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Have you ever wondered about the difference between ice cream, gelato, or frozen yogurt? What is the most nutritious treat to choose on hot summer day? In honor of National Ice Cream Month, consider these healthy tips from FEED!

Ice Cream
Typically, ice cream has a custard base formed from milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks. However, as the desire for “healthy” alternatives has increased in popularity, ice cream manufacturers have become savvier with the ingredients included in their products.

Looking to reduce weight? Many think choosing fat-free ice cream as an alternative will save calories. WRONG! Fat-free ice cream may be deficient in fat, but actually can contain about the same calories as the traditional variety. Rather than going for a reduced-fat version, try decreasing portion size instead. Ask for an additional cone and split a large scoop between two kids. Or ask for a kid-sized scoop for your own portion control.

Concerned about eating too much sugar? Many consumers try ice cream treats containing alternative sweeteners instead of the real thing. STOP! Sugar-free ice cream actually contains about the same calories as regular ice cream, AND fat-free varieties, but have added artificial ingredients and gums to make it “taste just like the real thing.” What’s worse? Fat-free/sugar-free ice creams typically contain a multitude of added ingredients including sorbitol, maltitol, propylene glycol, carrageenan, acesulfame potassium, and others; some of which can cause “a laxative effect from excess consumption” in sensitive individuals. YIKES! Research has suggested the dietary exposure to carrageenan may contribute to the increasing worldwide prevalence of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, which may affect the prevalence of diabetes in the United States.

Gelato
Similar to ice cream, gelato contains a mixture of milk, sugar, cream, and eggs. However, gelato uses less butterfat. Unlike ice cream, gelato is unique in how it is processed. DID YOU KNOW? The word “gelato” is the Italian word for “frozen,” however gelato is served not completely frozen. Gelato is made in a machine that processes the ingredients in a partially frozen state and stirring the mixture to prevent large ice crystals from forming (as in ice cream), producing a silky smooth, and somewhat healthier texture.

Frozen Yogurt
Unlike ice cream, frozen yogurt is made without saturated-fat containing cream or eggs, and typically contains beneficial properties such as live, active cultures, also known as good bacteria (check out more about probiotics). Additionally, frozen yogurt contains a higher quantity of protein and calcium per serving. Recently, some manufacturers are producing Greek-style frozen yogurt which can contain as much as 6 g protein per 1/2 cup. That’s about the same amount of protein as in one egg!

A word of caution! Self-serve frozen-yogurt chains are popping up everywhere lately! A fun treat to dispense on your own, all with the valuable properties that yogurt contains. Similar to ice cream, calories can vary depending on flavors, and calorie data is based on one-half cup (4 oz) serving. Typical self-serve chains provide customers with a bucket-sized cup that would make a 4 oz portion look like a toddler-sized serving. What’s worse? Adding the large variety of tempting toppings, such as chocolate chips, marshmallows, or sugar-coated cereal, will pile on the calories. Forget the calorie savings from just choosing frozen yogurt, you may as well have chosen ice cream!

Check out our icy treat comparison chart, and make the right choice for you and your family!

Bottom Line: Celebrate National Ice Cream month with the sweet taste of ice cream or (topping-free) frozen yogurt. Enjoy treats in moderation, and consider splitting between family members for all to enjoy!

Did you catch our latest recipes for healthy frozen treats? See more here!