Which Ice Cream Has the Most Protein? A Brand-by-Brand Comparison

November 12, 2025 •

5 min read

The global market for high-protein ice cream is projected to grow significantly by 2032, highlighting a strong consumer demand for healthier dessert options. For fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals, knowing which ice cream has the most protein can make all the difference in achieving their dietary goals.

Quick Summary

An in-depth guide to the top high-protein ice cream brands available, comparing their protein content, calories, and ingredients to help you choose the best option.

Key Points

Protein Pints Often Tops the List: Newer brands like Protein Pints frequently offer the highest protein content per pint, reaching up to 30g.
Halo Top is a Pioneer: Halo Top is a well-known option, typically providing around 24g of protein per pint in its original dairy varieties.
Enlightened Offers Strong Macros: Enlightened is another popular choice, offering a balanced profile of 20-24g of protein and lower calories.
Not All High-Protein Ice Creams are Equal: The amount of protein varies significantly between brands and even flavors, so checking the nutrition label is crucial.
Ingredients Matter: High-protein ice creams use added protein concentrates and alternative sweeteners, which can affect texture and taste compared to traditional ice cream.
Plant-Based Options Exist: Dairy-free high-protein versions, like those from So Delicious, are also available, though they may have slightly less protein per serving.
Weight Management Aid: The high protein content can increase satiety, helping with appetite control and weight management goals.

The Rise of High-Protein Frozen Desserts

In recent years, the freezer aisle has undergone a transformation, with a surge of products designed to cater to health and fitness-conscious consumers. This has led to the proliferation of high-protein ice creams, which offer a sweet treat with the added benefit of a significant protein boost. These products differ from traditional ice creams by incorporating protein concentrates and using alternative sweeteners to keep sugar and calorie counts low, making them a popular choice for post-workout recovery or a guilt-free indulgence.

The Leading High-Protein Ice Cream Brands

Protein Pints: The Maximum Protein Contender

For consumers whose primary goal is to maximize protein intake, newer brands like Protein Pints are often the answer. Several sources indicate that Protein Pints can deliver an impressive 30 grams of protein per pint. The brand focuses on creating a high-protein, zero-added-sugar product while maintaining a smooth and creamy texture, a common challenge for low-sugar frozen desserts. The secret often lies in a specific combination of whey and milk protein concentrates, along with low-calorie sweeteners.

Halo Top: A Pioneer in Low-Calorie Protein Ice Cream

Halo Top was one of the first brands to popularize the low-calorie, high-protein ice cream market. While protein content can vary by flavor, a pint of a classic dairy flavor like vanilla typically contains around 24 grams of protein. Halo Top achieves this balance using ultra-filtered skim milk to concentrate protein and a mix of sugar and sugar alcohols for sweetness. The brand also offers non-dairy and lower-calorie options, though these may contain less protein per serving.

Enlightened: A Strong All-Around Option

Enlightened is another major player known for its balanced nutritional profile. Depending on the flavor, Enlightened's light ice cream pints range from 20 to 24 grams of protein. The brand utilizes milk protein concentrate and is sweetened with sugar substitutes, offering a solid alternative with a good protein punch and fewer calories than traditional ice cream. In addition to pints, they also offer bars for portion control.

Other High-Protein Contenders

The landscape includes other notable options worth considering:

Nick's Ice Cream: This Swedish-style light ice cream focuses on a rich, creamy texture with no added sugar. While some flavors feature a moderate amount of protein (e.g., Triple Chocolate Brownie at 12g per pint), it is generally not the top choice for maximum protein density.
Arctic Zero: Positioned as a non-dairy, plant-based frozen dessert, Arctic Zero contains a significantly lower protein amount, often just 2 grams per serving, due to its faba bean protein base. It is better suited for those prioritizing low calories and fat rather than high protein.
Breyers Delights: This line from the classic Breyers brand offers a higher protein, lower-calorie alternative to its traditional products, often around 20 grams of protein per pint.

High-Protein Ice Cream Comparison Table


Brand	Protein per Pint (approx.)	Calories per Pint (approx.)	Key Feature	Best For
Protein Pints	30g	300-350	Maximum protein density	Dedicated protein seekers
Halo Top (Dairy)	24g	280-360	Pioneer brand with many flavors	Balanced nutrition & variety
Enlightened (Light)	20-24g	240-400	Strong macros and flavor options	All-around healthy indulgence
Nick's	10-12g (varies)	300-400	Low sugar, creamy texture	Flavor and texture focus
Arctic Zero (Non-Dairy)	8g (per pint)	200-250	Plant-based, very low calorie	Vegan, low-cal, moderate protein
Breyers Delights	20g	260-330	A classic brand's light option	Brand familiarity

How to Choose the Right High-Protein Ice Cream for You

Selecting the best high-protein ice cream depends on individual dietary needs and preferences. While Protein Pints leads in raw protein numbers, other brands offer different advantages:

Prioritize Protein: If maximizing protein is your top priority, brands like Protein Pints and some varieties of Halo Top and Enlightened are the clear frontrunners. Always check the nutrition facts on the specific flavor you intend to purchase, as protein counts can vary.
Focus on Calories: For those strictly managing calorie intake, Halo Top and Enlightened are excellent choices, as they offer a solid protein-to-calorie ratio.
Consider Dietary Restrictions: If you are vegan or lactose intolerant, brands like Arctic Zero and specific non-dairy lines from Halo Top or So Delicious are necessary. However, be aware that the protein content in non-dairy versions is often lower than their dairy counterparts.
Evaluate Ingredients: Review the ingredient list to understand the source of protein (e.g., milk protein concentrate vs. pea protein) and the type of sweeteners used, as some people may be sensitive to sugar alcohols.

The Health Benefits of a High-Protein Treat

Incorporating a high-protein ice cream into your diet offers several potential health benefits, especially when used to replace a higher-sugar, high-fat dessert.

Supports Muscle Repair and Growth: Protein is essential for muscle recovery after exercise, making high-protein ice cream a convenient and delicious post-workout treat.
Increases Satiety: Protein promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help manage cravings and reduce overall calorie intake, supporting weight management goals.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar: By having a more balanced macronutrient profile, often with less added sugar, these desserts can help prevent the blood sugar spikes associated with traditional sweets.

Conclusion: Choosing the Champion

So, which ice cream has the most protein? Based on the available market data, Protein Pints consistently provides one of the highest protein counts per serving, making it the technical leader in this category. However, the 'best' option is subjective and depends on your specific needs. Halo Top and Enlightened offer excellent, high-protein alternatives that have been trusted by consumers for years. For those prioritizing a plant-based option, alternatives exist but typically with a compromise on protein quantity. The key is to examine the nutrition label to align the product with your fitness and health objectives, proving that a sweet treat can indeed be part of a balanced diet.

A Note on Homemade High-Protein Ice Cream

For those who prefer complete control over their ingredients, creating homemade high-protein ice cream is a simple and effective option. Using a base of Greek yogurt, milk, and your favorite protein powder, along with natural sweeteners, can create a personalized dessert that rivals commercial products. This method avoids potential additives and allows for custom flavors and macronutrient ratios.

Frequently Asked Questions

Currently, brands like Protein Pints are known for having some of the highest protein content, with some flavors offering up to 30 grams per pint.

High-protein ice cream can be a healthier alternative to regular ice cream, as it often has less sugar and fat and provides beneficial protein. However, it is still a processed treat and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The taste and texture can differ from regular ice cream due to the use of protein concentrates and alternative sweeteners. While brands have made significant improvements, some people may notice a difference in creaminess or sweetness compared to traditional versions.

The benefits include supporting muscle repair after exercise, increasing feelings of fullness (satiety) to aid with appetite control, and providing a more nutritionally balanced dessert option with less sugar and fat.

Yes, many brands offer dairy-free or plant-based high-protein frozen desserts. Brands like Arctic Zero and Halo Top have non-dairy lines, though the protein content may be lower than their dairy-based products.

High-protein ice cream typically uses protein sources such as milk protein concentrate, whey protein, or plant-based proteins (like pea protein). They often use alternative sweeteners like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit extract instead of a high amount of sugar.

Some high-protein ice creams use sugar alcohols like erythritol, which can cause digestive upset, including bloating or gas, in some individuals if consumed in large quantities. Portion control is recommended.