A small plate of chocolate ice cream.
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You may think ice cream is off-limits if you've recently been diagnosed with diabetes -- especially since many varieties are high in sugar and cause your blood glucose to rise rapidly. If you're looking for sugar-free varieties that don't raise blood sugar, the bad news is ... there aren't any. You can find ice creams labeled "no sugar added." However, these contain carbohydrates and naturally occurring sugars, which raise blood glucose. The good news is you can still fit ice cream into your diabetes meal plan.
No Sugar Added: The Not-So-Sweet Truth
The "no sugar added" varieties of ice cream are sweetened with sugar substitutes such as sugar alcohols and sucralose, better known as Splenda. However, this doesn't make them sugar-free. Most "no sugar added" varieties are made using milk, which contains lactose -- a naturally occurring sugar. In addition, some sugar substitutes contribute carbohydrates and raise blood sugar, though not as dramatically as table sugar. What's more, some people find the taste of ice cream sweetened with sugar substitutes unpalatable.
It's Not Off-Limits: Here's Why
People with diabetes aim to eat a predetermined, consistent amount of carbohydrates at each meal -- 45 to 60 grams is about right for most people, according to the American Diabetes Association. It's common to think that you must avoid all forms of sugar when you have diabetes, but this isn't the case. As long as the total amount of carbs at a given meal remains within your target, you can fit sweet treats in every now and then.
Ice Cream: How to Fit It In
Eat sweets with your meal, instead of separately, so that you're consuming nutritious components such as protein and fiber, which help stabilize blood sugar. Make adjustments in your meal when planning to compensate for the ice cream. For example, if you're used to having a white potato with your meal, swap it out for the ice cream so that your total amount of carbs remains within 45 to 60 grams, or whatever target your doctor set for you.
Winning Ice Creams: What to Look For
When you're ready to have ice cream, look for varieties with no more than 150 calories, 5 grams of total fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 20 grams of carbs and 100 milligrams of sodium per 1/2-cup serving, recommends "Diabetic Living" magazine. The staff conducted a blind taste test and found diabetes-friendly ice creams that met the recommended guidelines. The winners of the light vanilla and light chocolate category were Breyers Smooth & Dreamy 1/2 Fat Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream and Blue Bunny Hi Lite Chocolate Ice Cream. The runners up were Blue Bunny Hi Lite Vanilla Ice Cream and Breyers Smooth & Dreamy 1/2 Fat Creamy Chocolate Ice Cream.
FAQs
The following are the best brands and flavors for those who have diabetes. Blue Bunny Ice Cream: This brand offers vanilla and chocolate options. Both contain 20 grams (g) of carbohydrates per ½-cup serving. Breyers Creamy Vanilla: This contains minimal fat and 17 g of total carbohydrates per ½ cup.
Which ice cream is best for sugar patient? ›
You can use the nutrition information from this list to guide you in finding other suitable choices.
- Blue Bell No-Sugar Added Country Vanilla. ...
- Halo Top Chocolate Ice Cream. ...
- Nick's Cookies and Kräm Ice Cream. ...
- Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Mint Chocolate Chip Bars.
Is sugar-free ice cream a good choice for people with diabetes? Low sugar and sugar-free ice cream are good options for people with diabetes who are looking to enjoy a sweet treat that will not affect their blood sugar levels as much as regular ice creams would.
What dessert won't spike my blood sugar? ›
"Dark chocolate covered berries and nuts [are a great choice] for both [types of diabetes] because the nuts have omega-3s. The dark chocolate has antioxidants and the berries are lower glycemic types of foods. They have more fiber, so they're friendly for both [types of diabetes]," she says.
Can diabetics eat Haagen-Dazs ice cream? ›
While there are some extra things to consider, ice cream can be included in a healthy meal pattern even if you have diabetes. It's best to eat ice cream in moderation and to choose an option with lower saturated fat, lower carbs and no or low added sugar.
Is sherbet better for you than ice cream? ›
The addition of dairy gives sherbet a creamier texture, but it also increases the overall calorie and fat content. However, compared to ice cream, sherbet still tends to have a lower fat content, making it a good choice for those watching their fat intake.
What is the best dessert for a diabetic to eat? ›
Examples of some diabetes-friendly desserts include:
- granola (with no sugar added) and fresh fruit.
- trail mix with nuts, seeds, roasted pepitas, and dried cranberries.
- graham crackers with nut butter.
- angel food cake.
- chia seed pudding.
- low sugar avocado mousse.
- frozen yogurt bites made with plain Greek yogurt and berries.
If you have diabetes or insulin resistance, you'll probably want a lower sugar option. In that case, it might make more sense to choose ice cream as an occasional treat. Look for reduced sugar or no-sugar-added varieties. If you're limiting your fat intake, frozen yogurt will be a better choice for you.
Are bananas good for diabetics? ›
A person with diabetes can enjoy bananas in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The vitamin, mineral, and fiber content of bananas may even offer health benefits for people with diabetes, as long as an individual does not eat excessive portions.
What ice cream doesn't raise blood sugar? ›
Winning Ice Creams: What to Look For
The staff conducted a blind taste test and found diabetes-friendly ice creams that met the recommended guidelines. The winners of the light vanilla and light chocolate category were Breyers Smooth & Dreamy 1/2 Fat Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream and Blue Bunny Hi Lite Chocolate Ice Cream.
Table. Best sugar-free ice cream brands
| Brand | Calories per half cup or one serving or one scoop |
|---|
| 1. Halo Top Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert | 70 to 110 |
| 2. So Delicious Light Ice Cream (Formerly Mousse Frozen Dessert) | 75 to 83 |
| 3. Frozen Dairy-Free Frozen Dessert | 80 to 110 |
| 4. Arctic Zero Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert | 40 to 80 |
5 more rowsMany people look at sherbet and see a good alternative to ice cream. The reality? Sherbet typically has almost double the carbohydrates of ice cream, states Cotey. If you're looking for a frozen treat from time to time, search out a product lower in sugar, carbs and saturated fats.
What ice cream has the least amount of carbs? ›
5 Low-Carb Ice Creams to Satisfy Common Cravings
- Rebel Coffee Chip Ice Cream.
- Nubocha Chocolate Arriba Gelato.
- Enlightened Keto P.B. Cookie & Brownie Dough.
- Nick's Swedish-Style Light Ice Cream Birthdäg Cake.
- So Delicious Dairy Free No Sugar Added Mint Chip Coconutmilk Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert.
Sherbet typically has almost double the carbohydrates of ice cream, states Cotey. If you're looking for a frozen treat from time to time, search out a product lower in sugar, carbs and saturated fats. Also be mindful of serving size. Most people scoop out far more than what's recommended.
Which is better for diabetics, ice cream or frozen yogurt? ›
If you have diabetes or insulin resistance, you'll probably want a lower sugar option. In that case, it might make more sense to choose ice cream as an occasional treat. Look for reduced sugar or no-sugar-added varieties. If you're limiting your fat intake, frozen yogurt will be a better choice for you.
