When it comes to indulging in sweet treats, ice cream is often at the top of the list. However, traditional icecream is loaded with calories, sugar, and fat, making it a challenging choice for those who are watching their weight or trying to eat a healthier diet. In recent years, low calorie ice creams and frozen yoghurts have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional ice cream for those who are health-conscious or looking to manage their weight. These products are usually marketed as being lower in calories and fat than regular ice creams, making them a more guilt-free indulgence.

Whilst it is important to consider the calorie content of different ice creams, it is also worth noting the nutritional composition of the frozen desserts. There are a variety of popular low calorie ice creams and also frozen yoghurts on the market. Below is a table outlining the key nutritional features of each of the ice creams and frozen yoghurts per 70g serve (around ½ cup).

Note: nutritional values may vary between flavours and actual serving sizes will differ between products

Halo Top

• Calories 64-81g
• Protein 5-6g
• Carbohydrates 11-13g
• Sugar 3-6g
• Fat 2-4g

Gym Bod

• Calories 80-100g
• Protein 6-7g
• Carbohydrates 9-12g
• Sugar 1-3g
• Fat 3-4g

YoPro

• Calories 80-100g
• Protein 10g
• Carbohydrates 7-11g
• Sugar 1-2g
• Fat 1-3g

Skinny Cow

• Calories 82-100g
• Protein 3-4g
• Carbohydrates 6-7g
• Sugar 5-6g
• Fat 1-2g

Twisted Licks

• Calories 82-138g
• Protein 2-5g
• Carbohydrates 2-9g
• Sugar 1-10g
• Fat 2-12g

Yo-Chi

• Calories 120-140g
• Protein 3-4g
• Carbohydrates 20-23g
• Sugar 18-20g
• Fat 1-2g

Denada

• Calories 140-190g
• Protein 3-4g
• Carbohydrates 2-5g
• Sugar 1-3g
• Fat 11-14g

What should we consider when comparing these low calorie ice creams and frozen yoghurts?

• Protein: Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a critical role in maintaining and building muscle mass. It also is more satiating than carbohydrates and fat, making it important for those wanting to lose weight. Both YoPro and Gym Bod ice creams contain a relatively high amount of protein per serving compared to the other frozen desserts.
• Carbohydrates and sugar: Carbohydrates are a primary energy source for the body, but consuming too much, particularly in the form of added sugars, can lead to weight gain and other health issues. All the ice creams have a low amount of sugar per serve, with the exception of Yo-Chi frozen yoghurt which is relatively high in sugar with 18-20g per serve.
• Calories: Overall, the calorie content of these frozen desserts is low, especially compared to traditional ice creams on the market. However, if weight loss is your goal, then looking at the lower calorie options such as Halo Top or Gym Bod may be better choice than Denada or Yo-Chi.

When choosing a low-calorie ice cream or frozen yoghurt, it’s important to consider all the factors such as protein, sugar and calorie content to make an informed decision that aligns with your health goals. Indulging in ice cream doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health goals. With so many low-calorie ice cream options on the market, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your diet.