Ice Cream vs. Frozen Yogurt

Isn’t frozen yogurt a better and healthier choice than ice cream is for you? The answer is not necessarily. Frozen yogurt and ice cream both provide calcium, protein, and other essential minerals. If by healthier you are referring to the amount of calories and fat each contain, than the truth is that you have to check the labels. The amount of calories and fat for each will vary depending on the flavor and brand. When you check the label on ice cream or frozen yogurt, be sure to look at the portion size.

Here are the comparisons of four popular Ben and Jerry’s flavors as ice cream and frozen yogurt all with a serving size of half a cup. Cherry Garcia Ice Cream has 250 calories, 14 grams of fat, 10 of which are saturated, 60 mg of cholesterol, 50 mg of sodium, and 26 grams of carbohydrates. Cherry Garcia Low Fat Frozen Yogurt has 170 calories, 3 grams of fat, 2 of which are saturated, 20 mg of cholesterol, 65 mg of sodium, and 32 grams of carbohydrates. While the frozen yogurt is lower in calories, fat, and cholesterol, the ice cream has less sodium and carbohydrates. Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream has 270 calories, 13 grams of fat, 9 of which are saturated, 35 mg of cholesterol, 55 mg of sodium, and 30 grams of carbohydrates. Chocolate Fudge Brownie Low Fat Frozen Yogurt has 190 calories, 3 grams of fat, 1.5 of which are saturated, 20 mg of cholesterol, 100 mg of sodium, and 35 grams of carbohydrates. Again, the frozen yogurt is lower in calories, fat, and cholesterol, but the ice cream has less sodium and carbohydrates. Half Baked Ice Cream has 280 calories, 14 grams of fat, 9 of which are saturated, 50 mg of cholesterol, 90 mg of sodium, and 34 grams of carbohydrates. Half Baked Ice Cream Low Yogurt Frozen Yogurt has 190 calories, 3 grams of fat, 1.5 of which are saturated, 20 mg of cholesterol, 100 mg of sodium, and 35 grams of carbohydrates. Once again the frozen yogurt is lower in calories, fat, and cholesterol, but the ice cream has less sodium and carbohydrates. It is safe to conclude that this is generally true for all Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and frozen yogurt. Reading the labels is really the only way to decide eating between the frozen yogurt or ice cream.

If you prefer ice cream to frozen yogurt, or gelato to ice cream, or even gelato to sorbet, then eat whichever product you want to. Whichever type of frozen dessert you choose to eat, change your diet for the day accordingly. Be sure to cut back on enough calories and fat for the day to account for the amount the frozen dessert provides.