Updated: Apr. 07, 2023
Break out your spoons! We've discovered which frosty freezer dessert is best for your diet.
When it comes to eating healthy, you might think you have to skip dessert. (Example: A slice of ice cream desserts like Banana Split Supreme is reserved solely for cheat day.) But in today’s ever-changing food scene, this sentiment may be outmoded! Lower-calorie treats like Halo Top ice cream and frozen yogurt have become widely popular.But with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to determine which is best for your diet—and which are too good to be true.
Follow along as we break down the most popular frozen desserts and what they mean for your health.
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Frozen Yogurt
Ah, froyo! It’s such a trendy dessert. We’ve seen frozen yogurt shops like Sweet Frog, Yogurtland and Pinkberry crop up in almost every city, touting their low-fat, sugar-free or non-fat offerings. Ounce-per-ounce, the average chocolate frozen yogurt has half the calories and a third of the total fat of the typical chocolate ice cream. But before you head straight to your local froyo place, be aware that any extra toppings can add diet-busting empty calories.
However, getting more yogurt in your diet can add live bacteria, or probiotics, having a positive impact on overall health. Probiotics help with digestion and your immune system. Some companiesinclude live and active bacteria in their frozen yogurt recipe—but watch out, because many brands don’t. Freezing seems to reduce the good bacteria count a little, so for the biggest bang, eat regular yogurt.
Pro tip: For a healthy choice, we recommend making this recipe using low-fat yogurt that contains live bacteria.
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Low-Fat Ice Cream
Halo Top, Arctic Circle—and even Breyer’s—are all offering low-calorie, low-fat alternatives to ice cream. When compared to traditional ice creams, Halo Top offers about a quarter of the calories of Ben & Jerry’s or Haagen-Dazs flavors. The brand also offers a fraction of the fat. It’s worth noting that Halo Top, in particular, sweetens their flavors using organic stevia, a sugar-free product. That’s a win for diabetics and eco-friendly consumers.
Heads up: Because many of these ice creams are sold in personal pint-sized containers, you may end up overindulging by accident. Think: An entire pint of Halo Top ice cream can add up to 300 calories (and 10g of fat). That’s just like eating a Butterfinger candy bar! If you prefer to make your own ice cream, and control the ingredients, learn how to make homemade ice cream or how to make ice cream in a bag.
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Gelato
Borrowed from the boot country, Italy, gelato is ice-cream’s richer and more densely flavored cousin. Gelato typically offers fewer calories, less sugar and lower fat content per serving than ice cream. The typical 3.5 oz. serving of vanilla gelato contains 90 calories and 3 grams of fat, compared to 125 calories and 7 grams of fat in the average vanilla ice cream. However, because this is a fairly dense dessert, those calories can stack up fast. Portion control is a must if you plan on digging into this cool dessert when you’re on a diet.
In regard to added sugar, it’s important to note that gelato varieties are often made using real fruit or fruit juice. Some might consider the addition of natural fruit ingredients to be of nutritional value, but remember that fruit may increase the amount carbohydrates (that’s sugars) per serving. Always check the nutrition label first if you’re concerned.
Don’t miss our full list of frozen treats from around the world!
The Final Verdict
Which frozen dessert is healthiest? It depends on what you call “healthy.” Each option has its benefits and a few pitfalls to look out for. Here’s what we’ve concluded:
- If you’re counting calories: Low-fat ice cream may be your best best. Just make sure you scoop out a small portion!
- If you’re a fan of flavor: Justsmall serving of gelato may satisfy your sweet tooth without wrecking your diet.
- If you’re looking for extra benefits: The probiotics found in certain frozen yogurt brands can have some pay-offs for your health.
We’d gladly tack on a few extra calories if it means sharing a homemade dessert with the people we love!
Check Out More Healthy Desserts
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Taste of Home
Birthday Cake Freezer PopsOn my quest to find birthday cake ice cream—my favorite flavor—I came up with these easy ice pops. Now, instead of going to the store whenever a craving hits, I just head to my freezer. —Dawn Lopez, Westerly, Rhode Island
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Gran's Apple Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Gran's Apple CakeMy grandmother occasionally brought over this wonderful cake warm from the oven. The spicy apple flavor combined with the sweet cream cheese frosting made this recipe one that we treasured. Even though I've lightened it up, it's still a family favorite. —Lauris Conrad, Turlock, California
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Taste of Home
Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed FruitOne summer my mother-in-law made us grilled peaches basted with a sweet and tangy sauce. These are so good I'm always tempted to eat the whole batch. —Kristin Van Dyken, West Richland, Washington
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Skillet Blueberry SlumpMy mother-in-law made a slump of wild blueberries with dumplings and served it warm with a pitcher of farm cream. We’ve been enjoying slump desserts for 60 years. —Eleanore Ebeling, Brewster, Minnesota
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Berry White Ice PopsNothing says summer like an ice pop. Kids and adults alike love this fruit-filled version. —Sharon Guinta, Stamford, Connecticut
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Spiced Peach Cobbler Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Spiced Peach CobblerWhen you tuck into this warm and comforting fresh peach cobbler, you won’t miss the extra fat and calories a bit! —Mary E. Relyea, Canastota, New York
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Taste of Home
Meringue Shells with Lemon CurdWe love a dazzling dessert of meringue shells filled with sunny lemon curd. It’s sweet and tart, crunchy and fluffy. Top this lemon curd dessert with whipped cream and berries. —Kris Brill, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Grilled Angel Food Cake with StrawberriesOne night I goofed, accidentally using the balsamic butter I save for grilling chicken on my pound cake. What a delicious mistake that my entire family loved! For a patriotic look, add a drizzle of blueberry syrup. —Tammy Hathaway, Freeman Twp, Maine
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Ginger Plum TartSweet cravings, begone: This free-form plum tart is done in only 35 minutes. It's extra awesome when served warm. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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I enjoy these frozen yogurt pops because they double as a healthy snack and a cool, creamy sweet treat. —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
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Low-Fat Peanut Butter CookiesWhen you bite into one of these yummy cookies, you'll never guess it's low in fat. This is my family's favorite healthy peanut butter cookie recipe. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
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Taste of Home
Mixed Berry Sundaes for 2These delightful yogurt sundaes are an easy way to add fruit and calcium to your diet. Berries star in the dish, which I enjoy as a simple breakfast or healthy dessert for two. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
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Glazed Lemon Chiffon Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Glazed Lemon Chiffon CakeDrizzled with sweet-tart lemon glaze, this fluffy cake is a real treat. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Vanilla Meringue CookiesThese sweet little swirls are light as can be. They're all you need after a big, special dinner. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Taste of Home
Cranberry Pear TartThis homey tart looks and tastes like apple pie, except it uses pears! Each serving has half the calories of an average pie slice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Almond Fudge CakePeople are amazed that this luscious, moist and tender cake is a light dessert. I love the rich chocolate flavor and fruity sauce. —Mike Pickerel, Columbia, Missouri
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Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Old-Fashioned Rice PuddingThis comforting dessert is a wonderful way to end any meal. As a girl, I always waited eagerly for the first heavenly bite. Today, my husband likes to top his with a scoop of ice cream. —Sandra Melnychenko, Grandview, Manitoba
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Plum Upside-Down CakeSince my husband liked pineapple upside-down cake, I decided to give this recipe a try one night when we were expecting guests for dinner. Everyone pronounced this cake "Delicious!" and asked for seconds.—Bobbie Talbott, Veneta, Oregon
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Sonoran Sunset Watermelon IceIf you didn’t think watermelon and cilantro could go together in a dessert, this recipe will be a pleasant surprise! Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and a sprig of cilantro on top for extra flair. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
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Apple-Spice Angel Food CakeI dressed up an angel food cake mix with some nuts, spice and applesauce to make an easy and light dessert. I serve it with a dollop of whipped topping mixed with a half cup of sour cream. —Joan Buehnerkemper, Teutopolis, Illinois
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Strawberry-Hazelnut Meringue ShortcakesIn summer the strawberry farms are open for picking. I serve strawberries with a crunchy hazelnut meringue cookie. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
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Lemony Coconut Frozen YogurtWhenever I crave something cold to beat the heat, I whip this yogurt together and share with family. Everyone enjoys the sweet relief! — Caitlyn Heinz, Ovid, New York
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Chewy Coconut MacaroonsThese chewy cookies are my husband's favorite, so he requests them often. I like to make the macaroons on cold winter days and keep them in an airtight bowl on the kitchen counter. They never last long! —Peggy Key, Grant, Alabama
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Taste of Home
Patriotic PopsMy kids love homemade ice pops, and I love knowing that the ones we make are good for them. We whip up a big batch with multiple flavors so they have many choices, but these patriotic red, white and blueberry ones are always a favorite! —Shannon Carino, Frisco, Texas
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Frozen Greek Vanilla Yogurt Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Frozen Greek Vanilla YogurtIt's so simple and easy to make your own frozen Greek yogurt, you might even want to get the kids in on the fun. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Frozen Chocolate Monkey TreatsEveryone needs a fun, friendly way for kids to play with food. These rich bites are nutty and yummy. Just coat bananas in chocolate and dip them into peanuts, sprinkles or coconut. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
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Taste of Home
Molasses Crackle CookiesYou can treat yourself to one or two of my crackle cookies without guilt. Most molasses cookies are loaded with butter and have way too much sugar, but not mine. You would never know these are so low in fat.— Jean L. Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin
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Taste of Home
Baked Elephant EarsMy mother-in-law handed down this recipe from her mother. These are a special treat—even better, I think, than those at a carnival or festival. —Delores Baeten, Downers Grove, Illinois
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Taste of Home
Apple Pie Oatmeal DessertWarm and comforting oatmeal desserts bring back memories of times spent with my family around the kitchen table. I serve this dish with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream as a topper. —Carol Greer, Earlville, Illinois
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Strawberry-Rosemary Yogurt Pops Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Strawberry-Rosemary Yogurt PopsWe planted strawberries a few years ago and these tangy-sweet frozen yogurt pops are my very favorite treats to make with them! The options are endless. Try using other yogurt flavors like lemon, raspberry or blueberry. —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah
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Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue RosesEat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
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Taste of Home
Baked Elephant EarsMy mother-in-law handed down this recipe from her mother. These are a special treat—even better, I think, than those at a carnival or festival. —Delores Baeten, Downers Grove, Illinois
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Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic SyrupGet ready to experience another side of stone fruits. Hot off the rack, these grilled nectarines practically melt in your mouth. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
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Taste of Home
Swirled Blueberry Frozen YogurtA silky homemade sauce is anything but vanilla when it comes to topping a scoop. These are the touches that make celebrations extra special. —Christina Seremetis, Rockland, Massachusetts
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Warm Chocolate Melting CupsThese little cakes have become a favorite of our guests. They are always surprised that such a chocolaty dessert is so light—less than 200 calories apiece! —Kissa Vaughn, Troy, Texas
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Moist Lemon Angel Cake Roll Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Moist Lemon Angel Cake RollTart and delicious, this pretty cake roll will tickle any lemon lover's fancy. Its feathery, angel food texture enhances its guilt-free goodness. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Chocolate-Dipped Phyllo SticksLooking for a little something special to share with friends or family? Try these crunchy treats. They’re wonderful with coffee or a glass of milk. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
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Almond Espresso BarsIf you like coffee, you'll love these mocha morsels dressed up with toasted almonds. Save a few bars for afternoon snacktime or even breakfast, too. —Taire Van Scoy, Brunswick, Maryland
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Orange Dream Angel Food CakeA basic angel food cake becomes a heavenly indulgence, thanks to a hint of orange flavor swirled into every bite. The orange color makes slices of the cake look so pretty when arranged on individual dessert plates.—Lauren Osborne, Holtwood, Pennsylvania
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Ice Cream Cone Treats Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Ice Cream Cone TreatsI came up with this recipe as a way for my grandkids to enjoy Rice Krispies treats without getting sticky hands. You can also pack the cereal mixture into paper cups and insert a wooden pop stick to create pops. —Mabel Nolan, Vancouver, Washington
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Chocolaty S'mores BarsOne night my husband had some friends over to play poker and he requested these s'mores bars. They polished off the pan and asked for more! I shared the recipe, and now their families make them, too. —Rebecca Shipp, Beebe, Arkansas
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Orange Buttermilk CupcakesSimple and delicious, this is our all-time favorite low-fat dessert. You'll be surprised how well the citrus flavor comes through in every bite.
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