Is Fro-Yo Healthier Than Ice Cream?

But even as the decades have passed, many of us are still vague on whether frozen yogurt is any healthier than ice cream, or whether the two treats are basically the same thing nutritionally. Here’s what to know before you pick up your spoon.

“With so many choices in the area of frozen desserts, the lines have blurred between ice cream and frozen yogurt,” says Julie Stefanski, RDN, a registered dietitian-nutritionist in Baltimore and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

But there are some general differences between the two.

Ice Cream

Frozen Yogurt

Like ice cream, frozen yogurt typically contains sweeteners and flavorings, as well as stabilizers and emulsifiers.

Traditionally, frozen yogurt is lower in fat than ice cream (since it’s made from milk, not cream), Stefanski says. But recently, manufacturers have been making whole-milk frozen yogurt, and they sometimes include cream.

Nutrition Facts: Ice Cream vs. Frozen Yogurt

Does Fro-Yo Have More Protein Than Ice Cream?

“This is a tricky question,” Villaseca says. “Frozen yogurt may be lower in fat, but many options have just as much sugar as regular ice cream.” Some frozen yogurts contain more sugar than ice cream.

When choosing any frozen treat, Stefanski says to look at the calorie, fat, and sugar content and pick the one that aligns with your personal health goals.

“Any dessert is tasty because of its fat and sugar content, and we all know health recommendations usually advise limiting both of those,” Villaseca says.

Both ice cream and fro-yo can be part of a healthy diet, she emphasizes. “Being aware of what else you’re eating throughout the day, and how often you like to include either ice cream or fro-yo as a dessert, will make it easier for you to decide which is the healthiest option for you.”

Here’s some advice on how to experience this throwback treat in a healthy way.

• Pay attention to added sugar. Villaseca suggests choosing a fro-yo with no more than 10 g of added sugar per serving.
• Note the serving size. Stefanski suggests choosing a single-serving item, like a frozen yogurt pop, instead of haphazardly scooping from a carton or supersizing your swirl at the fro-yo shop.
• Choose toppings carefully. Opt for fresh fruit and nuts, which Villaseca says are “nutrient-dense.” Avoid candy, caramel, or chocolate sauce, which increase the sugar and calories.
• Eat slowly. “With desserts, sometimes the part you notice and enjoy the most is the first bite and the last bite,” Stefanski says. Savoring each bite will leave you more satisfied.

The Takeaway

• Frozen yogurt is enjoying a renaissance as new fro-yo shops pop up around the United States.
• Frozen yogurt tends to be lower in fat than ice cream, but can have just as much or more sugar, and about the same amount of protein. Any active probiotics usually die in the manufacturing process.
• It’s possible to enjoy fro-yo in a healthy way if you have it as an occasional treat and watch your portion size.