When it comes to comfort food, you must try these delicious, satisfying, healthy ice cream alternatives!
Indeed, there are many reasons to love ice cream, especially during the hot summer days. It pleases your sweet tooth, keeps your body cool, and makes you happy.
However, eating ice cream often can also cause harm to your diet and your life. It’s good that ice cream alternatives can still make you feel like you’re eating ice cream.
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Each of these ice cream alternatives is great for kids and adults. They’re not just cold and tasty, but also healthy. Enjoy these guilt-free ice cream alternatives any time you want!
What is ice cream?
It’s no surprise that ice cream is one of the most popular desserts in the world. Ice cream is usually made of milk, cream, and other ingredients that give it color and flavor.
The ice cream mixture is frozen until smooth, rich, and thick. It also comes in different flavors: chocolate, vanilla, banana, berries, matcha, cookies and cream, and more.
There are so many ways to enjoy ice cream:
- Scoop it into a bowl or in a cone.
- Add it to soft drinks or coffee for an ice cream float.
- Make an ice cream sandwich with cookies.
- Turn it into an ice cream cake.
- Use it as a garnish for baked goods.
- Fry the ice cream.
- Convert it into an ice cream milkshake.
With the many reasons to love ice cream, you must also know how it affects your health. Let’s take a look at the nutrition facts of one serving of vanilla ice cream:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Energy | 137 kcal |
| Protein | 2.31 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 15.6 grams |
| Fiber | 0.462 grams |
| Sugar | 14 grams |
| Calcium | 84.5 milligrams |
| Phosphorus | 69.3 milligrams |
| Potassium | 131 milligrams |
| Sodium | 52.8 milligrams |
Since ice cream has its own nutrients, it also comes with health benefits and risks.
Pros and Cons of Eating Ice Cream
You don’t always have to feel guilty about eating ice cream because it can offer health benefits.
Pros
- Ice cream has essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, and sodium.
- Refinery29 shared that eating ice cream in the morning can boost brain function.
- It also helps relieve stress and anxiety.
- The calcium in ice cream can keep your bones strong.
- You get a good dose of energy from ice cream.
However, eating too much ice cream will also pose health risks.
Cons
- A serving or ½ cup of ice cream has 137 calories.
- Eating ice cream in the evening can cause blood sugar spikes.
- The fat from ice cream can increase your risk of heart problems.
- Its calming effect can also make you feel lazy.
- You can damage your enamel, which can lead to tooth decay.
- Too much ice cream can increase belly fat.
- According to Nutrients, a sugar-rich dish can affect brain function and memory.
In the suggested 2,000-calorie diet, you should limit your added sugar intake to 10%. Therefore, you should only eat one to two small servings of ice cream in a day.
Ice Cream Alternatives
Whenever you want to enjoy something sweet, cold, and soothing, any of these ice cream alternatives will be an excellent substitute.
Frozen Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the most popular dairy products that’s good for your diet. It is made by fermenting milk with bacteria or yogurt cultures. Essentially, it is spoiled milk that’s still good for your health.
You can try different types of yogurt, such as Greek yogurt, plain yogurt, and even non-dairy yogurt. Yogurt tastes sweet, sour, and rich and feels thick, creamy, and smooth.
Medical News Today found that yogurt can help strengthen your bones, boost immunity, and improve brain function. It is also an excellent protein and probiotic source for digestion and metabolism.
Aside from making parfaits, salad dressings, or oatmeal, I suggest Frozen Yogurt. It’s a fun and exciting way to enjoy yogurt like never before!
Frozen Chocolate Bananas
Relish the pleasant, sweet flavor of bananas and chocolates in one with a Frozen Chocolate Bananas recipe. Their combination makes a perfect mix of flavors and textures from the inside out.
Use ripe bananas to get a soft, tender texture and sweet and creamy flavor. Meanwhile, I suggest using homemade dark, white, or milk chocolate to complement the bananas.
Bananas contain many vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can help with digestion, energy, and immunity. Johns Hopkins Medicine also shared that chocolates can benefit your heart, brain, and mood.
Frozen Chocolate Bananas are so easy to make. You peel the bananas, freeze them, coat them in melted chocolate, freeze them again, and enjoy until the last bite!
Sorbet
I suggest sorbet if you want to serve a child-friendly ice cream alternative. It’s a frozen dessert usually made of ice and fruity products like juices or purees.
Unlike other ice cream alternatives, the sorbet requires no dairy product. It gets flavor and color from the fruit you use to make it. Meanwhile, the ice neutralizes the flavor and forms the sorbet’s shape.
Since the sorbet is made of fresh fruits, you can trust it will benefit your health. Chatelaine mentioned that sorbet is low in calories yet full of nutrients for the best health benefits.
The Spruce Eats suggests making sorbet from fruits like blueberries, lemons, mangoes, oranges, and strawberries. You can even combine any of your favorite fruits.
Fruit Popsicles
Are you looking for another kid-friendly ice cream alternative? You might want to try these colorful, yummy, and healthy fruit popsicles. They’re frozen on sticks to make a wonderful treat for children.
You can easily make a dessert that every kid will love using fresh and sweet fruits. There are plenty of fruit options to choose from. You can try it with strawberries, watermelons, bananas, mangoes, and more.
According to Crystal Karges Nutrition, fruit popsicles are good sources of vitamin C for kids’ diets. These also have nutrients for the kids’ brain, bones, immunity, and digestion.
You have to mix all of the fruits together and freeze them. I’ve tried making these at home, and my kids love Sorrel Popsicles, Strawberry Banana Popsicles, and Fruit Popsicles.
Gelato
Did you know the Italian word “gelato” means “ice cream”? Gelato is a popular Italian dessert that is widely enjoyed worldwide. It comes in different flavors and toppings, too.
Gelato has a thicker and denser consistency than ice cream. It also has more milk and less cream. Some gelato recipes use egg yolks for flavor, color, and texture.
An article in Proactive Health Labs revealed that eating gelato positively affects your energy, digestion, and hydration. It is also lower in sugar and fat than ice cream.
You can serve gelato in scoops or ice cream cones like ice cream. In fact, it can even be a yummy filling for a sandwich. Pour an espresso over gelato, and you’ve got yourself an affogato!
Chia Pudding
Can you believe you can make an ice cream alternative with chia seeds? With the right toppings and ingredients, you can actually enjoy chia pudding for dessert.
Chia pudding may remind you of ice cream because it is creamy and thick. You can best relish it after putting it in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
The small size of chia seeds is nothing compared to their health benefits. As suggested by Better Me, chia pudding can help you manage your weight, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.
Mix chia seeds, almond milk, and sweeteners in a jar to make your own chia pudding. Let it soak and thicken in the fridge for a creamy texture. Top it off with fresh fruit slices for a filling dessert!
Tofu Ice Cream
Looking for a dairy-free and vegan ice cream alternative? Tofu ice cream is the one to beat. Tofu is condensed soy milk that’s 100% dairy-free and plant-based.
Nowadays, tofu ice cream is a popular dessert because it comes in different vegan flavors like mango, chocolate, and vanilla. It’s creamy, thick, and absolutely flavorful.
New York Street Food found that vegan ice cream can detoxify your body, nourish your skin, and boost your mood. It’s also a good option for people who have lactose intolerance who want to enjoy a frozen dessert.
When making tofu ice cream at home, prepare silken tofu, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and fruits or other toppings. You might be surprised at how much it tastes like ice cream.
Banana Ice Cream
Bananas are some of the best fruits for making ice cream. Like other fruits, they’re soft and tender, with a subtle sweet flavor. Bananas are also naturally creamy and smooth.
Always choose ripe bananas to get the best quality. Unlike Frozen Chocolate Bananas, you need to puree or blend the bananas before turning them into ice cream.
Since you’re using fresh bananas, you can expect to reap their benefits. HealthXchange found that bananas can work wonders for your skin, heart, and gut health.
Before you puree the bananas, make sure to freeze them overnight. Pulse, blend, and freeze it again for that ice cream feeling. You can even top it off with chocolates, peanut butter, berries, and more!
Shaved Ice
Who knew that something as simple as crushed ice could make a wonderful ice-based dessert? It’s a popular Asian delicacy that you can try at home.
One of the best things about shaved ice is that you can make it in almost any flavor you like. It usually comes with fruits, syrups, sweeteners, and other toppings.
The Donut Whole mentioned that since ice is made of water, you can expect that shaved ice will have low calories. But you can always make it healthier with fresh fruits.
How can you shave your ice? Just crush them in the blender or food processor. Drizzle it with your syrups, pour some milk, sweeten it, and add your favorite fruits!
Sorrel Popsicles
If you like the Sorrel Drink, you will love these Sorrel Popsicles as ice cream alternatives. Their unique quality is that their main ingredient is hibiscus.
Because of the sepals of the hibiscus flowers, you can make a treat that tastes tangy and citrusy simultaneously. Its vibrant red pigment also makes it so inviting for adults and kids, especially during the summer.
In Healthline, it was mentioned that the antioxidants from sorrel can reduce your risk of chronic illnesses. It is absolutely safe to say that it upgrades your desserts and improves your health at the same time.
Once you taste these Sorrel Popsicles, you’ll realize why they’re so popular in Africa and the Caribbean. You can enjoy them as juice, popsicles, or smoothies when you blend the frozen sorrel!
Strawberry Banana Popsicles
When it comes to making fruit popsicles, the Strawberry Banana Popsicles are the ones to beat. The fusion of creamy bananas and sweet strawberries is truly unmatched.
I suggest using ripe bananas and strawberries to get the full flavors from these fruits. Because of their softness, you will find it easier to puree them, with or without a blender.
Liv Life revealed that bananas can ease discomfort while strawberries can boost immunity. So, you’re not just getting fantastic flavors, but you’re also taking better care of your body and mind.
To make Strawberry Banana Popsicles, blend the fruits and freeze them until solid. I’m sure the kids will appreciate a good fruity popsicle during playtime!
Banana Strawberry Milkshake Popsicle
Mix in some milk to give your fruit popsicle a twist. The Banana Strawberry Milkshake Popsicle is not only sweet but also creamy, milky, and smooth.
Turning your milkshake into a popsicle is one of the best ways to store your drink for longer. It’s like a two-in-one recipe because you can use the ingredients to make a smoothie or a dessert.
AskUSDA found that adding milk to your recipes can strengthen the bones of kids and adults. It also reduces the risk of heart problems, diabetes, and hypertension. Just imagine how healthier the dessert will be with fresh fruits.
Whenever you crave popsicles or milkshakes, make the Banana Strawberry Milkshake Popsicle. It’s the perfect drink or popsicle to keep you cool and relaxed.
Strawberry Ice Crem Bars
Even if they’re called ice cream bars, these Strawberry Ice Cream Bars still make good alternatives for ice cream. Instead of the usual ice cream ingredients, it uses fruits and chocolates for a delicious mix.
I’m sure you will enjoy the crisp layer of chocolate as much as the sweet filling. With only four ingredients, you can make an easy dessert that excites the entire family.
Piedmont Healthcare found chocolate can help lower bad cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and improve blood health. You can use the chocolate of your choice, but I especially love using dark chocolate to balance out the sweet strawberries.
Imagine how amazing it would be to dip your frozen strawberry popsicles into rich, melted chocolate. Every bite would leave you feeling satisfied and happy!
Healthy Ice Cream
You don’t need to avoid ice cream because there’s a healthy ice cream version, especially for you. Why is it healthy? It uses bananas and strawberries for the best mix of flavors.
If you want to include more fruits in your diet, you can freeze bananas and strawberries and turn them into ice cream. When you freeze them, you also store the fruits for long-term use.
In addition to bananas and strawberries, Healthy Green Kitchen suggests using other fruits like peaches, mixed berries, mangoes, and avocados. You can try different combinations to see which one you like best.
By freezing your fruits, you can store them well and use them straight from the freezer whenever you want to make ice cream. It’s definitely guilt-free because it’s made of all-natural fruits!
Smoothies
Last but not least, you can’t forget about smoothies as good ice cream alternatives. They’re simple yet absolutely healthy and delicious. You can even turn them into a frozen dessert, too.
I’ve tried many smoothie recipes, and my family always loved them. I usually use fruits and vegetables for essential nutrients and health benefits.
Pure Green Franchise shared that smoothies can help you lose weight, control cravings, and boost immunity. Making smoothies is a fun way to get more fruits and veggies into your diet.
Pick the best smoothie ingredients you prefer, blend them, and serve with your favorite toppings. I suggest making Oatmeal Smoothie, Fruit Smoothie, or Berry Smoothie to feel cool and fresh.
Instead of having ice cream daily, you can try any of these ice cream alternatives for a better diet and lifestyle!
Conclusion
Which of these ice cream alternatives do you feel like trying first?
It’s always great to try new recipes, especially if you want to get into a balanced diet. With these ice cream alternatives, you can get your family and guests to eat healthily, even for dessert.
- Banana Ice Cream
- Frozen Chocolate Bananas
- Gelato
- Chia Pudding
- Smoothies
- Shaved Ice
- Frozen Yogurt
- Sorbet
- Tofu Ice Cream
- Fruit Popsicles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good replacement for ice cream?
There are plenty of good replacements for ice cream. For instance, you can turn fruits into healthy recipes like smoothies and popsicles. They give a rich flavor that will make you feel like you’re eating ice cream, too!
What is healthier than ice cream?
One healthier alternative to ice cream is gelato. It tastes and feels like ice cream without many calories and fat. Gelato is also dairy-free and comes in plenty of other flavors.
How can I satisfy my ice cream craving without ice cream?
Whenever I want to satisfy my ice cream craving without ice cream, I usually go for options like fruit popsicles, banana ice cream, smoothies, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and more!
Is frozen yogurt healthier than ice cream?
According to MedicineNet, frozen yogurt is the healthiest dessert. A serving has significantly fewer calories than ice cream. It is also low in fat yet rich in other nutrients.
