The Real Scoop: Ice Cream vs. Frozen Yogurt

Let’s dish about ice cream vs. frozen yogurt. They’re both frozen treats, both dairy-based, both yummy. But ice cream has a reputation for being a nutritional no-no, full of fat and calories, while frozen yogurt skates by as its virtuously healthy counterpart.

Which one is the real winner in this frozen faceoff? 

First, the facts behind the cone:  to be labeled as ice cream, a frozen treat must have at least 10% (and up to 16%) milk fat. Yogurt is made with cultured milk, not cream, so it doesn’t have a fat requirement. But before you score a big win for frozen yogurt, consider this:

·         One cup of regular vanilla ice cream has 275 calories, while frozen yogurt tallies 221 calories. Not much difference.

·         The freezing process kills yogurt’s probiotics, so subtract that health point for yogurt.

·         Both low-fat and fat-free varieties of ice cream and frozen yogurt typically have more sugar and added chemicals than regular.

·         Here’s the big one: frozen yogurt is riddled with unhealthy pitfalls that can quickly pile up. For example, large self-serve portions + heaping helpings of sugary toppings = one decadent dessert. 

So at the risk of dispelling any happily-held misconceptions, neither ice cream nor frozen yogurt is a "health" food. But as I always say, nothing is totally off limits. Even frozen treats can be a sometimes snack. Click here for a freezer full of ways to make healthy frozen treats at home.

Now, before your kids have a total meltdown about giving up their favorite frosty pleasure altogether, let’s reframe the debate: what’s the healthiest way to eat frozen treats?

What really matters—whether you’re scooping ice cream or dispensing frozen yogurt—is how much, how often and what’s on top.

Simple guidelines you can use for the whole family:

·         A serving size is half a cup (think one scoop or small).

·         Limit frozen treats to one time a week.

·         Choose fruit or nut toppings instead of candy or syrups.

·         Limit toppings to one tablespoon.

·         Don’t keep ice cream or frozen yogurt in your house – too easy to indulge!

 The real scoop? Frozen treats are synonymous with summer. And good habits are synonymous with better health. Combine the two and you’re good to go! 

 When my family has a sweet snack, I prefer all natural ice cream over frozen yogurt. It tastes great and has some fat to keep you full. There is nothing better than an ice cream cone after a long bike ride at the beach... one of my family favorites!! I also like that there aren't any dispense-your-own ice cream stores, which helps when monitoring your family's portions.

 I want to hear which toppings are a favorite in your house. What frozen treats do your kids love in the summertime? Leave a comment below or post them on our Facebook page (don't forget to tag us at @Strong4Life). Also, go to Facebook and Twitter and take part in our supermarket challenge called #GroceryChallenge and find out how you can get a Strong4Life shopping bag for your next trip to the supermarket!