: Flavors with additions like cookie dough, brownie pieces, or candy are common sources of gluten and added sugar. Stick to simple, single-flavor options or verify inclusions are compliant.
Know Your Brands: Brands like Rebel Ice Cream and Two Spoons Creamery specialize in keto and sugar-free options. Other brands like Halo Top and So Delicious have specific gluten-free and sugar-free products that need confirmation.
Don't Assume Sorbet is Sugar-Free: Traditional sorbet is often high in sugar, so never assume it is a suitable sugar-free option. Homemade versions with sweeteners can be a good alternative.
Consider Homemade: Making your own ice cream provides absolute control over ingredients and eliminates cross-contamination risks, although texture may vary compared to commercial products.
Check Additives: Always read the ingredient list for hidden gluten and sugar sources, including flavorings, colorings, thickeners, and syrups.

Understanding Sugar-Free and Gluten-Free Ice Cream

Navigating the frozen dessert aisle with dietary restrictions can feel like a minefield of labels and ingredients. When you need to find ice cream that is both sugar-free and gluten-free, it is essential to understand what is in the container. Traditional ice cream is typically gluten-free, but it contains significant amounts of sugar. Conversely, many modern ice cream products marketed as 'healthy' or 'low-carb' may be sugar-free but contain gluten in mix-ins like cookie dough or brownie pieces.

Key ingredients to look for

When evaluating a product, begin by scrutinizing the ingredient list. The core components of a simple ice cream—cream, milk, and eggs—are naturally free of both sugar and gluten. The critical differentiators will be the sweeteners and any added inclusions. Sugar substitutes, such as erythritol, stevia, and monk fruit, are common in sugar-free ice creams and do not contain gluten. Stabilizers and thickeners are another area to watch. While many common gums like guar gum and xanthan gum are gluten-free, it is always best to purchase products that have specific 'gluten-free' certification to avoid cross-contamination risks.

Leading Brands Offering Sugar-Free and Gluten-Free Options

Several companies have risen to meet the demand for specialty diet products. These brands often specialize in keto-friendly, low-carb, or dairy-free alternatives that align with sugar-free and gluten-free requirements. It is important to note that a product's gluten-free status can vary by flavor, so always double-check the specific pint you intend to purchase.

Rebel Ice Cream: Known for its low-carb, keto-friendly profile, Rebel Creamery uses erythritol and monk fruit to sweeten its ice cream. Most of their flavors are explicitly grain-free and gluten-free. They provide comprehensive ingredient information for all flavors on their website, making it easy to identify safe choices.
Halo Top: This brand offers a range of 'light' ice creams, and many of their flavors are naturally gluten-free. While they are not always sugar-free, they do offer lower-sugar and dairy-free lines. Halo Top's website and pint labels clearly state which flavors are gluten-free, though customers should still verify for flavors with mix-ins.
Two Spoons Creamery: This Canadian brand specializes in artisanal, keto, and gluten-free ice cream with zero added sugar. They use natural, clean ingredients and are a reliable choice for those with strict dietary needs.
So Delicious: For those seeking dairy-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free, So Delicious offers a variety of frozen desserts. They frequently use alternative milk bases like coconut or cashew and sweeten with monk fruit or stevia. Checking for the 'certified gluten-free' label is important when navigating their extensive product line.

Homemade Recipes vs. Store-Bought

Creating your own sugar-free and gluten-free ice cream at home gives you complete control over ingredients, but store-bought options offer convenience. Both have their pros and cons.


Feature	Homemade Ice Cream	Store-Bought Ice Cream
Ingredients	Total control. Use only preferred sweeteners and natural, whole-food ingredients.	Convenient, but requires careful label reading. Possible additives like starches or gums may be present.
Dietary Compliance	Absolute certainty regarding gluten and sugar content, avoiding any cross-contamination risk.	Trusted brands and certifications provide high assurance, but risk of cross-contamination can exist in some facilities.
Texture	Can be firmer or icier than commercial varieties, especially without specific gums or stabilizers.	Formulated for a smooth, soft, and scoopable consistency directly from the freezer.
Time & Effort	Requires an ice cream maker or several hours of manual churning and freezing.	Ready-to-eat immediately after purchase.
Cost	Often more economical, especially when making larger batches.	Higher price point for specialty products due to sourcing and unique ingredients.

Choosing the Right Sugar Substitute

Sugar-free ice creams rely on sugar alcohols or natural high-intensity sweeteners to achieve sweetness without traditional sugar. Your choice might depend on taste preference, digestive sensitivity, or specific dietary goals.

Erythritol and Monk Fruit: These are popular in keto and low-carb products like Rebel ice cream. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol known for its clean taste and minimal digestive impact for most people. Monk fruit is a natural, calorie-free sweetener that is very potent and often paired with erythritol to balance flavor. Both have a glycemic index of zero and are considered safe for diabetics.
Stevia: Derived from the stevia plant, this is another natural, calorie-free sweetener used in some sugar-free ice creams. It is important to find high-purity stevia extract, as some brands can have a slight aftertaste. Scientific studies have confirmed stevia as a safe and effective sugar substitute for diabetics.
Allulose: This is a rare sugar that offers a texture and taste very similar to table sugar, but with minimal calories. It doesn't impact blood sugar and is a solid choice for maintaining a smooth, scoopable texture in ice cream.

Navigating the Risks of Cross-Contamination

For individuals with Celiac disease, simply choosing a naturally gluten-free flavor like vanilla is not enough. Cross-contamination can occur during manufacturing, where a shared production line with products containing gluten (like cookie dough ice cream) can introduce trace amounts. For this reason, certified gluten-free products are the safest choice. These certifications guarantee that the product has undergone rigorous testing and was produced in a facility that takes extensive precautions to prevent cross-contact.

The Verdict on Sorbet

Many assume that sorbet is a safe sugar-free and gluten-free dessert. While it is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, sorbet is typically made from fruit, water, and sugar, making it high in sugar content. It is not a suitable sugar-free option unless specifically labeled as such. However, homemade sorbet can be made with sugar-free sweeteners and frozen fruit for a safe, low-sugar alternative.

Conclusion: Enjoying Ice Cream with Confidence

Eating ice cream while maintaining a sugar-free and gluten-free diet is more accessible than ever, thanks to specialized brands and quality natural sweeteners. Whether you prefer the control of homemade recipes or the convenience of store-bought pints, a little research into ingredients and certifications goes a long way. Always read labels carefully, choose reputable brands, and consider alternatives like sorbets made with alternative sweeteners. With the right information, you can confidently indulge in a delicious, guilt-free frozen dessert.

For more expert advice and information on Celiac disease and gluten-free diets, visit the Beyond Celiac website: BeyondCeliac.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. While the basic ingredients of vanilla ice cream (milk, cream, sugar, vanilla) are gluten-free, some brands use additives, flavorings, or produce on shared equipment with products containing gluten, leading to a risk of cross-contamination.

The most reliable way is to look for a 'certified gluten-free' label on the packaging. You can also check the allergen statement and read the full ingredient list, specifically noting any grain-based ingredients or potential for cross-contamination.

Common sugar substitutes include erythritol, monk fruit, and stevia. Some brands may also use allulose, which provides a very similar taste and texture to sugar.

No. Halo Top offers 'light' ice creams that are lower in calories and sugar than traditional ice cream, but they are not always completely sugar-free. Not all flavors are gluten-free, especially those with mix-ins, so always check the specific product's label.

Yes, some 'no-churn' recipes exist. Techniques include frequent stirring while freezing, or using a high-speed blender with frozen fruits, though the texture may differ from traditionally churned ice cream.

Hidden sources of gluten in ice cream can include thickeners, flavorings (like barley malt), and mix-ins such as brownie bits, cookie dough, and certain candy pieces.

Sorbet is naturally gluten-free but is typically made with high amounts of fruit and sugar, making it unsuitable for a sugar-free diet. Opt for a sorbet sweetened with a sugar substitute or make one at home.