I think we can all admit that we’ve opened up a pint of Ben and Jerry’s saying “just one bite,” but reach the end of the pint before you reach the end of a cheesy Rom Com. Now that 1,200 extra calories you weren’t planning on eating is uncomfortably bulging from your stomach.
I’ll admit to doing this way more than I should, so I wanted to see if there were low-cal ice creams out there that I could eat a whole pint of. To go about this I looked for ice cream pints 400 calories or lower, with high-protein and low sugar. Lo and behold, I compiled a list of the low-cal ice cream pints that don’t skimp out on flavor and won’t hit your waistline.
You may think, “I can just get some of that low-cal fro-yo.” But think again, as Ron Swanson said, “Dear frozen yogurt, you are the celery of dessert. Be ice cream or be nothing.”
1. Enlightened
320-400 Calories, 28 grams of protein, 6-12 grams of fat, 20 grams of fiber, 20-24 grams of sugar per pint
This is by far my favorite. The pint I have pictured here is the sea salt caramel. This low-cal ice cream consists of a creamy caramel base with a sea salt caramel swirl. The perfect amount of creaminess to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enlightened also sells ice creams bars and can be found at your local Shop Rite. Just check the locations that sell these pints, so you can find out what I am talking about.
2. Halo Top
240-360 calories, 24 grams of protein, 8-12 grams of fat, 12-20 grams of fiber, 20 grams of sugar per pint
Halo Top has the best protein to calorie ratio of the four. I recommend the mocha chip, the coffee flavor is not overpowering and there is a good amount of chips for the chocolate lover in us all.
It may be a great healthy alternative to other ice creams, but I still wouldn’t recommend eating it for every meal for five straight days.
3. Arctic Zero
150-300 calories, 12 grams of protein, 0-8 grams of fat, 8-12 grams of fiber, 20-32 grams of sugar per pint
Of the four Arctic Zero, is the only one that has some pints that are completely fat free. With over 20 flavors there is a wide range to choose from and they are not just your plain old chocolate. With choices from chunky key lime to creamy toasted coconut you won’t be missing your Speculoos Cookie Core pint anytime soon.
4. Wink
100-300 calories a pint, 8 grams of protein, 4-10 grams of fat, 4-16 grams of fiber, 0-12 grams of sugar per pint
This brand is not only low in calories, but also great for catering to any dietary needs for vegans or gluten-free. Wink is a little harder to come by than the other ice creams, but they ship nationwide and it is free shipping when you purchase 6 pints or more.
5. Banana Nice Cream
Okay, so I know this isn’t actually an ice cream brand, but if you are looking for something sweet and low in calories this is the key. You can also customize this ice cream however you want. Feeling chocolate? Throw some cocoa powder in the mix. Want strawberry? Some frozen strawberries will do the trick. Here is everything you need to know about banana nice cream.
Mind you, I still think its okay to indulge on the Ben and Jerry’s pint every once in awhile, but if you are like me and need an ice cream fix every couple days, then these brands are necessary. As Rachel and Monica told Chandler the real ice cream is for the real break-ups.