Ice Cream: Are the “Healthier” Options Really Healthy?

Ice cream is one of America's favorite desserts, but all those calories and sugars and fats have lots of people considering alternatives — keto ice cream, plant-based ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, sorbet, sherbet, their own homemade ice cream. But are any really healthier? And what's the taste trade-off? In this episode, we talk with a dietitian about how we're biologically wired to like ice cream, the secret ingredients in the alternatives and what's a healthy framework for enjoying dessert. Hosts: Zach Moore (interviewer), Katie McCallum Expert: Amanda Beaver, MS, RDN, LD, Wellness Dietitian Notable topics covered:The feel-good neurotransmitters that ice cream triggers in the brain Is there such a thing as a "healthy" amount of ice cream? Ice cream parlors vs. store-bought ice cream: Yes, there's a difference Sugar-free, keto, vegan: The new wave of "healthier" ice creams Ingredients substituted for sugar and fat and their potential downsides DIY: How to make healthier ice cream at home Gelato, froyo, soft serve, sorbet: Better choices than traditional ice cream? Ever heard of banana nice cream? Frozen chocolate-covered bananas? How to build a well-balanced smoothie Beaver's tips for getting satisfaction out of dessert without overdoing it If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.