What’s Really Inside That Pint of "Healthy" Ice Cream?
Dr. Steven GundryPublished on August 8, 2025
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
Many popular ice creams are unhealthy, containing excessive sugars and harmful ingredients. Consider healthier alternatives or make your own ice cream at home for a nutritious treat.
Key Points
- Regular ice cream is often a sugar bomb, loaded with unhealthy ingredients.
- Ben & Jerry's ice cream contains approximately 25 teaspoons of sugar per pint.
- Skinny Cow's ice cream sandwiches contain misleading health claims with high sugar content.
- Cottage cheese ice cream may contain harmful proteins and sugar molecules.
- Consider making your own ice cream or choosing healthier brands like Nick's Vegan Ice Cream.
Why Ice Cream Might Be the Worst Choice for Your Health
When the craving for ice cream strikes, it’s easy to reach for a pint of your favorite flavor, but you might want to reconsider your choice. In this article, we will explore the hidden dangers of popular ice cream brands and healthier alternatives, as well as how to make your own nutritious version at home.
The Dangers of Popular Ice Cream Brands
Ben & Jerry's: A Sugar Bomb
Let's take a closer look at one of America’s bestselling ice creams, Ben & Jerry's Salted Caramel Almond flavor. Here’s a breakdown of its ingredients:
- Cream
- Skim milk
- Liquid sugar
- Water
- Sugar
- Almonds
- Milk
- Egg yolks
- Coconut oil
- Corn syrup
- Cocoa processed with alkali
- Sea salt
- Pectin
- Butter
- Natural flavor
- Contains allergens: Almond, egg, milk, and soy
Per serving (3 servings per pint), there are:
- 380 calories
- 23 grams of fat
- 38 grams of carbohydrates
- 27 grams of added sugar (approximately 25 teaspoons per pint!)
Skinny Cow: Misleading Health Claims
Next, we have Skinny Cow Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches, which claim to be a healthier option. However, let's look at the ingredients:
- Vanilla light ice cream
- Skim milk
- Corn syrup
- Sugar
- Cream
- Buttermilk
- Tapioca starch
- Natural flavor
- Chocolate cookies
- Caramel color
Nutrition facts show:
- 150 calories per bar
- 28 grams of carbohydrates
- 7 teaspoons of sugar
Yaso Greek Yogurt Bars: Not as Healthy as You Think
Yaso’s Cookies and Cream Greek Yogurt Bars also fall short. Here’s what’s inside:
- Non-fat milk
- Non-fat Greek yogurt
- Sugar
- Cream-filled chocolate cookies
In terms of nutrition:
- 90 calories per bar
- 16 grams of carbohydrates
- 4 teaspoons of sugar
The Case Against Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Cottage cheese ice cream is the new trend, but it’s important to note the type of protein used. Most cottage cheese contains Casein A1, which can be harmful to many. Additionally, it contains a sugar molecule called Neu5Gc, which can contribute to various health issues.
If you want to use cottage cheese, opt for cultured varieties, which are fermented to reduce harmful substances.
Healthier Alternatives
Nick's Vegan Ice Cream
If you're craving ice cream, consider Nick's Vegan Ice Cream. For example, their Swedish Mint Chip flavor contains:
- Water
- Modified plant-based oil
- Soluble corn fiber
- Coconut oil
- Allulose (a low-calorie sweetener)
This option has 280 calories per pint, with 54 grams of total carbohydrates, but only 1 gram of sugar!
Make Your Own Ice Cream
The best option is to make your own ice cream. Here’s a simple vanilla recipe:
- 1.5 cups unsweetened coconut milk
- 5 tablespoons allulose and monk fruit blend
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For chocolate ice cream, simply add 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.
Conclusion
Many ice creams marketed as healthy are actually loaded with sugar and unhealthy ingredients. Always read the labels and consider making your own ice cream at home for a nutritious option. Your body will thank you!