Are you craving something sweet but don’t want to indulge in ice cream? You’re in luck.
Here, we’ll explore five of the best alternatives to ice cream that are still delicious.
Whether you’re looking for a healthier option or just something unique, let’s take a look at the top five ice cream substitutes.
What’s Ice Cream?
Ice cream is a frozen, creamy treat that is traditionally made with milk, sugar and cream.
It can also be flavored with various other ingredients such as chocolate, strawberry or other flavorings.
There are also a variety of ice cream-like alternatives available on the market that taste just as delicious as traditional ice cream but are dairy-free and vegan friendly.
To serve ice cream it should be served at the correct temperature, which is around -5°C (-23°F).
In order to obtain the ideal texture, store it in your freezer for at least four hours before serving.
Make sure to follow manufacturer instructions for optimal results and enjoy.
There are a few tips regarding the storage of ice cream too.
If possible, store it in its original packaging for freshness and to prevent any product from leaking out through gaps in storage containers.
Consume within three days of opening it if stored properly—or else opt for frozen treats with longer shelf lives like sorbets or gelatos.
Additionally, ensure that you are storing your ice cream at the correct temperature of -15°C (5°F) or colder — keep an eye on the thermostat.
Though freezing temperatures can damage flavors even further than room temperature can; therefore taste testing is recommended prior to consumption (once opened).
5 Best Ice Cream Alternatives to Consider
Many people enjoy eating ice cream, but some may have to find alternatives for a number of reasons.
Whether you are lactose intolerant, vegan, or just watching your sugar intake, there are plenty of delicious and healthier ways to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Here are the five best substitutes for ice cream that you can try out:
1 – Frozen Yogurt
Frozen yogurt has been gaining popularity amongst health-conscious ice cream fans for many years now.
It offers a much lower sugar and fat content than traditional ice creams, and can be flavored with all the same ingredients used for making ice cream.
Before you purchase frozen yogurt, however, it’s important to check the nutritional labels.
Since it is usually made from low-fat milk rather than the heavier cream used for regular ice creams, the sugar content may actually be higher on some brands.
Frozen yogurt is a great choice for those looking for a healthier alternative to ice cream and comes in lots of delicious and unique flavors like coconut, mango, raspberry, cookie dough and espresso.
2 – Greek Yogurt Popsicles
Greek yogurt popsicles can be a great alternative to traditional ice cream.
Unlike store-bought ice cream, which is usually loaded with added sugars, Greek yogurt popsicles provide a delicious treat without all the added sugar.
Greek yogurt has double the protein and half the sugar of regular yogurt, making it a great substitute for traditional ice cream.
To make homemade Greek yogurt popsicles at home you will need fresh or frozen fruit puree, plain Greek yogurt, and a few drops of honey (optional).
Just stir together some fruit puree and plain Greek yogurt with a few drops of honey if desired.
Divide the mixture among your popsicle molds and freeze overnight.
The next day you will have delicious homemade Greek Yogurt Popsicles.
3 – Banana Ice Cream
A great alternative to ice cream, banana ice cream provides an indulgent, creamy texture and natural sweetness.
It’s made by freezing and blending one ingredient – ripe bananas – and can be customized to suit any flavor preference.
To make the best banana ice cream, start by choosing slightly overripe bananas with large black spots on the skin; they strike the perfect balance between tartness and sweetness.
Peel them, cut into chunks, freeze overnight on a baking sheet then blend in a food processor until you get a thick paste-like consistency.
If necessary add more frozen banana chunks to adjust the thickness of your ice cream as desired.
Top off your delicious (and healthy.
) homemade treat with crushed nuts or dark chocolate chips for extra flavor and crunch.
4 – Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is a healthy, delicious snack and a great substitute for ice cream.
It’s packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats and can be prepared in just a few minutes.
To make chia pudding, you simply need to mix your favorite milk (dairy or non-dairy) with chia seeds and sweetener of your choice (honey, maple syrup, etc).
Let it sit in the fridge overnight or for at least four hours so the chia seeds can absorb the liquid and create a pudding-like consistency.
Top with fresh fruit, nuts, nut butter or whatever other toppings you want.
Chia pudding is really versatile and can be flavored however you like.
5 – Protein Ice Cream
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to regular ice cream, then protein ice cream may be just what you need.
Protein ice creams are low in sugar, often dairy-free, and made with mineral whey protein, providing an excellent source of muscle-building and weight maintenance.
They often come in a variety of flavors like chocolate, mint chocolate chip, peanut butter cookie dough and more.
Protein ice creams are usually high in protein and other nutritious components as well as being lower in carbs and sugar than your usual scoop of regular ice cream.
They are also gluten-free, making them very popular with those who have food sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
So if you’re trying to satisfy your sweet tooth without the extra calories or worrying about overindulging in sugar, then protein ice cream may be just the treat for you.
Conclusion
These are five of the best ice cream substitutes that can help you cut down on calories and fats while still enjoying a cool treat.
Whether you’re looking for an alternative to dairy ice cream, vegan options, or just an interesting twist on a classic dessert, there is something here for everyone.
While each of these alternatives may have its own unique benefits, keep in mind that they still contain calories and fats, so moderation is key.
Take time to experiment with different combinations and flavors to find the perfect substitute for traditional ice cream.
5 Best Ice Cream Alternatives to Consider
Ingredients
- 1 – Frozen Yogurt
- 2 – Greek Yogurt Popsicles
- 3 – Banana Ice Cream
- 4 – Chia Pudding
- 5 – Protein Ice Cream
Instructions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!