Ice Cream: Calories, Nutrition Facts, and Health Benefits (2026)
1/2 cup of ice cream has 137 calories, 0.5 g fiber and 0 mg vitamin C. Full ice cream nutrition facts per serving and per 100 g, by goal, with blood-sugar and comparison data.
Ice cream provides 137 calories per 1/2 cup serving, along with 15.6 g of carbohydrates and 7.3 g of fat. It contains 4.5 g of saturated fat and 84 mg of calcium, making it a notable source of cream and sugar.
This page explores the nutritional profile of ice cream, specifically focusing on vanilla ice cream per 1/2 cup and per 100 g. It also examines its impact on common dietary goals and compares it with other sweets.
Ice Cream Nutrition Facts (Per Serving and Per 100 g)
The following nutrition facts table outlines the key nutritional components of ice cream, including calories, protein, and sugar content.
Values are for 1/2 cup vanilla (66 g).
| Nutrient | Per Serving | Per 100 g | % Daily Value (per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 137 | 207 | 7% |
| Protein | 2.3 g | 3.5 g | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 15.6 g | 23.6 g | 6% |
| Fiber | 0.5 g | 0.7 g | 2% |
| Sugar | 13.9 g | 21.0 g | - |
| Fat | 7.3 g | 11.0 g | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 0.0 mg | 0.0 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 131 mg | 199 mg | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 6.8 g | 22% |
| Calcium | 84 mg | 128 mg | 6% |
About 46% of ice cream calories come from carbohydrates, 7% from protein and 48% from fat.
Ice Cream by Health Goal
The by-goal ratings section evaluates how ice cream aligns with various dietary objectives, such as weight management and blood sugar control.
| Goal | Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Weight loss | Fair | 137 calories per serving |
| Blood sugar / diabetes | Good | Glycemic load of about 8 per serving |
| Immunity | Fair | Not a significant source of immune-supporting nutrients |
| Digestion | Fair | Very low in fiber |
| Heart health | Fair | High in saturated fat (4.5 g per serving) |
| Muscle gain | Fair | Low in protein (2.3 g per serving) |
Ice Cream and Blood Sugar
Glycemic index: 50. Glycemic load: 8 per serving.
Ice Cream has a glycemic index of about 50 and a glycemic load of around 8 per serving. Eating it with protein, fat or fiber slows the rise.
How Ice Cream Compares to Other Sweets and Treats
In the comparison table, ice cream is contrasted with other popular sweets and treats to highlight differences in nutritional content.
| Sweet (per 100 g) | Calories | Sugar (g) | Fat (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Cream | 207 | 21.0 | 11.0 | 3.5 |
| Milk Chocolate | 535 | 51.5 | 29.7 | 7.6 |
| Oreo | 480 | 38.0 | 20.0 | 4.5 |
| Gummy Bears | 325 | 47.0 | 0.2 | 6.9 |
Ice Cream Myths, Checked
Ice cream is just empty calories , Misleading. It does provide some calcium and protein, but the sugar and saturated fat make it a treat.
Frozen yogurt is always healthier than ice cream , Misleading. Frozen yogurt is often lower in fat but can have as much or more sugar.
How to Track Ice Cream
Treats like ice cream are easy to under-log, because the serving on the label is often smaller than what people actually eat, so portion size is everything. Nutrola identifies food from a photo, barcode or voice entry and returns calories and macros, so you can log ice cream accurately instead of estimating. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.
For related references, see calories in every candy and chocolate bar by brand, calories in popular desserts and bakery items, and every sugar and sweetener decoded.
Sources
Nutrition values are from the USDA FoodData Central database, shown per serving and per 100 g, rounded. Percent Daily Values use US reference intakes for a 2,000 calorie diet. Glycemic index and load are from published international tables and vary by variety, ripeness and cooking method. This is educational and not medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many calories are in 1/2 cup of ice cream?
A 1/2 cup serving of ice cream contains 137 calories. This calorie count can vary slightly depending on the specific brand and flavor.
Is ice cream good for weight loss?
Ice cream can be included in a weight loss diet if consumed in moderation. However, its high sugar and fat content may make it less ideal for frequent consumption.
Can people with diabetes eat ice cream?
People with diabetes can enjoy ice cream in moderation, but they should monitor their blood sugar levels due to its sugar content. The glycemic index of ice cream is about 50.
How much calcium is in ice cream?
Ice cream contains approximately 84 mg of calcium per 1/2 cup serving, contributing to daily calcium intake, which is important for bone health.
Is ice cream high in sugar?
Yes, ice cream is generally high in sugar, with about 13.9 g of sugar per 1/2 cup. This is important to consider for those monitoring their sugar intake.
Is ice cream bad for you?
Ice cream can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. However, its high sugar and fat content means it should not be a daily indulgence.
Key Takeaways
- Ice cream contains 137 calories per 1/2 cup serving.
- Each serving has 15.6 g of carbohydrates.
- Ice cream provides 7.3 g of fat, including 4.5 g of saturated fat.
- It contains 84 mg of calcium, beneficial for bone health.
- The glycemic index of ice cream is around 50.
- Moderation is key when including ice cream in your diet.
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