If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth without putting on weight, there are some tasty options out there that have less sugar than their conventional counterparts.
These frozen treats use natural or artificial sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit to significantly lower the amount of sugar and calories in their products while still delivering flavor.
1. Dairy-Free
If you’re looking for ice cream that has less sugar than your usual treat, dairy-free might be the best way to go. It can still be a delicious choice, as it’s often made from ingredients like coconut milk or soy milk, but you should always be aware of your calorie and sugar limits when choosing this type of frozen dessert.
It’s also important to remember that not all dairy-free ice cream is created equal, and some brands are healthier than others. Compared to dairy-based ice cream, these vegan options tend to have lower calorie counts and higher levels of calcium.
Some of these options also have fewer saturated fats and more fiber than their dairy-based counterparts. For instance, the So Delicious line of vanilla coconut ice cream has only 6 grams of saturated fat per serving, which is a third of your daily limit, according to the American Heart Association.
However, it is possible that some dairy-free ice creams are higher in saturated fat and calories than their dairy-based counterparts. This could be due to the fact that they use a high-fat, higher-protein substitute for milk or cream.
The best way to find dairy-free ice cream with less sugar is to look at the ingredient list. It’s also helpful to check for certifications like vegan2, gluten-free3, and egg-free4, which can be an indication of a healthier product.
You should also look for a brand that uses a variety of base ingredients, such as oat milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, sunflower butter, and avocado puree and oil. These can add a different flavor and texture to your favorite dairy-free frozen dessert, and you may prefer one over the other.
While some dairy-free ice creams are made with synthetic lactase enzymes that break down the dairy-based products, others are actually derived from animal milk (with the lactase removed). If you have a lactose intolerance, these will likely be the best option for you.
There are a few dairy-free options that get top marks for taste and mouth feel, including Hudsonville Dairy Free Frozen Desserts, So Delicious Dairy Free Oatmilk Ice Cream, and Yellofruit. These all have a creamy, rich consistency that will satisfy your cravings and give you a good sense of what the dairy version is like without the extra guilt.
2. Vegan
If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, or you have a dairy allergy, there are many great vegan and plant-based options for ice cream. These delicious treats are lower in calories and fat, but still taste just as good as the regular stuff.
Ben & Jerry’s recently launched a line of vegan ice cream, and it’s available in a variety of flavors. The company uses almond milk and pea protein to create a creamy, satisfying texture without any of the dairy. It’s also low in calories and fat, and it comes in at fewer than half the amount of protein you get from dairy ice cream.
Halo Top is another brand that offers a range of ice creams that are vegan. Their Chocolate Fudge Brownie flavor has less than half the sugar of the regular version, and it’s also lower in calories and fat.
Fruit-based vegan ice cream is also a better choice than dairy ice cream, as it’s packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. In fact, some of the best-tasting vegan ice creams use fruit as their base.
Arctic Zero, for example, is a non-dairy ice cream that’s packed with a lot of flavor (and just 160 calories per pint), and it’s free from refined sugar. It comes in a variety of flavors, including Cherry Chocolate Chunk and Brownie Batter Blast, but our favorite is the Pure Chocolate.
These are just a few of the great vegan options you can find in your freezer aisle, but there are lots of other delicious treats to choose from. Just make sure to check the ingredients, as some of these options may contain high amounts of sugar.
Some vegan-friendly ice creams are made with sugar substitutes, such as erythritol, to help cut back on the number of grams of sugar in the product. Others are sweetened with stevia or monk fruit, which is a natural sugar alcohol that has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar.
When you’re eating ice cream, it’s important to remember that the sugar in it can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure and other health problems, so it’s important to limit your intake of this sweet treat. It’s best to eat healthier by choosing a vegan or plant-based frozen dessert that has 10 grams of sugar or less per serving, so you can avoid the harmful effects of sugar.
3. Keto
Keto ice cream is an excellent option for those following a keto diet, as it has lower carbs than regular ice cream. However, you must read the labels and understand how much sugar is in the ice cream to stay within your daily carb allowance.
Many of these ice creams are made with low-carb sweeteners such as monk fruit extract, sugar alcohol, and allulose. These are all approved by the Keto Certified Standards and may be a better choice for those on a keto diet than aspartame or other artificial sweeteners.
The ice cream is also made with a small amount of milk protein isolate, which adds extra protein and reduces the net carbs per serving. The ice cream is also made with erythritol, which may help reduce the risk of cavities and improve dental health.
This brand offers a variety of flavors, including Chocolate Peanut Butter and Banana Cream Pie. It’s available in a pint and also as a snack pack, which is a great option for those looking for an easy way to get their keto fix!
They use a combination of skim milk and cream, which is a good alternative to high-fat cow’s milk. They also have a few non-dairy options for those who are allergic to dairy or prefer a vegan option.
Some keto ice creams are made with high-fat cream, which is a good choice if you want a creamy, silky texture. But be careful about consuming too much of this type of ice cream, as it can lead to weight gain and stall your weight loss goals.
Another option is to make your own keto ice cream using a recipe that contains coconut milk and almond butter, along with erythritol and vanilla. You can easily adapt this recipe for any flavor you like, and the results are usually delicious!
These ice creams are also made with real ingredients and are gluten free. They contain fewer carbohydrates than regular ice cream and are often made with a mixture of sugar replacements, such as honey, stevia, and coconut sugar.
4. Gluten-Free
Ice cream is a popular dessert, but it’s also full of sugar and fat. When it comes to ice cream, there are many options for those looking to reduce their sugar intake.
Luckily, there are also a number of gluten-free options out there that taste just as good as the regular ones. You can find these frozen treats at your local grocery store or order them online for home delivery.
The best thing about gluten-free ice cream is that it doesn’t have any artificial ingredients. Most of these brands are certified gluten-free by the GFCO (Gluten Free Certification Organization), so you can enjoy them without any worry.
But just because a product is gluten-free doesn’t mean that it’s healthy to eat. Those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity can still have problems if they eat too much of it, especially if they also consume large amounts of sugar.
To avoid this, read the ingredient list carefully and look for words that include wheat, barley, rye, and oats. This can help you avoid consuming gluten-containing ingredients, like malt, natural flavors, yeast extract, or brown rice syrup.
For example, Breyers ice cream is made with less than 20 parts per million of gluten. This is the minimum amount of gluten that the FDA considers gluten-free.
Another popular brand is Haagen-Dazs, which produces a wide range of gluten-free ice cream. The company claims that all of its ice creams are safe for those with gluten sensitivity, and they label all products with the word “gluten-free” on them.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that some of the company’s ice cream products, like Dreyers, Edy’s, and the new Arctic Rush, are made with added bakery products, so they may contain gluten.
When shopping for ice cream, be sure to read the ingredient list and ask about the gluten content of each flavor. It’s also a good idea to contact the company if you have any questions.
If you are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, it’s best to choose a brand that is dedicated to manufacturing gluten-free ice cream. These companies will have strict standards for preventing cross-contamination and will label their products accordingly.
Beyond the realm of flavor and technique, Adriano recognizes the importance of sustainability and conscious consumption. His writing often explores eco-friendly practices within the ice cream industry, highlighting the use of locally sourced ingredients, reducing waste, and supporting ethical production methods.