Ice cream is always a huge hit when it comes to sweet treat cravings. Halo Top is the latest buzz in markets all over the U.S. -- a healthier version of ice cream that allows you to stick to your diet while indulging in a frozen pint of creamy goodness. They even pride themselves on using “all-natural” ingredients allowing for a tastier indulgence. So is Halo Top the way to go?
Typically, a pint of vanilla ice cream contains somewhere around 1000 calories, 64 grams of fat, 16 grams of protein and no fiber. According to Halo Top’s nutrition facts, you can consume an entire pint for 240 calories, 8 grams of fat, 24 grams of protein and 20 grams of fiber. This attractive nutrition label is what has everyone jumping for joy -- ice cream dreams coming true! So, what is in these pints that make this ice cream so attractive?
Much like traditional ice cream, Halo Top is made from cream, milk, sugar, eggs and some guar gum. Halo Top, however, saves much of its fat and calories with the use of a sugar alcohol called “erythritol” and supplemental fibers. Some do contain a small amount of added sugar, but mostly in the form of Stevia. There are many flavors on the market and some of them taste very similar to traditional ice cream, but others tend to have a bit of a “sugar alcohol” aftertaste. Halo Top has even launched a new line of dairy free treats that use coconut milk to target those who are dairy-free.
Bottom Line: Halo Top is tasty and can be used as a satisfying alternative to regular, full-fat ice cream. However, downing an entire pint a day does set you back between 240-360 calories -- which can also be enjoyed with a single serving of regular ice cream. The choice is up to you but remember moderation is key!
Written by: Elisha Hanlon, Wellness Workdays Dietetic Intern
Sources: 1. Food Network 2. The Kitchn 3. Halo Top 4. TIME 5. Delish