Ice cream is one of those delicious classic treats that can instantly bring you comfort and joy, but if you are living with diabetes, you might wonder whether there is room for it in your eating plan. The good news is that enjoying a small serving of ice cream does not have to be completely off-limits! With a little bit of knowledge about ingredients, portion sizes, and how different options will affect your blood sugar, you can still enjoy ice cream without feeling restricted. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about the best ice cream for diabetics, what you should look for and what you should avoid so that you can be smart about including this dessert into your meal plan.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the best ice cream means paying close attention to sugar, fat, and carbohydrate content.
- Portion control and reading the nutrition label are just as important as the ingredients themselves.
- Frozen yogurt and low-sugar frozen desserts can help you satisfy a craving without causing large sugar spikes.
- A registered diabetes dietitian can help you find dessert choices that work with your health goals and glucose management plan.
How Ingredients Affect Blood Sugar
When you are choosing ice cream that works well with diabetes, it helps to understand which ingredients are going to affect your sugar the most. The main ones to pay attention to are sugar, fat, and carbohydrates. These all play a role in how your body responds after eating a sweet treat, especially when it comes to keeping your sugar levels stable.
You will want to look at the sugar content and watch for added sugar, which can raise your blood glucose quickly. Some ice creams use sugar substitutes or sugar alcohols to create sweetness with fewer spikes in sugar, but these ingredients can still affect your digestion or cause discomfort when eaten in large amounts. The amount and type of cream and milk also matter, since they contribute to the calories, fat, and carbohydrates in each serving. Choosing options with more protein or better nutritional value can help you enjoy your dessert without the worry.
The 10 Best Ice Cream Options for Diabetics
With so many products available on the market today, it’s definitely possible to find ice cream that tastes great and still fits into your diabetes care plan. Here are the top 10 choices, so you can pick what works best for your diet, and your unique preferences.
1. Halo Top (Low-Calorie, Low-Sugar Delight)
Halo Top is known for its light, creamy texture and lower sugar content compared to traditional ice cream. Most pints contain fewer than 400 calories, with some flavors providing only 5–8 grams of sugar and 6 grams of protein per serving size. It’s also a great choice when you’re watching carbohydrates. It uses milk, cream, and sugar substitutes like stevia, which help you enjoy dessert without worrying as much about a spike in sugar.
2. Enlightened Keto Ice Cream (Low Carb, Big Flavor)
Enlightened’s keto line is designed with very low carbohydrate content (often less than 1 gram of sugar per serving), making it great for people that want better blood sugar control. It’s rich and creamy, thanks to full-fat cream and milk, and flavored with sugar alcohols like erythritol. It’s also higher in fat, which slows down glucose absorption and may reduce a spike in sugar after eating.
3. So Delicious No Sugar Added (Dairy-Free & Low Glycemic)
This plant-based ice cream uses coconut milk and is completely dairy-free. The “No Sugar Added” means it is sweetened with monk fruit and stevia, so it has fewer calories and carbohydrates than regular ice cream. That makes it a good option if you are lactose intolerant or trying to keep your diet lower in sugar while still satisfying a craving. It’s also rich in flavor without being overly sweet.
4. Breyers Carb Smart (A Classic for Carb Counters)
Breyers Carb Smart uses real cream and milk, but with lower sugar and carbohydrate content (usually around 4–5 grams) of net carbs per serving size. It’s lightly sweet and comes in familiar flavors like vanilla and chocolate. It includes some sugar alcohols, which help reduce the calories without sacrificing taste.
5. Rebel Ice Cream (High Fat, Low Sugar Keto Option)
Rebel is a keto-style ice cream that is made with real cream, egg yolks, and natural sweeteners like monk fruit and erythritol. With high fat content and only a small amount of sugar, it’s great for long-lasting energy and stable sugar levels. Most flavors contain 1–2 grams of net carbohydrates and are higher in calories, so portion control still matters.
6. Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars (Protein-Rich & Satisfying)
Yasso bars are made with Greek yogurt, offering around 5 grams of protein per bar. The sugar content is moderate (usually 10–13 grams), but the protein helps slow digestion and balance blood sugar. They are portion-controlled and lower in calories, making them easier to fit into your meal plan without raising your glucose.
7. Nubocha (Plant-Based and Low in Sugar)
Nubocha is a dairy-free frozen dessert made with nuts and sweetened with allulose, which has minimal impact on blood glucose. It has fewer carbohydrates, no added sugar, and a clean label with simple ingredients. Each serving contains good fats, some protein, and lower calories compared to many dairy-based ice creams.
8. Homemade Avocado-Coconut Ice Cream (DIY with Healthy Fats)
You can blend ripe avocado, canned coconut milk, a pinch of salt, and your preferred sweetener substitute (like stevia or erythritol) to make a creamy, rich ice cream at home. This option is free from added sugar, includes healthy fats, and lets you control the exact carbohydrate content.
9. Blue Bell No Sugar Added (A Familiar Favorite)
Blue Bell ice cream has a “No Sugar Added” line that still uses cream and milk, but with sugar substitutes and reduced carbs. While it is not carb-free, it has fewer grams of sugar and calories than the original, and each serving size is clearly labeled to help with portion control.
10. Frozen Yogurt Swaps (Choose the Right Kind)
Not all frozen yogurt is diabetes-friendly, but low-fat, low-sugar versions made with real milk and no added sugar can be a smart alternative. Look for options with live probiotics, fewer calories, and higher protein.
What to Look for on the Label
Knowing how to read a food label can make a big difference when you are choosing ice cream that fits into your diet and helps you manage your blood sugar. It gives you the information you need to make choices that feel right for you without any guessing.
Start by looking closely at the nutrition facts panel. Pay attention to the serving size, since many containers include more than one. From there, check the sugar content, calories, total carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Even small differences in these numbers can have an impact on how your sugar responds after eating. Choosing ice cream with fewer grams of sugar and calories, balanced with some protein, can help you enjoy dessert in a healthier way that works better with your overall diet goals.
Tips for Eating Ice Cream Without Spiking Your Blood Sugar
When indulging in ice cream, start by paying close attention to portion size, since larger amounts are more likely to lead to blood sugar spikes. Eating ice cream as part of a balanced meal (instead of on an empty stomach) can help slow how quickly sugar enters your bloodstream. It also helps to include a source of protein or fiber, such as a few almonds or a spoonful of nut butter, which can further improve blood sugar control.
You might also find that timing your treat makes a difference. Eating ice cream after a walk or light activity, when your body is more insulin sensitive, may reduce the impact on your glucose levels. This can help your body use energy better and keep up more stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Getting Personalized Help from a Registered Dietitian
If you’re ever unsure about what to eat, when to eat it, or how certain foods affect your blood sugar, you don’t have to figure it out all on your own. A registered dietitian can help you feel more confident in your choices by giving you personalized guidance that fits your lifestyle, health history, and goals. They can show you how to include the best desserts for diabetes like ice cream in your routine while still focusing on better diabetes management.
A dietitian’s role goes beyond giving you lists of foods to avoid or calories to count. They help you build sustainable habits that actually work for you, including how to balance your meals, reduce blood sugar spikes, and enjoy what you eat without any guilt.
At DietitianLive, you can connect with expert dietitians who are trained not only in nutrition, but also in behavioral health. Through 100% remote appointments, you’ll co-create a plan that fits your specific needs, from managing diabetes to improving your energy, sleep, and overall well-being. Best of all, 98% of clients pay $0 out of pocket, and getting started only takes a minute.
Whether you’re ready to rethink your meals, just want to feel better about your everyday choices, or are looking for the best ice cream for diabetics, DietitianLive makes it easy to get the help you need, from the comfort of home, and often at no cost to you.
Are you ready to transform how you feel about food? Book your first session with DietitianLive today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a diabetic, ice cream or sherbet?
If you are choosing between ice cream and sherbet, it helps to look at the carbs, sugar, and saturated fat in each. Sherbet often contains more carbohydrates and added sugar, while traditional ice cream has more saturated fat.
The better option depends on your overall balanced diet, portion size, and how your body responds. In many cases, a small single serving of low-sugar ice cream with fewer additives can be the better choice when eaten in moderation.
Which is better for a diabetic, ice cream or yogurt?
Yogurt, especially plain Greek yogurt, can provides more protein and fewer carbs than regular ice cream, and it also has beneficial nutrients like calcium and probiotics. If you’re choosing a sweet treat, unsweetened or low-sugar yogurt may help with sugar control and heart health, especially when paired with whole foods like berries or a sprinkle of nuts.
What dessert won’t spike my sugar levels?
Desserts that are less likely to cause an increase in sugar usually contain fewer carbs, healthier fats, and minimal added sugar. Options like a small piece of dark chocolate, frozen banana slices with peanut butter, or Greek yogurt with cinnamon offer natural sweetness and valuable nutrients. When choosing foods, look for ingredients that digest more slowly, like beans, nuts, or fiber-rich cereals, to help keep your glucose levels steady.
Can I eat ice cream while taking metformin?
Yes, you can eat ice cream while taking metformin, but it’s still important to be mindful of carbs, sugar, and saturated fat. Metformin works to improve insulin sensitivity, but taking it with large amounts of high-sugar foods may still affect your glucose control.
Choosing a smaller bowl, reading the label, and sticking to a single serving with fewer carbs can help you enjoy your sweet treat without working against your medication.
What is the best dessert for a diabetic to eat?
The best desserts for diabetes are the ones that fit into your overall healthy diet and keep your sugar stable. Desserts made with natural sweeteners, higher protein, and healthier ingredients offer more nutrients and less sugar. A small bowl of low-sugar ice cream can also be a reasonable option when enjoyed occasionally and in moderation.
How much ice cream should a diabetic eat?
For most people with diabetes, a single serving of ice cream (about ½ cup) is a reasonable portion. This helps manage carbs, sugar, and calories without overloading your system. Using a smaller bowl, reading the nutrition facts, and pairing your treat with a balanced meal or snack can reduce the impact on your insulin response and help maintain a healthy weight. Portion size and moderation make all the difference.
What are the best restaurants for diabetics?
The best restaurants for diabetics offer customizable meals with lean proteins, vegetables, and options with fewer carbs. Look for places that allow you to skip bread, substitute cereals or grains for salad, or offer smaller portions. You can also ask for sauces on the side, limit saturated fat, and choose drinks like water or unsweetened tea. Wherever you eat, being mindful of the foods on your table and making choices that match your health goals will always help you feel more in control.
