Before there was Halo Top or Enlightened, Arctic Zero graced the shelves of grocery stores across the U.S. They boasted a new ice cream that was low in calories and carbs, but high in protein. Somehow, it didn't get much attention, but it should.
Halo Top found a way to inspire traction in the protein-rich ice cream market in a way its competitors somehow haven't, but Arctic Zero isn't going anywhere, especially not without a fight.
So what is this new tactic?
The ice cream that previously was Lactose, Fat and GMO Free, but somehow still incredibly flavorful, is introducing a line of dairy, Light Ice Cream. Made with milk, cream and whey protein, this full-on ice cream still has about the same calories as it's light competitors and similar flavors.
What's the difference between this and the old version?
First, let me assure those of you who already know and love the brand that both types are still being produced.
The originals which come in flavors beyond Vanilla and Chocolate, like Brownie Batter (with actual brownie pieces) and Snickerdoodle (only the best cookie flavor ever made), are all about 300 calories or less, with the more basic flavors clocking in around 150—even less than any competitor.
These old flavors come with about 3g of protein per serving (4 servings per pint). When heated in a microwave for about 30 seconds, they have the creamy consistency you love in any regular ice cream, but you can both feel good about eating it and finish a pint in one sitting.
The new flavors are dairy-based so the calorie count, while still low, is a bit higher and the protein a bit lower. The consistency is less icy upon first opening the container than its dairy-free counterpart, and more like what you'd expect to find when opening a carton of Haagen Dazs.
They come in flavors like Toffee Crunch with bits of toffee in it, Chocolate Chunk (my favorite among the flavors I tried) and even a Cookie & Brownie Dough flavor which admittedly could only be improved if it came with a chocolate ice cream base instead of vanilla.
Where can I find them?
The website has a nifty locator program where you can select, not only the product you're looking for, but the flavor, so you always know where you can find your favorite treat, or discover a new one.
If you're new to Arctic Zero, you don't have to feel tempted to just ease into it with plain old Chocolate or Vanilla, although those are pretty good in and of themselves. Check the flavors out in your grocery store and get ready for a new 'which ice cream do I choose?' dilemma when you shop.