Low calorie ice cream has become one of the most popular alternatives to regular ice cream for people trying to lose weight without giving up their favorite treat. Unlike regular ice cream, which is high in sugar and calories, low calorie ice cream provides fewer calories, lower sugar, and better macronutrient balance. So, let’s learn about the healthiest low carb ice cream brands and recipes.
Healthy ice cream is not defined by a single factor, such as calories alone. A 50-calorie scoop can still spike blood sugar if it mostly contains refined sugar.
The healthiest ice cream for weight loss creates a balance among calories, sugar, protein, and ingredients. The most important factors include:
Another factor is portion control and the psychology behind it. Many kinds of low calorie ice cream let you eat a larger portion with fewer calories, which can reduce feelings of restriction and binge eating during dieting.
Finally, the base matters. Ice cream made with almond milk, skim milk, or cottage cheese behaves metabolically very differently from full-fat cream-based ice cream.
So, let’s start with the best low calorie ice cream brands and then learn recipes to make the healthiest low-carb ice creams at home.
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The table below compares the best low calorie ice brands and shows their nutrients so you can easily compare and choose.
Nick’s ranks because it provides the lowest sugar content while maintaining taste and texture, making it one of the healthiest ice cream options for weight loss.
So, as the table above shows, these ice creams balance macronutrients and calories to provide healthy snacks for those who want to both enjoy and lose weight.
But how different are these ice creams from regular ice creams? Can’t we lose weight by eating regular yummy ice creams?
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Healthy ice cream for weight loss is low in calories because to lose weight, you need to create a caloric deficit, meaning that the calories you receive should be fewer than the calories you burn, or you should burn more than you receive.
So, this is the main reason a low calorie ice cream helps with weight loss.
But we should remember that the number of daily calories differs from person to person and depends on the amount you need to get through the day.
Also, where you are sourcing calories from (carbohydrates, fat, or protein) affects your weight loss results. Lowering carbohydrates and consuming more fat and protein induces ketosis and boosts weight loss, plus many other health benefits.
If you are looking for healthy ways to lose weight quickly, learn about the Primal Diet and its three stages: Low-Carb, Keto, and Carnivore Diet.
Comparing low calorie ice cream with regular and other options helps you better understand the differences.
As the table above shows, low calorie ice cream significantly reduces caloric density while providing similar taste and structure as regular ice creams, which is the main reason you can stick to it for the long term.
If you also check the above table, you will see that low-calorie ice cream is also low in sugar. Let’s find out if sugar free ice cream is also good for weight loss.
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Sugar free ice cream replaces sugar with sweeteners like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit, which can significantly reduce calories and blood sugar spikes, making it a great option for:
While sugar free ice cream is low in calories and good for weight loss, avoid overconsuming it because it can cause digestive discomfort for some people due to sugar alcohols. Moderation is the best strategy, even with sugar-free products.
Another health option for weight loss is ice cream bars. Let’s see how they can help with portion control.
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The use of ice cream bars for weight loss is underrated because they are pre-portioned and naturally limit your calorie intake. So, the best features of low calorie ice cream bars for weight loss include:
They are especially helpful for people who struggle to stop after just one scoop!
Another popular type of ice cream among those who are trying to lose weight is almond milk ice cream. Some say it is a healthier ice cream; let’s find out if it really is.
Almond milk ice cream is marketed as a healthier ice cream, but the results are very different and even contradictory. The biggest advantage of this ice cream is lower saturated fat, which can help with heart health and calorie control.
For weight loss, almond milk ice cream works best when paired with low sugar and added fiber or protein. Let’s check out the most important pros and cons of almond milk ice cream in the table below.
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If you like hands-on experiences or prefer to control the ingredients to make the healthiest ice cream at home, use the following recipes.
This low calorie ice cream is also Keto-friendly because it has no sugar. You can make 4 servings of this Keto Vanilla Ice Cream with no churn in about 2 hours, which is mostly freezing time.
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Calories: 120 kcal | Fat: 10 g | Carbohydrates: 3 g (net carbs: 1 g) | Protein: 2 g
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This high-protein and low carb ice cream is made with cottage cheese and chocolate. To make 2 servings of it, you need 5 minutes for preparation and about 1 hour for freezing.
Calories: 140 kcal | Protein: 14 g | Sugar: 4 g | Fat: 3 g
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Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about low calorie ice cream.
The healthiest ice cream is low in calories (under 150 per serving), low in sugar, and even higher in protein. Brands like Nick’s and Halo Top consistently are good.
Yes, low calorie ice cream helps satisfy cravings while staying in a calorie deficit, which is essential for weight loss.
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Sugar free ice cream is better for blood sugar control, but low calorie ice cream tastes better and is easier to stick with long-term.
You can, as long as total daily calories stay in a deficit. Portion-controlled ice cream bars work best for daily intake.
It’s usually lower in fat and calories, but always check the sugar content. Not all almond milk ice creams are low calorie.
