8 healthy ice cream brands that doctors and nutritionists swear by

When it comes to ice cream, the options in your grocery store’s freezer aisle are myriad these days, from full-fat ice creams to brands like Halo Top that contain a surprisingly low number of calories (along with ingredients like erythritol, xylitol, and gum guar). When it comes to what is “healthy” and what isn’t, many factors come into play.

In recent years, discussions about nutrition have shifted in a really positive direction, with support for mindful eating replacing old, harmful ideas about “guilty pleasure” foods. Besides, eat foods that bring you pleasure”it can trigger the brain to feel happier and more positive by increasing serotonin, which is considered necessary and healthy,” he said. Tracy Lockwood Beckermanregistered dietitian and author based in New York.

Ice cream falls into this category, and “healthy” ice cream options can include low-sugar and low-dairy versions, as well as full-fat and dairy ice creams eaten in moderation.

We asked dietitians, nutritionists and doctors to recommend the healthiest ice creams sold in grocery stores, and they came up with these eight suggestions, all available nationwide.

It’s easy to be skeptical about the idea that whole milk ice cream can fit into a healthy diet, but our experts overwhelmingly agreed that it’s very possible, as long as you pay close attention to the ingredients. Caroline Young, registered dietitian back Complete Self Cateringargued that these ice creams “are usually the best options unless you have a dairy allergy or intolerance. I find full-fat dairy to be the most filling choice, which makes sense, because fat is the main nutrient that makes food filling!”

When helping clients interpret ingredient lists and figure out which treats to add to their diet, Dr. Lisa Oldsona physician specializing in internal medicine and obesity medicine, who is also an instructor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, urges them to choose “Heysweets made with real food, rather than highly processed versions of dessert.’

Oldson finds that many lower-calorie, dairy-free brands use additives and artificial ingredients, and these chemical ingredients make it easier to overeat (as they’re not as filling and satisfying as natural ingredients) and can also put consumers at risk for “other health problems, including diabetes and dementia.”

Oldson recommends Haagen-Dazs as her top ice cream choice for a healthy diet, as this brand uses only “cream, skim milk, cane sugar, egg yolks and vanilla extract” to make vanilla ice cream.

Elizabeth Quinn, certified nutritionist and its creator Nutrition whole story, He agreed. “Haagen-Dazs only uses eggs to stabilize its dairy products,” she said, so there are no gums (processed stabilizers). “Their ingredient lists are clean and natural. They do not use milk treated with rBST or cream,” Quinn added.

A 2/3 cup serving of Haagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream contains 320 calories, 25 total grams of sugar, 21 total grams of fat and 6 grams of protein. Each pint container contains 2.5 servings.

The rise of Halo Top in the world of frozen desserts has been quite remarkable. In 2017, Halo Top earned its title the most popular pint of ice cream in the United States.

While some of our experts expressed concern about Halo Top’s artificial and processed ingredients (including synthetic sweeteners and coloring agents), Katherine Gomez, a registered dietitian and medical reviewer at Psychemag, finds that Halo Top can be healthily incorporated into a balanced diet because the brand “Unique flavors include dairy, non-dairy and keto options.”

“It’s creamy, low-calorie, sugar-free ice cream,” Gomez said. “It’s also gluten-free, kosher and high in protein.”

A 2/3 cup serving of Halo Top vanilla ice cream contains 100 calories, 7 total grams of sugar, 2 total grams of fat and 6 grams of protein. Each container contains 3 servings.

Gelato, the Italian version of ice cream, has numerous health benefits. It contains less air than ice cream, which gives it a silkier texture. Some frozen dessert lovers assume that ice cream’s richer mouthfeel and more concentrated flavors mean that this product contains more fat and sugar than standard ice cream, but the opposite is true.

Talenti gelato, which can be found in grocery stores across the country, “it’s stirred slowly, (so) it’s creamy and has reduced fat,” said Erin Lehman, a registered dietitian who specializes in diabetes care and education with Arden Nutrition. Talenti is low fat, fewer calories and just as filling and delicious as any full fat dairy ice cream out there.

A 2/3 cup serving of Talenti Madagascan vanilla gelato contains 260 calories, 30 total grams of sugar, 13 total grams of fat and 5 grams of protein. Each container contains 3 servings.

Arctic Zero has made a real name for itself in the field of non-dairy ice cream, thanks to its wide range of flavors, wide distribution and creamy texture that is very close to that of “real” ice cream.

It’s a favorite brand of Mary Sabat, registered dietitian, certified trainer and creator Body drawings by Mary. Of made from purified water, organic cane sugar, allylose (a natural sweetener with fewer calories than sugar), cane fiber, faba protein concentrate, gum blend, natural flavors, sea salt and monk fruit concentrate.

“These plant-based ingredients create a higher protein product with less sugar and more fiber,” Sabat said.

In terms of sheer numbers, Sabat notes the low calorie count and high nutritional value of a reasonably sized serving: “Each 2/3-cup serving contains 50 calories, 3 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein and 0 grams of fat. “

“Organic” may seem like a buzzword with little meaning these days, but ice cream that actually meets the USDA’s organic standard. can easily be incorporated into an additive-free, health-conscious diet.

Pooja MahtaniafThe non-functional medicine clinical nutritionist considers Alec’s Ice Cream, which makes dairy ice cream with organic milk, a prime example of healthy dairy-based ice cream.

“Alec’s sources are from organic and pasture-raised cows and contain a moderate amount of sugar compared to other brands on the market,” Mahtani told us. “Plus, there are no preservatives or additives in this ice cream.”

A 2/3 cup serving of Alec’s Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream contains 270 calories, 23 total grams of sugar, 18 total grams of fat and 5 grams of protein. Each container contains 2.5 servings.

Using avocado as its main ingredient, Cado Avocado Frozen Dessert manages to create a plant-based ice cream that’s rich and creamy, while also being vegan-friendly and packed with healthy vitamins.

“I would consider an ice cream ‘healthy’ (if it’s) higher in protein than others and lower in sugar than others, while also offering some micronutrients,” explained Morgyn Clair, registered dietitian and health writer for Fit Healthy Momma. Cado, he said, fits all of those categories because “it’s lower in sugar than other options, (it’s) high in healthy fats and fiber, and the vitamin E is from avocados.”

A 1/2 cup serving of Cado nondairy vanilla bean frozen dessert contains 170 calories, 12 total grams of sugar, 11 total grams of fat and 0 grams of protein. Each container contains 3 servings.

Ben & Jerry’s, the delightfully kitschy ice cream brand founded by (and named after) two Vermont hippies, is best known for its creative flavors and slumber party-perfect containers. While none of these characteristics necessarily indicate Ben & Jerry’s potential as a healthy treat, Barbara Kovalenko, nutrition consultant at Lastaassured us that the brand’s ice cream can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a nutritious diet, largely because of its careful sourcing and focus on natural ingredients.

“Ben & Jerry’s provides organic and fair trade options,” Kovalenko said. To balance out the high calorie content, Kovalenko suggested “sticking to recommended portion sizes and treating yourself sometimes rather than making it a regular part of your diet.”

Dr. Ellen Albertson, registered dietitian and psychologist and creator The Midlife Whispereralso pointed out that the higher fat content of Ben & Jerry’s may make it easier to stick with smaller portions:

“TThe brand uses natural ingredients, no artificial fats and non-GMO milk from grass-fed cows,” said Albertson. “Plus, each scoop is packed with flavor, so a small portion is very satisfying.”

A 2/3 cup serving of Ben & Jerry’s vanilla ice cream contains 330 calories, 28 total grams of sugar, 21 total grams of fat and 6 grams of protein. Each container contains 3 servings.

Greek yogurt tends to be a popular choice among dairy fans looking to take a healthier approach, thanks to its thick texture, slightly tangy flavor, and higher protein content. Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars echo more typical ice cream bars with their luxurious, creamy tongue coating.

Molly Pelletiera registered dietitian who specializes in gut health, recommends them to anyone looking for a healthy ice cream option. “I’m a big fan of his Yasso Ice cream bars. “Yasso bars are not only low in sugar, but also a good source of protein (8 grams per bar),” he said.

One Yasso Vanilla Bean Frozen Yogurt Bar contains 80 calories, 12 total grams of sugar, 0.5 total grams of fat and 5 grams of protein. Each container contains 4 servings.

Yasso also makes bite-sized Poppables, which Beckerman sees as an ideal frozen snack. “Yasso Poppables are the healthiest on the market, thanks to the portion-controlled, probiotic-infused, runny Greek yogurt covered in dark chocolate quinoa,” he said.