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Understanding Ice Cream: Light, Low Fat, Reduced Fat

Fri, 06/08/2007 - 1:00am by FitSugar
4,313 Views - 6 comments

You might be asking yourself what is confusing about ice cream? It is delish, cold, creamy and loaded with fat. Well not always since ice cream manufacturers have become hip to the fact that consumers are watching their waistlines and fat intake. So you might see ice cream labeled "light" or "low fat," but buyer beware those terms do, in fact, mean different things.

Here is a little primer for understanding the different ice cream options out there:

  • Ice cream contains at least 10% milk fat. Many premium ice creams (like Ben & Jerry's) contain around 13 - 17% milk fat.
  • "Reduced Fat" ice cream must contain 25% less fat than regular ice cream made by the same company.
  • "Light" ice cream has at least 50% less total fat than regular ice cream made by that company.
  • "Low-fat" ice cream can have a maximum of 3 grams of fat per 1/2 cup.

So buy wisely and remember just because it is "low-fat" doesn't mean you should eat more. You can also try just having a few bites of ice cream in a bowl and savor the full flavor (and fat) of the real thing. You know I am going to say it - never eat directly from the container cause you will have no idea how much you have really eaten and quite possibly over eat.


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6 Comments Add a Comment

  • redsugar's picture
    redsugar
    1

    I've never been an ice cream fan (yes, bizarre, I know), but my husband loves it. We have started indulging in frozen yogurt. It's no where nears as creamy, but it's a little healthier.

    1 year 30 weeks ago Report Comment
  • Linda McP's picture
    Linda McP
    2

    Gelato is my passion, but since we have no suppliers in our small rural town, I have to settle for other options like Edy's slow churned light ice cream and their yogurt blends. Not as good as gelato, but satisfies my craving.

    1 year 30 weeks ago Report Comment
  • Butrfly4404's picture
    Butrfly4404
    3

    Linda, hus and I LOVE Edy's slow churned! Esp. Cookies and Cream and Double Chocolate Fudge Brownie. He always brings me a little cup with a big scoop and himself a "Man-sized" bowl. It works out great for us. I get my fix with only like 120 calories.

    1 year 30 weeks ago Report Comment
  • bellasugar's picture
    bellasugar
    4

    Great tips. Thanks, Fit. I am always suspicious of "reduced fat" anything, so it's interesting to know there are actually guidelines in this case.

    1 year 30 weeks ago Report Comment
  • orchid79's picture
    orchid79
    6

    dreyers, light slow churned no sugar added is the best! most flavors are under 3.5 grams of fat and 110 calories per serving. so worth it Smiling

    1 year 30 weeks ago Report Comment

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