9 Best Healthy Frozen Desserts
These low-sugar and low-calorie frozen desserts are the perfect cure for any sweet tooth.
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A cold and refreshing frozen dessert can be just what you need after a long day. But those sweet treats tend to be packed with excessive amounts of added sugar and calories too. You can, and should, still enjoy your favorite sugary treats in moderation, but if you're looking for the same great flavor with a better nutrition profile, these healthy store-bought frozen desserts are perfect for you.
Registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab tested dozens of frozen desserts to find the best of the best in terms of nutrition and taste, recruiting a large tester panel for real-life feedback on flavor and texture. Our top picks all come in under 200 calories and have a max of 10 grams of added sugar per serving. Whether you're looking for a low-calorie frozen dessert or healthier ice cream, these picks are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Our experts love that these childhood favorites are made with 100% fruit juice and no added sugar. There are 24 pops per pouch, and they come in three refreshing flavors and are USDA Organic. These pops are also free of the top eight allergens. Both kid and parent testers enjoyed them, adding that they were a family-friendly treat and noting the "perfect portion size."
Nutrition facts (per 1 pop): 40 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g sat fat, 8 mg sodium, 9 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 8 g sugar, 0 g added sugar, 0 g protein
This USDA Organic and Certified Gluten-Free pick comes in at 90 calories per bar (four bars per box) and meets our threshold for added sugar. What's more, it has a refreshing flavor and ultra-creamy decadent texture. Our nutrition pros love that the brand's offerings are free from high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors. And Alden's sources its organic milk and cream from family-owned farms.
Nutrition facts (per 1 bar): 90 calories, 3.5 g total fat, 2.5 g sat fat, 15 mg sodium, 15 mg total carbohydrate, 0 g fiber, 11 g total sugars, 10 g added sugars, 1 g protein
Coming in at 100 calories, these creamy frozen yogurt bars from Yasso offer five grams of protein and are a low-carb choice too. They have a great texture and are the perfect portion-controlled sweet treat to satisfy any craving. Testers raved about the very minty flavor, with one describing it as "tasty, refreshing and satisfying!" Birthday cake was another top performer in our tests. Our nutrition experts love that Yasso delivers great-tasting frozen treats with superb nutrition, and that the brand is constantly innovating new flavors. There are four bars per box.
Nutrition facts (per 1 bar): 100 calories, 2 g fat, 1.5 g sat fat, 45 mg sodium, 16 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 13g total sugar, includes 9 g added sugar, 5 g protein
Breyers CarbSmart Frozen Dairy Dessert Vanilla Bars
This low-carb choice packs in 3 grams of fiber with just 3 grams of added sugar. Our food and nutrition pros love the texture of the delectable chocolate shell and the smooth vanilla ice cream interior. One of the tastiest low-carb bars on the market, it's a great choice for diabetics and those looking for lower sugar options. At 140 calories per bar, this box of six is a smart pick for the freezer.
Nutrition facts (per 1 bar): 140 calories, 11 g fat, 8 g sat fat, 50 mg sodium, 11 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 5 g total sugar, includes 3 g added sugar, 3 g sugar alcohol, 2 g protein
A fan favorite in the Nutrition Lab for its simple ingredients, Nadamoo dairy-free dessert offers a rich and classic vanilla flavor. A 2/3 cup serving has 6 grams of fiber and only 2 grams of added sugar, and it's USDA Organic and Certified Gluten-Free. Testers gave it top scores for flavor and texture, with one saying, "If you didn't know there was no dairy in this, you would think it was regular ice cream. A very good substitute!"
Nutrition facts (per 2/3 cup serving): 160 calories, 9 g fat, 8 g sat fat, 50 mg sodium, 18 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 11 g sugar, 2 g added sugar, 1 g protein
This creamy light ice cream packs in chunks of real cookie dough and chocolate chips. A 2/3 cup serving is 120 calories and has only 5 grams of added sugar, but our registered dietitians love that the pick boasts 6 grams of both fiber and protein making it a satisfying choice that will help keep you full. The brand offers a variety of flavors, both dairy-based and non-dairy, and even keto choices too.
Nutrition facts (per 2/3 cup): 120 calories, 3.5 g fat, 2 g sat fat, 100 mg sodium, 25 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 9 g total sugar, including 5 g added sugar, 7 sugar alcohol, 6 g protein
These certified gluten-free mochi are decadent and delicious at only 90 calories per piece (6 pieces per box). They come in under our limit for added sugar — 9 grams per serving — and received rave reviews from our testers. "The filling texture was great, very flavorful," said one tester. Another described it as "refreshing, flavorful and delightful." Our nutrition experts appreciate that the product is free from artificial sweeteners.
Nutrition facts (per 1 piece): 90 calories, 3 g fat, 2 g sat fat, 25 mg sodium, 15 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 10 g total sugar, including 9 g added sugar, 1 g protein
A deliciously satisfying choice with real fruit? That's what you get with Dole dark chocolate–covered banana slices. Our registered dietitians love the simple ingredients and that every individual pack is only 100 calories. With just 4 grams of added sugar, these Dippers offer the perfect level of sweetness. A great choice for adults and kids.
Nutrition facts (per 1 pack): 100 calories, 4.5 g fat, 3 g sat fat, 0 mg sodium, 13 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 9 g total sugar, 4 g added sugar, 1 g protein
These dairy-free bites pair acai berry sorbet filling with a vegan dark chocolate coating, delivering the ultimate blend of tangy fruit and rich cocoa flavor for only 50 calories per piece. Our nutritionists point out that the USDA Organic bites are individually wrapped — nine per box — making them a convenient portion-controlled option.
Nutrition facts (per 1 piece): 50 calories, 2.5 g fat, 2 g sat fat, 0 mg sodium, 8 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 4 g total sugar, including 4 g added sugar, 0 g protein
Why Trust Us?
As deputy director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab for the past two years, Stefani Sassos has handled all nutrition content, product testing and evaluation. She runs large-scale tests and analysis for products ranging from protein bars to multivitamins.
She has a master's degree in clinical nutrition from New York University and has been a registered dietitian for six years, working in the clinical setting prior to Good Housekeeping and obtaining advanced credentials and board certifications in the nutrition field. As an avid ice cream lover herself, Stefani is passionate about finding healthy frozen dessert options with better nutritionals that still taste great.
Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition and Fitness Lab, where she oversees all nutrition and fitness-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from New York University, as well as advanced certifications as a Women's Fitness Specialist and a Behavior Change Specialist. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.
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