ICE CREAM
ALTERNATIVES
Pros & Cons
Sorbet/granita
Made from whipped fruit puree.
Dairy-free and lower in calories than ice cream. Usually no saturated fat.
Often higher in sugar than ice cream.
Sherbet
Fruit-based, with some milk added.
Fewer calories and less saturated fat than ice cream.
Often higher in sugar than ice cream.
Gelato
Dense ice cream, with less air whipped into it.
Flavorful. By weight, lower in saturated fat, sugar and calories than ice cream.
One serving is about three-fourths the size of a serving of ice cream.
Frozen yogurt
Sometimes contains live cultures.
May contain good-for-your-gut probiotics. Lower in calories and saturated fat than ice cream.
High in sugar (about the same amount as ice cream).
Frozen fruit bar
Made of fruit, water, fruit juice concentrates and sweeteners/added sugars.
If made from real fruit, contains some vitamins. Lower in calories than ice cream. Typically very low in saturated fat.
May be high in added sugars, so compare labels.
Light ice cream
Comparative term, applied to brands within same company.
Has 25% less fat and/or 33% fewer calories than regular ice cream.
Still is not low in sugar or fat or calories.
‘Healthier’ ice cream
Sold in pints.
Higher in protein, and lower in added sugar and saturated fat, than regular ice cream.
Certain ingredients may cause GI distress. Calories, sugar and fat add up if you eat a whole pint.
©2017 Cleveland Clinic
