I know. It’s hot and it has remained hot. It’s hard to think about much of anything when the heat index is so high. Well, except for one thing… Ice cream!
As I was walking down the street to Route 66 Gelato (yes, dangerous it’s so close), I was wondering about the differences between ice cream, gelato, sorbet and custard. This is a question of between these, not if these are good for you. If you had to choose, which one would be better? For most of you, it is obvious but the deeper question is which food is better for you and you should always ask yourself when you are ordering any type of food. Which is better French fries or tator tots? Soda or tea? Wine or mixed drinks? Wendy’s or Chick-fil-A? It is in the micro-decisions you are making on a daily basis that shifts your health.
Back to ice cream. Let’s compare- you may be surprised which one is better if you are trying to avoid sugars…. READ ON…
Ice cream: consists of a high percentage of heavy cream (at least 10% milkfat), contains sugar, often has eggs.
Air is churned into while freezing giving it the lighter texture.
- Calories: approx. 140-250 per half cup
- Fat: 10-18 grams
- Sugar: 12-20 grams.
Gelato: uses more milk and less cream than ice cream (less than 10% milkfat). Rarely uses eggs.
Denser overall resulting in smoother texture
- Calories: approx. 160-200 per half cup
- Fat: 3-9 grams
- Sugar: 18-25 grams
Sorbet: Typically made of a fruit puree or juice and sugar. This is dairy -free and egg-free.
Icy water base
- Calories: approx. 120-130 per half cup
- Fat: zero
- Sugar: 28-34 grams
Sherbert: Made of fruit puree or juice but also has added milk or cream. Sometimes contains sugar, egg whites and gelatin. Milkfat content is only 1-2%.
- Calories: 107-110 per half cup
- Fat: 1-2 grams
- Sugar: 21-23 grams
Custard: Ice cream with at least 10% milkfat but has added egg yolks.
- Calories: 210-236 per half-cup
- Fat: high 11-14 grams
- Sugar: 17-22 grams
- Protein: 4-5 grams
So, which one is better? It really depends on your health. If you have blood sugar issues then perhaps Custard may be a better choice due to lower sugar content and higher protein but sorbet is a close runner up. If you are trying to eat a low fat diet then Sorbet is your best choice. If you are counting calories then Sherbert may be your best bet. HOWEVER, do not forget the minute you add the swirl of caramel, chocolate chips and waffle cones all of these numbers shift and obviously it all depends on the brand!
The bottom line is everything in moderation is the best practice. If you make good choices majority of the time with your healthy diet then splurging on some frozen, cold treat on occasion won’t be a game-changer in the big picture.
Enjoy!
To your Health,
Laura
