Top 5: High Protein Ice Cream Review
High Protein & Low Calorie Ice Creams: Hype or Hope? Studio Taste Test
Craving ice cream but watching your calories? You’re not alone! High-protein, low-calorie ice creams promise a guilt-free indulgence, but do they deliver on taste? Inspired by buzzing conversations on Weight Watchers Connect about Halo Top, we conducted a studio taste test to explore the best healthy ice cream options. Our mission: compare plain chocolate flavors for fairness. However, some brands, like Kroger’s Simple Truth Low Cow, didn’t offer a plain chocolate option, so we adapted.
We tested five popular brands: Ben & Jerry’s Moo-phoria Chocolate Milk & Cookies, Enlightened Chocolate Peanut Butter, Breyer’s Delights Creamy Chocolate, Halo Top Dairy-Free Chocolate (an accidental vegan pick!), and Simple Truth Low Cow Chocolate.
Note: Including the dairy-free Halo Top wasn’t ideal for a controlled test, but we reviewed it anyway to share an authentic, real-world experience.
Can Low-Calorie Ice Cream Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth? Our Rankings
Here’s how the top high-protein, low-calorie ice creams stacked up in our taste test:
#5 Halo Top Dairy-Free Chocolate
70 Calories per 1/2 Cup, 280 Calories per pint
H3: #5 Halo Top Dairy-Free Chocolate
Halo Top Dairy-Free Chocolate uses coconut milk, which gives it a distinct coconut flavor that may not appeal to everyone. Testers noted a bitter, slightly artificial chocolate taste and a texture that differed from traditional ice cream.
Key Takeaway: This vegan option didn’t shine in our test. For a truer Halo Top experience, try their regular chocolate flavor.
#4 Enlightened Chocolate Peanut Butter
100 Calories per 1/2 Cup, 400 Calories per pint
Enlightened Chocolate Peanut Butter impressed with its silky, pudding-like texture and generous peanut butter swirls. However, a subtle bitterness, possibly from added protein, and a lack of sweetness disappointed some testers. Its high price point also didn’t match the flavor experience.
Key Takeaway: A decent option, but not a standout for the cost.
#3 Breyer’s Delights Creamy Chocolate
90 Calories per 1/2 Cup, 270 Calories per pint
Breyer’s Delights Creamy Chocolate offered a unique whipped texture—intriguing to some, spongy to others. It melted quickly, making it less suitable for cones, and testers noted a chalky aftertaste that didn’t live up to Breyer’s reputation.
Key Takeaway: Low calories but underwhelming flavor.
#2 Ben & Jerry’s Moo-phoria Chocolate Milk & Cookies
140 Calories per 1/2 Cup, 560 Calories per pint
Ben & Jerry’s Moo-phoria Chocolate Milk & Cookies stood out for its creamy texture and chunky cookie pieces, closely mimicking traditional ice cream. Despite a slight artificial sweetener aftertaste, its rich flavor earned high praise.
Key Takeaway: A crowd-pleaser worth exploring in other flavors like Vanilla Cookie Dough or Caramel Cookie Fix.
#1 Simple Truth Low Cow Chocolate
60 Calories per 1/2 Cup, 240 Calories per pint
The surprise winner, Simple Truth Low Cow Chocolate, wowed testers with its:
Smooth, rich texture without the artificial aftertaste common in low-calorie ice creams.
Authentic chocolate flavor that rivals full-fat options.
Realistic ice cream consistency, making it hard to believe it’s a healthier choice.
Priced affordably and low in calories, this Kroger brand proved you don’t have to sacrifice taste for health. We’re excited to try other Simple Truth flavors like Vanilla, Sea Salt Caramel, Mint Chocolate Chip, Birthday Cake, and Lemon Cake.
Key Takeaway: A budget-friendly, delicious option for healthy ice cream lovers.
Why Choose High-Protein, Low-Calorie Ice Cream?
These healthy ice creams cater to fitness enthusiasts, dieters, and anyone seeking a guilt-free dessert. With added protein and fewer calories, they align with wellness goals without compromising indulgence. Our taste test shows that brands like Simple Truth and Ben & Jerry’s Moo-phoria deliver on both flavor and nutrition.
Pro Tip: Pair your ice cream with fresh fruit or a drizzle of almond butter for an extra protein boost! Check out our low-calorie dessert recipes for more ideas.
What’s Your Favorite High-Protein Ice Cream?
Our taste test crowned Simple Truth Low Cow Chocolate as the top pick, but we want to hear from you! Have you tried these healthy ice creams? Share your favorite flavor in the comments or tag us on social media with #JodiLovesTasteTest.
