What is the Most Low Calorie Ice Cream? Top Brands & Healthy Alternatives

With some frozen dessert brands offering entire pints for under 200 calories, the search for the most low calorie ice cream has become easier than ever. These healthier frozen treats offer a potentially guilt-free way to enjoy a cold dessert, but not all low-cal options are created equal in terms of nutritional value, flavor, and ingredients.

Quick Summary

Compare popular low-calorie frozen desserts, including products from Arctic Zero, Halo Top, and Yasso. Understand ingredient trade-offs, like sugar alcohols and alternative sweeteners, and assess nutritional values to find a satisfying, healthier frozen treat.

Key Points

• Arctic Zero often has the lowest calorie count per pint: Some flavors offer as low as 150 calories, making it a very low-energy dessert option.

• Halo Top balances calories and flavor: With pints ranging from 280-380 calories, Halo Top provides a more traditional ice cream texture and taste than some ultra-low-calorie brands.

• Yasso offers a portion-controlled option: The Greek yogurt bars are an excellent way to manage portion sizes, with many containing only 80-100 calories per bar.

• Check ingredients for sugar alcohols: Many low-cal ice creams use sugar alcohols like erythritol, which can cause digestive discomfort in certain people.

• Texture is a key trade-off: Reducing fat and sugar often leads to a more icy or watery texture, so managing expectations is important when choosing low-calorie products.

• Homemade options offer ultimate control: For those seeking to avoid all additives and control every ingredient, making your own low-cal ice cream at home is an ideal solution.

Understanding What Makes an Ice Cream Low Calorie

Traditionally, ice cream's creamy texture and sweetness come from a high content of fat and sugar. To create a low-calorie alternative, manufacturers must reduce or replace these ingredients. This is achieved primarily through a few key methods:

• Replacing Sugar: Sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit fruit extract, and sugar alcohols (erythritol, maltitol) are used to maintain sweetness without the added calories. However, excessive consumption of sugar alcohols can cause digestive issues for some individuals.
• Reducing Fat: Many low-calorie ice creams use a base of skim milk or water, significantly reducing the fat and calorie count compared to traditional cream-based ice cream. This can sometimes result in a less creamy, more icy texture.
• Adding Bulking Agents: To compensate for the loss of texture from reduced fat, ingredients like polydextrose and inulin fiber are often added. These agents help maintain the solid content, preventing the dessert from feeling watery and improving the mouthfeel.

Top Low-Calorie Ice Cream & Frozen Dessert Brands

Several brands dominate the low-calorie frozen dessert market, each with a unique approach to balancing flavor, texture, and nutrition.

• Arctic Zero: Known for being one of the absolute lowest-calorie options, Arctic Zero offers a range of pints that are often fat-free and low-glycemic. While appealing for those counting every calorie, some reviews mention a less authentic, often icy or watery taste compared to traditional ice cream. The brand uses a faba bean protein base, and some flavors may contain as few as 150 calories per pint.
• Halo Top: This brand gained significant popularity for offering a more ice cream-like experience with fewer calories. Pints typically range from 280-380 calories and are known for being high in protein. Halo Top uses a combination of organic cane sugar, stevia, and erythritol to achieve its sweetness and is generally well-regarded for its creamy texture.
• Yasso: Specializing in frozen Greek yogurt bars, Yasso provides excellent portion control, with many bars containing around 80-100 calories. The Greek yogurt base makes it a higher protein alternative to many other options, and it uses real Greek yogurt without artificial sweeteners in many varieties.
• Enlightened: This brand also offers high-protein, low-fat options, with pints typically around 80-100 calories per serving. Like other brands, it uses a skim milk base and alternative sweeteners, including sugar alcohols.
• Breyers Delights / No Sugar Added: Breyers, a long-established ice cream brand, has its own line of low-calorie products. The No Sugar Added options use sugar alcohols like maltitol, which may cause digestive issues in large quantities.

Low-Calorie Ice Cream Brands Comparison Table

Brand	Product	Calories (per serving)	Fat (per serving)	Protein (per serving)	Common Sweeteners	Notes
Arctic Zero	Purely Chocolate	~35	0g	2g	Monk Fruit, Allulose	Very low calorie, often less creamy
Halo Top	Vanilla Bean	~120	3g	7g	Sugar, Erythritol, Stevia	Good flavor and texture, moderate calories
Yasso	Fudge Bar	~80	0g	5g	Cane Sugar	Greek yogurt base, pre-portioned
Enlightened	Cookies & Cream	~120	3.5g	6g	Sugar Alcohols	High protein, varied flavor options
Breyers	No Sugar Added Vanilla	~110	4g	2g	Maltitol, Sucralose	Well-known brand, uses sugar alcohols

Making the Right Choice for Your Diet

Deciding on the best low-calorie ice cream depends on individual health goals, taste preferences, and sensitivities. For those prioritizing the absolute lowest calorie count, Arctic Zero is often the winner, though some may find the texture unappealing. For a better balance of flavor and texture with moderate calories, Halo Top is a very popular choice. If portion control is a primary concern, the pre-packaged bars from brands like Yasso are an excellent strategy. When considering products with sugar alcohols, be mindful of potential digestive effects, and if you are sensitive, look for products that use alternatives like stevia or monk fruit. For the ultimate control over ingredients and to avoid any unwanted additives, homemade recipes can be a perfect solution.

Conclusion

While there is no single "most low calorie ice cream" for everyone, Arctic Zero stands out for its extremely low-calorie options, sacrificing some creaminess for minimal guilt. However, Halo Top generally offers the most satisfying trade-off between reduced calories and authentic ice cream taste. Ultimately, reading nutrition labels is crucial to understand ingredients and find the best fit for your dietary needs. The market offers plenty of choices, whether you prioritize ultra-low calories, a specific taste profile, or convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is low calorie ice cream healthy?

While lower in calories and sometimes sugar compared to regular ice cream, it's essential to read the full nutrition label. Some options use artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, and may be lower in beneficial nutrients found in dairy, so moderation and checking ingredients is key.

How do companies make ice cream low calorie?

To lower the calorie count, manufacturers reduce the amount of high-calorie fats and sugars. They often replace sugar with alternative sweeteners like erythritol or stevia and use a skim milk or plant-based base to reduce fat content.

Does low calorie ice cream taste as good as regular ice cream?

Taste and texture can be a major trade-off. While some brands have perfected the balance, others are noted for having a less creamy, more icy or artificial taste. Personal preference plays a significant role, so it's best to try a few options.

Are sugar alcohols in low calorie ice cream bad for you?

Sugar alcohols like erythritol are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) but can cause digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea, especially when consumed in large quantities. Some people are more sensitive to these than others.

Which brands offer dairy-free low calorie options?

Brands like Arctic Zero and Halo Top have dairy-free versions. Other brands like So Delicious also offer a variety of non-dairy frozen desserts, often using ingredients like almond, soy, or coconut milk.

What is the lowest calorie frozen dessert overall?

Sorbet is typically the lowest calorie frozen dessert, as it is made primarily from fruit puree and sugar and contains no dairy fat. However, sorbet often has a higher sugar content and lacks the protein of Greek yogurt-based options.

Can I make my own low calorie ice cream at home?

Yes, many simple recipes exist for homemade low-calorie ice cream. Common ingredients include frozen bananas, low-fat milk alternatives, Greek yogurt, and natural sweeteners, allowing you complete control over the ingredients.