Ice cream is one of those intensely satisfying snacks to indulge in on a hot day (or any day, really). And even if you’re trying to lose weight or stick to a healthier diet, it’s okay to cut yourself some slack. The occasional ice-cold treat won’t hurt, and research shows that total deprivation doesn’t work anyway.
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But to err on the safe side, scan the label to make a better choice: a 91 g to 100 g serving (about a scoop) should not contain more than 250 calories and 15 g of fat, says Jaclyn Reutens, clinical dietitian at Aptima Nutrition & Sports Consultants.
Or, try one of these 10 ice cream brands that will hit the sweet spot without popping your waistline. Some of these are also great if you’re lactose intolerant, are diabetic or simply watching your health. Just be sure to stick to one serving!
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Nuude is the sister brand of famed local ice cream chain Udders, and offers healthier ice cream options without compromising on the taste factor. In fact, we tried it for ourselves at their Naiise outlet in Jewel Changi Airport and am happy to report that it tastes really good.
There are currently four flavours to choose from, all made with 100 per cent natural ingredients like goji berries and cacao nibs, with no artificial flavourings or colourings, preservatives and emulsifiers. The ice creams are also free of nuts, eggs and gluten. Available at Naiise Jewel Changi Airport, and Shell stations.
Popular ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s has hopped on the bandwagon with a new range of low-calorie ice-cream known as Moo-phoria.
Using organic skim milk, the three flavours – Chocolate Cookie Affair, Caramel Cookie Fix and P.B. Dough – sit between 150 and 160 calories per serving and is said to contain 36 per cent less fat than your regular scoop. Head to any FairPrice outlet to purchase.
Homegrown brand Callery’s is heaven-sent for anyone with a sweet tooth.
A serving (65 g) of the Vanilla Bean ice cream carries a mere 59 calories – even less than an apple. The natural sweetener used – erythritol – is safe for diabetics and has gotten a stamp of approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration and Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore.
The guilt-free selection also includes Belgian Dark Chocolate (72 calories per serving) and Strawberries & Crème (61 calories per serving). Pick up a pint at any NTUC Fairprice Finest outlet or via Redmart, Oddle and GrabFood .
The first restaurant chain in Singapore to launch an ice cream range adhering to the Health Promotion Board’s Healthier Dining guidelines, Swensen’s uses isomaltulose to keep the sugar content low – up to 39 per cent less than the usual.
Plus, it contains more soluble fibre, which helps to lower cholesterol levels. Flavour wise, you won’t go wrong with chocolate. Enjoy as a scoop at all outlets or from Swensen’s Build Your Own Sundae selection.
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Instead of sugar, the selection of ice cream at Sugalight contains xylitol, a natural sugar substitute. (Check out their cheeky hashtag #icecreamsiudai!) Great for diabetics and weight watchers, who can also try it at cafes like Bakery Brera, Trung Nguyen Coffee (International Plaza) and Fresh Plus.
Besides gluten-free Spanish frozen yogurts, Smöoy also serves low-fat soft serve ice creams in classic vanilla and chocolate flavours.
These prebiotic and high in fibre options are great for your gut health. Just watch your choice of toppings and avoid anything that’s high in sugar. Head to their outlets at OUE Downtown #03-28, Our Tampines Hub #01-105, Jem #03-07 and Sun Plaza #01-19.
Sister shop to Brownice, the first outfit to offer vegan ice cream in Singapore, Smoocht ice creams are made with organic brown rice milk instead of fatty dairy, and sweetened with organic cane sugar.
Drop by one of their cafes at 8 Sin Ming Road #01-03 or 319 Jurong East Street 31 #01-58. Suitable for the lactose-intolerant and vegans.
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If your body rejects animal milk, try this delicious and refreshing dairy-free alternative alternative. Hailing from Thailand, Ize Coco ice creams are made from selected fresh, young coconut milk and meat. Besides being dairy free, they’re also gluten-, trans fat- and cholesterol-free and naturally sweet, making them a more nutritious alternative. Plus, they come in a cute coconut-shaped container. Available online at CP Shopz and Honestbee.
While sorbets are usually made with fruity flavours, Alfero Gelato took the liberty to create dairy-free sorbet versions of its signature gelato flavours, dark cacao and hazelnut, which are more creamy than icy in texture.
Don’t take too long with photos though, the 96 per cent fat-free sorbet should be eaten quickly, as it melts fast due to the absence of preservatives. Enjoy a scoop or pick up a pint at their retail store at 81 MacPherson Lane #01-37. Suitable for vegans and the gluten-intolerant.
Named healthier choice by the Health Promotion Board, Soyato serves up tubs of luscious soya-based treats. Options for the lactose-intolerant and vegans are available. Head to major supermarkets to purchase.
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The post was first published on December 18, 2019, and updated on July 23, 2019.