Who Has the Healthiest Ice Cream? A Nutritional Guide

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), the nutritional value of "healthy" ice cream options varies significantly by brand, ingredients, and processing. In the debate over who has the healthiest ice cream, the answer is far from simple and depends entirely on your dietary priorities.

Quick Summary

This nutritional guide compares ice cream and frozen dessert brands, analyzing calorie, fat, sugar, and protein content to identify healthier options based on dietary preferences and goals.

Key Points

Halo Top offers low calories and high protein: This brand is a top contender for those seeking a reduced-calorie, protein-rich frozen treat due to its use of low-calorie sweeteners.
Enlightened provides low-calorie and diet-friendly options: Similar to Halo Top, Enlightened offers a wide range of low-calorie, low-fat, and high-protein ice creams and bars for health-conscious consumers.
Cado uses avocado for a creamy, dairy-free dessert: Made with avocado puree, Cado is a unique plant-based option that provides healthy monounsaturated fats, though calorie content should be noted.
Yasso offers protein-packed, portion-controlled bars: Using Greek yogurt, Yasso bars deliver a higher protein content in a pre-portioned format, ideal for mindful snacking.
Alternatives like sorbet and gelato have specific pros and cons: Sorbet is fat-free but can be high in sugar, while gelato has less fat than regular ice cream but can still be sugar-dense.
The "healthiest" choice depends on your personal diet goals: No single brand is universally healthiest. Compare calories, fat, sugar, and ingredients based on what matters most to your nutrition plan.

For many, the idea of a "healthy" ice cream seems like a contradiction. However, with the rise of diet-conscious alternatives, the frozen dessert aisle has exploded with options promising fewer calories, less sugar, and more protein or fiber. Deciphering which brand truly offers the healthiest choice requires a deeper look beyond the marketing on the pint.

Understanding the Metrics for Healthy Ice Cream

The term "healthy" is subjective and can mean different things to different people. For some, it's about the lowest calorie count, while for others it's about minimal added sugar or avoiding dairy. Key factors to consider when evaluating a frozen treat include:

Calorie Count: Many brands like Halo Top and Enlightened specialize in low-calorie options, often achieved by reducing sugar and fat.
Added Sugar: Excess sugar is a primary health concern. Healthier options typically use alternative sweeteners like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit.
Fat Content: Traditional ice cream is high in saturated fat. Gelato, frozen yogurt, and sorbet generally have less fat, but some coconut-based vegan options can still be high.
Protein and Fiber: Brands often add these to enhance nutritional value and promote satiety. For example, Yasso uses Greek yogurt for a protein boost, while some low-cal pints include added fiber.
Ingredients and Additives: A shorter, more recognizable ingredient list is often a sign of a less processed product. Be mindful of artificial sweeteners or fibers that can cause digestive issues for some people.

Top Brands for a Smarter Indulgence

Halo Top

Since its launch, Halo Top has become a household name for low-calorie ice cream. Most of its dairy pints contain 280–360 calories per pint, with lower-sugar and higher-protein content compared to traditional ice cream. Their use of alternative sweeteners like erythritol and stevia keeps the sugar count low, but some consumers may experience digestive sensitivity.

Enlightened

Positioned as a competitor to Halo Top, Enlightened also focuses on low-calorie, low-sugar, and high-protein formulas. They offer both dairy and dairy-free options and utilize natural flavors and sweeteners, appealing to a broad audience.

Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars

Yasso stands out by using Greek yogurt as its base, resulting in a product that is naturally higher in protein and lower in fat. The bars come in perfectly portioned sizes, helping with mindful consumption. While they contain sugar, they often have less than leading novelty brands.

Cado Avocado Frozen Dessert

Cado offers a unique plant-based option, using avocado puree as its base. This provides a creamy texture with a different fat profile—avocado is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. While higher in calories than some low-cal options, it's a great dairy-free choice with a focus on whole-food ingredients.

How Alternatives Stack Up

Gelato: With less cream and fewer egg yolks than traditional ice cream, gelato is generally lower in fat. However, it can still be high in sugar, so portion control remains key.
Sorbet: A fat-free option, sorbet is made from fruit puree and sugar. The sugar content can sometimes be higher than ice cream, so it's not a guaranteed healthier choice.
Plant-Based Ice Cream: Options range widely. While some, like Cado, offer excellent nutritional profiles, others, especially coconut-based versions, can be high in saturated fat and sugar. Always check the label.
Homemade "Nice Cream": Blending frozen bananas or other fruits is an easy, low-sugar, high-fiber, and all-natural alternative.

Nutritional Comparison of Popular Frozen Treats


Product Type	Example	Serving Size (approx.)	Calories	Saturated Fat (g)	Added Sugar (g)
Low-Cal Dairy	Halo Top (Vanilla Bean)	2/3 cup	100	1.5	5
Low-Cal Keto	Enlightened (Peanut Butter Chocolate Bar)	1 bar	80	40 (note: very high)	0
Frozen Greek Yogurt	Yasso (Chocolate Fudge Bar)	1 bar	80	0	12
Plant-Based (Avocado)	Cado (Cookies & Cream)	2/3 cup	220	2	14
Plant-Based (Coconut)	So Delicious Coconutmilk Zero	2/3 cup	180	12	0
Gelato	Talenti (Organic Oak-Aged Vanilla)	2/3 cup	240	-	30
Regular Premium	Ben & Jerry's (Half Baked)	2/3 cup	370	12	31

Making Your Smart Choice

To find the healthiest ice cream for you, consider these key steps:

Define your goal: Are you aiming for low calories, low sugar, or something dairy-free? Your goal will narrow your search.
Read the label carefully: Don't just trust the front of the package. Compare the nutrition facts, especially fat and added sugar per serving.
Scrutinize the ingredient list: Look for recognizable ingredients. Be aware of sugar alcohols and high-fat plant bases like coconut milk, which can alter the nutritional profile.
Embrace portion control: Even healthier options are treats. A smaller, controlled portion of a more decadent flavor can be more satisfying than a large serving of a less-tasty "diet" alternative.
Try homemade: For ultimate control over ingredients, making your own frozen treats from blended frozen fruit or yogurt is a great option.

Conclusion

The quest for the healthiest ice cream leads to a diverse landscape of options, from low-calorie pints to plant-based alternatives and frozen yogurts. There is no single "healthiest" winner, as the best choice depends on individual dietary goals regarding calories, sugar, and ingredients. Brands like Halo Top and Enlightened offer lower-calorie, high-protein options, while Cado provides a creamy, dairy-free alternative rich in healthy fats. The key is to read nutrition labels, compare ingredients, and practice mindful portion control to enjoy your frozen treat without derailing your diet. A delicious indulgence can indeed be a smart choice.

Center for Science in the Public Interest: Healthy ice cream: Which brands are best?

Disclaimer: The nutritional information presented is for comparison based on available data and may vary by flavor and formulation. Always consult product packaging for the most accurate information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Low-calorie ice creams are typically healthier in terms of having fewer calories, less sugar, and sometimes more protein than traditional ice cream. However, many rely on alternative sweeteners and additives which some people may prefer to avoid or find cause digestive issues.

Gelato is generally lower in fat than traditional ice cream because it's made with more milk and less cream. However, it can still contain a significant amount of sugar, so comparing nutritional labels is important.

Not necessarily. While vegan ice cream is cholesterol-free and suitable for those avoiding dairy, some varieties, particularly those with a coconut milk base, can be high in saturated fat and added sugar. The health profile depends heavily on the base ingredients and other additives.

"Nice cream" is a homemade, plant-based frozen dessert, typically made by blending frozen bananas or other fruits. Since it's made from whole foods with no added sugar, it is an excellent and highly nutritious alternative to traditional ice cream.

Frozen Greek yogurt bars, like those from Yasso, are often higher in protein and lower in fat than many ice creams. They also offer a good source of calcium and come in portion-controlled servings, which can be beneficial for managing intake.

Some low-sugar ice creams use sugar alcohols like erythritol. While they provide sweetness with fewer calories, consuming large amounts can cause digestive upset like gas or bloating in sensitive individuals.

The best approach is to compare nutrition labels. Focus on calories, added sugar, fat, and protein content. Look for brands with whole ingredients and those that match your specific dietary needs, like dairy-free or low-sugar.