What Ice Cream Is Low in Cholesterol? Options for Those with High Cholesterol

Ice cream is a favorite treat for many, especially during the hot summer months. Its creamy texture and delicious flavors make it a go-to snack for people looking to cool down and enjoy something sweet. In fact, a study by the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association found that 87% of Americans keep ice cream in their freezers, showing just how popular it is.

But for those with strict diet restrictions, like people who need to watch their cholesterol levels, eating ice cream can be tricky. Ice cream often has high levels of saturated fat and added sugars, which can raise cholesterol levels. This makes it hard for people with high cholesterol to enjoy ice cream without worrying about their health. Knowing what’s in ice cream and why it’s a problem can help you make better choices and still enjoy your favorite treat.

Is Ice Cream Bad for High Cholesterol?

Yes, ice cream can be a problem for people with high cholesterol. Here’s why:

Why It’s Bad for High Cholesterol

Ice cream is usually made with full-fat cream, which has a lot of saturated fat. Eating too much saturated fat can raise your LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol. High LDL levels can cause plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Cholesterol Content in Ice Cream

A typical half-cup serving of regular vanilla ice cream contains about 4.5 grams of saturated fat and 29 milligrams of dietary cholesterol. A study in the The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that diets high in saturated fats are linked to higher LDL cholesterol levels, which isn’t good for heart health.

What Happens When You Eat Ice Cream with High Cholesterol?

• Higher LDL Cholesterol: Eating ice cream often can raise your bad cholesterol levels.
• Increased Heart Disease Risk: More LDL cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in your arteries, leading to heart attacks and strokes.
• Weight Gain: Ice cream is high in sugar and calories, which can make you gain weight and worsen cholesterol problems.
• Other Health Risks: High cholesterol can also lead to other issues like high blood pressure and diabetes complications.

Knowing these risks can help you decide whether or not to include ice cream in your diet if you have high cholesterol.

Low-Cholesterol Ice Cream Options

These concerns can make it hard to enjoy ice cream if you have high cholesterol. But did you know there are ice creams you can eat that are better for your heart?

What Ice Cream Is Low in Cholesterol?

Here are some options that are lower in cholesterol and saturated fats:

1. Breyer’s® Deliciously Rich & Creamy, Fat Free: Has 0g of saturated fat and 0mg of cholesterol per half-cup serving.
2. Weight Watchers® Snack Size Mocha Latte Bars: Contains 0g of saturated fat and 0mg of cholesterol.
3. Stonyfield® Organic Nonfat Frozen Yogurt: Less than 5mg of cholesterol per half-cup serving, making it a good choice.
4. Outshine® No-Sugar-Added Fruit Bars: These popsicles have 0g of saturated fat and 0mg of cholesterol.

How to Know if an Ice Cream Is Low in Cholesterol

When shopping for low-cholesterol ice cream, here’s what to do:

• Check the Nutrition Label: Look for ice creams with low or no saturated fat and cholesterol.
• Choose Nondairy Options: Ice creams made from almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk are often lower in saturated fats.
• Watch the Added Sugars: Even if an ice cream is low in fat, it might have high levels of added sugars, which aren’t good for your health.

By choosing these options, you can enjoy ice cream without worrying about your cholesterol.

Alternative Snacks for Ice Cream Lovers with High Cholesterol

If you want to enjoy a treat but need to watch your cholesterol, there are many tasty options besides ice cream. Here are some good choices:

Frozen Yogurt

• Nonfat or Low-Fat: These have less saturated fat and cholesterol. Look for brands like Stonyfield® Organic Nonfat Frozen Yogurt.

Sorbet

• Fruit-Based Sorbets: Made mostly from fruit and sugar, these have no dairy, so they are free of cholesterol and saturated fats.

Greek Yogurt Popsicles

• Homemade or Store-Bought: Freeze Greek yogurt with fruit. Many store-bought versions are low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Smoothie Bowls

• Fruit and Veggie Blends: Blend frozen fruits like bananas and berries with a little almond milk. Top with nuts, seeds, or honey.

Fruit Bars

• No-Sugar-Added: Brands like Outshine® offer fruit bars that are naturally sweet without added sugars and fats.

Frozen Banana Bites

• Dipped in Dark Chocolate: Freeze banana slices and dip them in dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has less saturated fat than milk chocolate, and bananas have no cholesterol.

Low-Fat Cottage Cheese with Fruit

• Protein-Packed: Add fresh or frozen berries to low-fat cottage cheese for a creamy snack.

These alternatives let you enjoy delicious treats without worrying about high cholesterol.

Enjoying Good Food with High Cholesterol

You can still enjoy tasty food even if you have high cholesterol. By picking healthier options and being careful with what you eat, you can treat yourself without harming your health. But remember, eating well is just one part of staying healthy with high cholesterol.

To really improve your health, combine your diet with other healthy habits:

• Exercise Regularly: Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days, like walking, biking, or swimming.
• Take Medication: If your doctor gives you medicine for cholesterol, make sure to take it as directed.
• Visit Your Doctor: Regular check-ups are important to keep an eye on your cholesterol levels.
• Make Healthy Choices: Avoid smoking and limit how much alcohol you drink, as these can affect your cholesterol.

By adding these habits to your routine, you can enjoy good food and keep your heart healthy.