7 Ice Cream Brands That Aren’t So Healthy And 7 Dietitian-Approved Favorites

Ice cream is the ultimate treat, but not all brands play nice with your health goals.

Some sneak in extra sugar and additives that leave you feeling guilty after every scoop, while others stick to quality ingredients that satisfy cravings without the regrets.

Whether you’re chasing creamy comfort or a smarter scoop, this mix of indulgent and dietitian-approved brands will help you make sweet choices that keep both your taste buds and your wellness happy.

1. Häagen-Dazs: Luxurious but Calorie-Heavy

Creamy, rich, and absolutely indulgent – that’s Häagen-Dazs in a nutshell. Despite its fancy-sounding Danish name (which is completely made up), this American brand packs a serious caloric punch.

Their classic vanilla contains about 270 calories and 17g of fat per serving.

The super-premium ingredients like fresh cream and egg yolks create that velvety texture we all love, but nutritionists warn against making it a nightly habit.

2. Ben & Jerry’s: Flavor-Packed Splurge

Vermont’s famous ice cream rebels never shy away from cramming every pint with chunks, swirls, and calorie-laden goodness.

Their fun flavors like Chunky Monkey and Cherry Garcia have cult followings, but dietitians cringe at the sugar content.

Most pints contain around 1,000 total calories! Founded by two hippies with a $5 ice cream-making course under their belts, this brand prioritizes taste and social causes over waistlines. Save these pints for special occasions.

3. Blue Bell: Southern Comfort in a Carton

“We eat all we can and sell the rest” isn’t just Blue Bell’s charming slogan – it’s a warning about this Texas treasure’s addictive quality.

Their Homemade Vanilla remains the company’s best-seller since 1969, but nutritionists point to concerning ingredients. High fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors appear frequently in their formulations.

After recovering from a major listeria outbreak in 2015, the brand maintains devoted fans across the South, but health experts suggest moderation with this creamy indulgence.

4. Baskin-Robbins: 31 Flavors of Nostalgia

Remember those birthday parties where everyone got a scoop of their favorite color? Baskin-Robbins built its empire on choice and nostalgia, but nutritionists raise eyebrows at what’s inside those colorful tubs.

Many flavors contain artificial colors, corn syrup, and gums to maintain that perfect scoop-shop texture. A regular scoop packs around 260 calories without toppings!

Founded in 1945 by two ice cream-loving brothers-in-law, the brand’s signature pink spoons might trigger childhood memories, but aren’t your healthiest dessert option.

5. Breyers: The Grocery Store Staple That’s Changed

Grandma might remember when Breyers proudly advertised their simple, natural ingredients. Times have changed – many Breyers products now can’t legally be called “ice cream” but rather “frozen dairy dessert.”

The switch happened when they reduced milk fat and added air, gums, and fillers.

Regular varieties contain around 130-150 calories per serving, which seems reasonable until you notice most people eat far more than the suggested half-cup serving.

The brand’s “natural” marketing persists despite ingredient lists that would confuse a chemistry student.

6. Friendly’s: Restaurant Nostalgia in Your Freezer

Those iconic sundaes from the family restaurant chain now sit in your grocery freezer, but nutritionists warn they bring restaurant-sized calories home too.

The brand’s signature Jubilee Roll and ice cream cakes are celebration staples in many households. Most flavors contain corn syrup, artificial flavors, and thickeners that dietitians flag as concerning.

Founded in 1935 during the Great Depression, brothers Curtis and Prestley Blake started with just 5-cent ice cream cones. Today’s offerings might trigger warm memories but won’t help with healthy eating goals.

7. Cold Stone Creamery: Mix-in Madness

Watching employees smash cookies, candies, and syrups into your ice cream on that frozen granite slab feels like entertainment and dessert combined!

Unfortunately, the nutrition facts are equally entertaining – in a horrifying way. A medium “Creation” can easily exceed 800 calories and 50g of sugar.

The brand’s super-premium base (16% butterfat) starts indulgent before add-ins even enter the picture.

Cold Stone’s singing staff might bring smiles, but dietitians suggest making these customized calorie bombs a rare treat rather than a regular indulgence.

8. Halo Top: The Guilt-Free Revolution

Whoever thought an entire pint of ice cream could contain fewer calories than a single serving of traditional brands? Halo Top disrupted the industry with their 280-380 calorie pints and protein-focused marketing.

Using stevia, erythritol, and prebiotic fiber instead of sugar keeps calories low while maintaining sweetness. Dietitians appreciate the portion-controlled approach and protein boost (around 20g per pint).

The texture isn’t quite as creamy as full-fat versions, but many find it’s close enough to satisfy cravings without derailing health goals.

9. Yasso: Greek Yogurt Goodness on a Stick

Two childhood friends who grew up playing sports together created these Greek yogurt bars that balance indulgence with nutrition.

Each colorful pop contains around 100 calories with real Greek yogurt providing a protein boost (5-6g per bar). The probiotic benefits of yogurt remain somewhat intact, making these a dietitian favorite.

No artificial sweeteners appear in the ingredient list – just milk, yogurt, and real fruit or chocolate.

The portion-controlled format helps prevent the mindless eating that happens with pints, making these a smart choice for dessert lovers.

10. Enlightened: The Macro-Friendly Option

Fitness enthusiasts rejoice! Enlightened markets itself as “the good-for-you ice cream” with nutrition stats to back up the claim.

Their pints and bars focus on higher protein (7-8g) and fiber content while keeping sugar remarkably low.

Using monk fruit and erythritol instead of sugar helps achieve the 70-100 calories per serving that makes this brand popular with the health-conscious crowd.

Founded by an MBA student seeking better post-workout treats, Enlightened offers keto-friendly options too.

The texture has improved dramatically since early formulations, making this a dietitian-approved choice.

11. So Delicious Dairy Free: Plant-Based Paradise

Lactose intolerant ice cream lovers aren’t left out in the cold with So Delicious’ expansive dairy-free lineup.

Their no-sugar-added coconut milk varieties particularly impress nutritionists, containing just 100-130 calories per serving.

Sweetened with monk fruit and erythritol, these treats satisfy without blood sugar spikes. The brand offers options based on coconut, oat, soy, cashew, and almond milks to accommodate various allergies and preferences.

Plant-based eating gets a lot more exciting when creamy, frozen treats like these make the approved list.

12. Arctic Zero: Practically Guilt-Free Scooping

How does 35 calories per serving sound? Arctic Zero’s whipped, light texture comes from a base of purified water, whey protein concentrate, and chicory root fiber rather than cream.

The result feels more like frozen whipped topping than traditional ice cream, but satisfies sweet cravings with minimal caloric impact. Dietitians recommend this for those closely watching calories or blood sugar.

Founded by a diabetic looking for safe frozen treats, Arctic Zero contains no artificial sweeteners, using monk fruit instead to achieve sweetness without sugar alcohols.

13. Cado: Avocado’s Surprising Frozen Form

Whoever thought avocados would make excellent ice cream deserves a medal for nutritional innovation!

Cado replaces dairy fat with avocado’s heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, creating a surprisingly creamy texture.

Each serving contains around 170 calories with no artificial ingredients and less sugar than traditional brands. The subtle avocado flavor works beautifully with chocolate and mint varieties.

Nutritionists praise the organic ingredient list and healthier fat profile, making this a revolutionary option for the health-conscious with dietary restrictions.

14. Nick’s Swedish Style Light Ice Cream: European Ingenuity

Swedish food science meets American dessert cravings in this newcomer that’s quickly gaining fans.

Nick’s uses a patented blend of plant-based fats and proteins to achieve full-fat mouthfeel with just 70 calories per serving.

Founded by Niclas Luthman after his diabetes diagnosis, the brand focuses on blood sugar-friendly formulations. Their peanut butter caramel flavor tastes shockingly decadent for the nutrition profile.

Dietitians recommend this for anyone watching carbs or calories who refuses to compromise on taste – the Swedish approach to ice cream might just be revolutionary.

0 Shares