Ice cream that doesn’t hinder your diet? Yes, please.
Low-calorie ice cream is one of my favourite desserts when I am watching what I eat. It gives the best of both worlds by satisfying sugar cravings while keeping calories in check.
Not only is low-calorie ice cream a treat, but it is often high protein, making it a surprisingly smart choice if you are paying attention to your food intake. Big brands and supermarkets have also joined the trend, offering a range of options that fit a diet plan.
In fact, I know a lot of athletes who make their own low-calorie protein ice cream using handy kitchen tech like the Ninja Cremi Ice Cream Maker.
Perfect for those on calorie-controlled diets, or anyone who simply wants to enjoy a treat without overindulging.
Making dieting easier
Supermarkets are giving big brands a run for their money by launching their own ranges of low-calorie ice cream. Options like M&S Low Fat Birthday Cake Ice Cream and Asda Cookie Dough Ice Cream bring creative flavours to the table while staying diet-friendly. Then there’s Waitrose Calorie Controlled Belgian Chocolate Frozen Yogurt which proves you don’t need full-fat cream to achieve a rich chocolatey taste.
Many of these ice creams can double as a post-workout snack thanks to their high-protein content too. Options like Morrisons Low-Calorie High Protein Choc Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream and Myprotein Salted Caramel Ice Cream make treating yourself feel purposeful.
Guilty of eating the entire tub? Me too. So for those who prefer portion control, bite-sized options like Little Moons and Doughlicious deliver the perfect amount of indulgence in a handy size. Or, Asda Assorted Milk Lollies is a good treat for both kids and adults alike.
With so many options available, it’s even easier to treat yourself while staying on track.
Best high-protein ice cream at a glance:
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Haagen-Dazs Caramel Swirl Gelato Mini Cup Collection
When it comes to ice cream, as soon as I open the tub, it’s hard to not go all in and finish the whole thing. Which is why these mini cups of Häagen-Dazs Caramel Swirl Gelato are ideal if you struggle with portion control.
They are only 150 calories yet still taste super velvety smooth with just the right amount of fresh cream to make this a light yet satisfying treat.
Buy now £4.50, Amazon
Ben & Jerry’s Lighten Up Chocolate Cookie Dough
Ben & Jerry’s is a must for an ice cream fix and if you want to keep things light, this ice cream is a real winner.
With just 133 calories per serving, it’s the perfect way to indulge without going overboard. The texture is smooth, and the chocolate flavour is rich and creamy, making every bite feel like a little luxury.
Buy now £4.75, Amazon
Jude’s Caramel and Choc Tubs
If you are super indecisive like me, why not get two flavours for the price of one? Jude’s Caramel Choc Tubs are made with British milk and cream, and you can really taste the difference.
The salted caramel ice cream is laced with sauce and cinder toffee pieces; while the chocolate flavour is infused with cocoa sauce and chocolate curls. The caramel is beautifully rich, the chocolate swirls are decadent, and the best part? Each tub is just 93 calories and these are vegan-friendly.
Buy now £5.25, Waitrose
Oppo Double Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream
When you’re after something sweet but don’t want to derail your day, these little tubs are super handy. As a winner of the Guild of Fine Foods Great Taste Award, the flavour is smooth, creamy, and totally luxurious.
Flavours include Caramelised Biscuit, Gooey Chocolate Brownie, or my favourite Salted Caramel Swirl. Each serving is just 80 calories, perfect for a treat-yourself evening or even a snack on the go.
Buy now £5.25, Tesco
Graham’s Goodness Salted Caramel Ice Cream
I have to give a special mention to Scotland's largest family dairy. I may be biased as a Scot, but I really rate Graham’s for its award-winning products including the selection of protein yogurts and ice cream.
This ice cream is made with Scottish milk and double cream, and it’s rich, smooth and seriously indulgent. The salted caramel flavour strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty, making each spoonful ridiculously satisfying. And at 320 calories per serving, it’s one of those desserts you can enjoy without feeling like you’ve gone overboard.
Buy now £3.00, Tesco
Halo Top Honeycomb Crunch Ice Cream
Halo Top is one of the OGs of the low-calorie ice cream world and this honeycomb crunch ice cream is a dream for anyone keeping an eye on calories but not willing to skimp on flavour.
Made with a smooth, creamy base and swirls of crunchy honeycomb pieces, it’s indulgent without any guilt. At just 370 calories for the whole tub, yes, the whole tub, it’s perfect for those nights when one scoop just won’t cut it.
Buy now £5.50, Waitrose
M&S Low Fat Birthday Cake Ice Cream
Who says you need a special occasion for ice cream and cake? This birthday cake ice cream from M&S is swirled with colourful sprinkles and packed with a classic vanilla birthday cake flavour.
At just 280 calories for the entire tub, it’s a light treat low in fat and high in protein. A low-calorie ice cream that is worth celebrating.
Buy now £3.75, M&S
Carte D’Or Madagascan Vanilla Light Ice Cream
With 30 per cent less fat than similar ice creams, Carte D’Or’s less calorific vanilla option is all the flavour without the compromise.The hand-picked Madagascan vanilla beans are sustainably sourced and Rainforest Alliance Certified, so you can feel even better about every bite. Perfect on its own or paired with crumble, since you are saving on calories after all…
Buy now £2.50, Waitrose
Wall's Soft Scoop Vanilla Light Ice Cream Tub
Vanilla doesn’t have to be basic. Wall’s is always a go-to for serving at parties for all ages or keeping stocked for those moments when you crave something sweet. With fewer calories than traditional options, it’s an easy way to enjoy a classic dessert without overindulging.
Buy now £2.75, Tesco
Morrisons Low Calorie High Protein Choc Chip Cookie Dough
Morrisons has ventured into the world of healthier desserts with its low-calorie, high-protein ice cream line, including the Choc Chip Cookie Dough flavour. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to premium brands, but does it deliver on taste?
In my opinion, the ice cream’s texture and flavour doesn’t quite hit the richness of higher-calorie options. However, at 345 calories per tub and a decent protein hit, it still comes through as a perfectly pleasant lighter chocolatey dessert option.
Buy now £3.15, Amazon
Little Moons Honey Roasted Pistachio Mochi Ice Cream
Each of these bite-sized treast combines creamy pistachio gelato, infused with the richness of honey-roasted nuts, and a delicate, chewy rice flour dough wrapping.
Perfect as a frozen snack or an elegant dessert, these gluten-free, vegetarian ice creams have a smooth texture and luxurious flavour at only 80 calories per mochi.
Buy now £3.75, Waitrose
Verdict
My top choice for a calorie-controlled treat has got to be Häagen-Dazs Gelato Caramel Ice Cream. The caramel flavour is just as good as a higher-calorie option, but with only 150 calories per serving. It’s the perfect way to satisfy a sweet craving without the guilt. This one is creamy so still tastes indulgent, making it my go-to choice for a low-calorie treat. Definitely worth the try if you're after something sweet but light.
