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Think you can’t enjoy a big scoop of sweet, creamy and refreshing ice cream on a ketogenic diet? Well, think again! There are many ice-cream brands that make sugar-free ice cream now but the question is: are they okay to eat on a keto or low-carb diet? We’ve done the hard work for you and I think you’ll be surprised at how many are not KETO-approved! 

If you want to make your own low-carb ice cream try our Ketogenic Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Bites, or scroll to the bottom for our pick of the best and easiest keto ice cream recipes.

 

PRO TIPS FOR  BUYING STORE-BOUGHT KETOGENIC ICE-CREAM

1. DO read the nutrition labels for carb counts. I’ve cited the nutrition for the vanilla flavor in this guide where possible to keep an even playing field, but some of the more exotic flavors have much higher net carbs than vanilla. I’m looking at you Caramel Macchiato!
2. Watch out for these suspect ingredients which can impact blood sugar levels – skim milk, milk, can sugar, tapioca starch/syrup or fiber, vegetable glycerin
3. Keto ingredients to look for: cream, erythritol, stevia, monk fruit
4. Keep an eye out for discounts and specials as low carb ice cream is more expensive than regular ice cream

PRO TIPS FOR  EATING STORE-BOUGHT KETO ICE-CREAM

1. Take keto ice cream out of the refrigerator 20-35 minutes before you want to eat it as it is very hard and takes a while to soften due to the lack of sugar. To speed up the process, microwave in 20-second intervals until melted enough to eat.
2. Stick to one serve which is usually a half cup

 

STORE BOUGHT KETOGENIC ICE CREAM GUIDE

 

KILLER CREAMERY

Killer Creamery is marketed as a keto ice cream. It uses MCT oil and has only 2g net carbs per 1/2 cup. 

KILLER CREAMERY INGREDIENTS (VANILLA):

Cream, water, egg yolks, erythritol, chicory root fiber, milk protein concentrate, MCT oil, vegetable glycerin, pure vanilla extract, gums (xanthan, locust bean, guar), vanilla bean, stevia

KILLER CREAMERY MACRONUTRIENTS (VANILLA):

Their Vanilla flavor has 2g of net carbs per half-cup serving, 150 calories, 14g fat, 4g protein.

What People Are Saying About It:

“Chocolate and peanut butter are two of my favorites. And what makes it even better is that @killercreamery makes an ice cream that is low carb, and creamy…and delicious! This will not last long, and I’m hiding it from the kids” – user happylowcarbmom on Instagram

“When you’re at a family BBQ watching everyone eat ALL the sugary things, and you know you have a tub of @killercreamery Peanut Blubber ice cream at home…” – user mambearmemories on Instagram

KILLER CREAMERY VERDICT:

Killer Creamery is very low-carb and high-fat so potentially a fantastic low carb ice cream choice. The only caution I have is the use of vegetable glycerin which is highly processed and may impact blood sugar levels. Try it for yourself and see what you think.

WHERE TO PURCHASE: USA ONLY

USA: Available in 17 states. See website for details

 

 

REBEL ICE-CREAM

Rebel is a low-carb, high-fat ice cream that is very popular in the USA amongst the keto community for it’s gold star keto ingredients.

REBEL INGREDIENTS (VANILLA):

Cream, Water, Erythritol, Chicory Root Fiber, Egg Yolks, Milk Protein Isolate, Vegetable Glycerin, Vanilla Extract, Peruvian Carob Gum, Guar Gum, Monk Fruit.

REBEL MACRONUTRIENTS (VANILLA):

Vanilla flavor has 1.3g of net carbs per half-cup serving, 150 calories, 14g fat, 2g protein

What People Are Saying About It:

“YUM. By far one of the best tasting flavor of the bunch. This is much, much tastier and less chalky than Halo Top’s mint chip. While not a totally fair comparison given Rebel’s mint chip is made with real cream and not skim milk, this was still surprisingly delightful and even came with delicious chocolate shavings.” – review of Mint Chip flavor at getkeyto.com

“If you’ve never purchased Rebel Creamery ice cream, DO IT!! AMAZING!! I’ve been craving ice cream sooo bad and this was awesome!! The chocolate tasted like a Wendy’s frosty!” – user Becca on Facebook

“Last week I got to try Rebel ice cream. I felt so guilty eating it because it was so good!! A part of me felt like I was eating real ice cream. I bought two pints and and I could not believe they were 7g & 6g of net carbs each!! I’m so happy I was able to get my hands on these.” – user Ms Crystal on Instagram

REBEL VERDICT: Rebel is the best of the bunch and our pick for the top ketogenic diet ice cream. It uses high fat cream, sweeteners and fiber that do not affect blood sugar levels.

WHERE TO PURCHASE: USA ONLY

USA: Available from Wholefoods Market, Publix, Shoprite, H.E.B. and many more. Visit their site for the full list of stockists.

 

 

* HALO TOP ICE-CREAM * Updated 2020!!!

Halo Ice Top Cream has been showing up frequently in keto circles for a while now and I think you’ll be surprised to learn more about it.

*Halo Top have now introduced the Keto Series: in 7 delicious flavors.  

HALO TOP INGREDIENTS (KETO BANANA CREAM PIE):

Ultrafiltered Skim Milk, Cream, Erythritol, Chocolate Swirl (Peanut Oil, Nonfat Dry Milk, Natural Cocoa, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), Sunflower Lecithin, Natural Flavors, Salt), Banana Base (Banana Puree, Water, Salt, Ascorbic Acid), Eggs, Vegetable Glycerin, Soluble Corn Fiber, Cannoli Pieces (Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Chicory Root Fiber, Palm Oil, Water, Salt, Natural Flavor), Chicory Root Fiber, Cellulose Gel, Cellulose Gum, Sea Salt, Natural Flavor, Stevia Leaf Extract (Reb M).

 

HALO TOP MACRONUTRIENTS (KETO BANANA CREAM PIE):

Keto Banana Cream Pie flavor has 3g of net carbs per 2/3-cup serving, 170 calories, 14g fat, 6g protein.

 

What People Are Saying About It:

“The consistency reminds me of homemade ice cream!! Yum” – user Susan on Facebook

“On the whole, the biggest difference between Halo Top from full-fat ice creams is its airiness. It doesn’t feel like your tongue is awash in cream, which to me is a good thing because it doesn’t leave that slick inner-mouth residue.” – Kevin Pang at thetakeout.com

“Halo Top [has a] slightly grainy, icy finish” – review on today.com

HALO TOP VERDICT:

The NEW Keto Halo Top ice cream is low in carbs. It has 3g of net carbs per 2/3 cup serve so ideal for a keto diet on  20g net carbs per day. They have ditched the cane sugar in the keto version (hurray!) It’s still made with skim milk but they’ve added cream so it is now high in fat. A serving has 14g of fat, compared to the non-keto Halo Top which contained only 2g. I can now truly recommend Halo Top Keto  as a true keto ice-cream. It does contain a lot of processed ingredients though so keep it to an occasional treat!

WHERE TO PURCHASE: USA, CANADA, UK, SOME EUROPEAN COUNTRIES, AUSTRALIA

Available widely, so check their website for stockists. Also available for online purchase.

Australia – I haven’t been able to find Halo Top Keto Version. You can buy the regular version at Woolworths though it’s not as low in carbs and is low-fat (eeek!)

If you’re looking for a keto-friendly ice-cream in Australia, I’m a fan of Denada keto ice-cream which can be found at Coles.

MACROS FOR THE NON-KETO (REGULAR) HALO TOP (note the high-ish carbs and low-fat!)

Vanilla flavor has 6g of net carbs per half-cup serving, 70 calories, 2g fat, 5g protein.

Vanilla Maple Dairy-free has 5g per 1/2 cup serve, 70 calories, 2.5g fat, 3g protein.

 

FROPRO

FroPro is an Australian brand of sugar-free ice-cream that is sweetened with xylitol and stevia but is low-fat, not high-fat.

FROPRO INGREDIENTS (TOASTED COCONUT):

Milk, Milk Protein Concentrate, Xylitol, Skim Milk Powder, Water, Desiccated Coconut, Stevia Blend (Stevia, Erythritol), Vegetable Glycerin, Mono-diglyceride, Stabiliser (Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Locust Bean Gum), Nature Flavour – CONTAINS MILK

FROPRO MACRONUTRIENTS (TOASTED COCONUT):

Their Toasted Coconut flavor has 6.7g of net carbs per half-cup serving, 86 calories, 3.1g fat, 7g protein.

What People Are Saying About It:

“My fave was Salted Caramel! So delish and really creamy. The only downside was that I ate way too much ’cause I couldn’t stop!” – Lauren at triple-white.com

“I have only tried the Salted Caramel variety. I found it pleasant tasting, although not really like a true salted caramel – not creamy and satisfying.” – from Munaiba at foodwatch.com.au

FROPRO VERDICT:

Too high in carbs and low in fat to be strictly keto but great as a low-sugar ice-cream if you’re not strict keto. Also note that this ice cream contains xylitol which is toxic to dogs so be warned!

WHERE TO PURCHASE: AUSTRALIA ONLY

Australia – buy at Woolworths

 

ARCTIC ZERO

Arctic Zero is described as “light” ice cream but it is low-fat and frankly with 11g of net carbs per serve and cane sugar as an ingredient, it is not low-carbohydrate.

ARCTIC ZERO INGREDIENTS (VANILLA BEAN):

Skim milk, cane sugar, prebiotic fiber, cream, whey protein concentrate, acacia gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, natural flavors, sea salt, ground vanilla beans

ARCTIC ZERO MACRONUTRIENTS (VANILLA BEAN):

Vanilla Bean flavor has 11g of net carbs per half-cup serving, 70 calories, 1g fat, 2g protein.

What People Are Saying About It:

“Ok, so it’s not exactly “ice cream,” but it scratches that itch. I can sit down and eat a whole pint of this stuff for only 150 calories. I love that. I’ve read mixed reviews, some like this stuff others hate it. I love it! I want to try the cookies and cream next…” – verified purchaser Willie99 on Amazon

“Review of Arctic Zero ice cream: bleh! Damned if I was going to let $5 go to waste though. I threw some in my blender with ice, water and some powdered PB.” – user Joanna on Facebook

“The Chocolate and Maple Vanilla, however, were very enjoyable. Both were full-flavored, had a creamy texture, and were more than easy to eat.” from caliberstrong.com

ARCTIC ZERO VERDICT:

Arctic Zero does not qualify as a ketogenic ice cream as it is very low-fat and uses cane sugar so not low-carb or high-fat enough for true keto diets.

WHERE TO PURCHASE: USA & CANADA

Available from select Fresh Thyme, Giant, Giant Eagle, Jewel, Martin’s, Russ’s, Safeway, ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Super Saver & Woodman’s stores.

 

ENLIGHTENED

Enlightened ice cream is low in carbs with 4g net carbs per serve, but also low in fat. 

ENLIGHTENED INGREDIENTS (VANILLA BEAN):

Skim milk, milk protein concentrate, erythritol, non-GMO soluble corn fiber, cream, egg yolks, tapioca syrup, vegetable glycerin, vanilla, carob gum, guar gum, mono & diglycerides, vanilla beans, monk fruit extract

ENLIGHTENED MACRONUTRIENTS (VANILLA BEAN):

Vanilla Bean flavor has 4g of net carbs per half-cup serving, 70 calories, 2g fat, 5g protein.

What People Are Saying About It:

I love this fit frozen treat! I have tried a lot of the flavors produced by halo top and arctic zero. It tops them! It has an amazing texture, unlike the icy texture that both halo top and arctic zero have. I also love the macros. The only downside is the initial super frozen aspect. Fixed that by putting it out for 30 mins or in the microwave for 15 seconds. Absolutely amazing and at least worth trying!! – user Kennedy on Amazon.com

“I was pleasantly surprised with the consistency of Enlightened, even with the lower fat content it was still very creamy and tasted like a legit ice-cream.” from blaruefit.com

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: I’d have to say this was my #1 favorite. It’s super creamy and has nice big chunks of cookie dough. Tasted the most like real ice cream! – from hungry-blonde.com

ENLIGHTENED VERDICT: This is another low-fat ice cream so it’s not truly keto. While it is low in carbs, it uses tapoica syrup as one of the many ingredients and this is known to raise blood sugar. Soluble corn fiber can also impact insulin levels but this is highly dependant on the quality used, so see how you feel when eating Enlightened ice cream.

WHERE TO PURCHASE: USA ONLY

USA: Available from Safeway, Publix, Wholefoods Market, Kroger, Shoprite, Giant and online here.

 

KETO PINT

The macronutrient profile of Keto Pint appears to be great for ketogenic diets as it is low in net carbs and high in fat.

KETO PINT INGREDIENTS (COFFEE FLAVOR):

Cream, Whole Milk, Coffee Base (Water, Colombian Coffee, Non-GMO Tapioca Fiber, Natural Flavor), Whole Egg, Erythritol, Non-GMO Chicory Root Fiber, Milk Protein Concentrate, Monk Fruit Extract, Stevia Extract, Non-GMO Tapioca Fiber, Vegetable Glycerin, Sea Salt, Non-GMO Guar Gum, Non-GMO Gum Acacia.

KETO PINT MACRONUTRIENTS (COFFEE FLAVOR):

No vanilla flavor so nutrition is for coffee flavor: 3g of net carbs per half-cup serving, 160 calories, 13g fat, 5g protein

What People Are Saying About It:

“Creamy and not super sweet with delicious chunks throughout, new favorite!” – user millameowketocat on Instagram

“Sea salt caramel is my favorite ice cream now… Like, even if I wasn’t eating keto, GET IN MY BELLY.” – user allieketo on instragram

“If you haven’t tried keto pint yet, you need to! The peanut butter cup is soooo goood, actually both of these are delicious and only 3 net carbs per half cup serving!” – user ketoblissmeliss on Instagram

KETO PINT VERDICT: This is so close to being a great keto ice cream BUT tapioca fiber has been shown to raise insulin levels as much as sugar, kicking you out of ketosis. I can’t recommend this as a truly ketogenic ice cream.

Tapioca fiber is not the same as tapioca flour. It is a suspect ingredient that has been shown in studies to raise blood sugar levels as much as sugar.

It is an IMO (Isomaltooligosaccharide) that in most cases should NOT be subtracted from your carb count (USA*) as with any ingredient that affects insulin levels. So food labels containing tapioca fiber are likely to be incorrect for those watching their carb intake for ketogenic diets.

*In Australia, fiber is already deducted from Carbohydrates on food labels so tapioca fiber may need to be added back as a carbohydrate.

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

USA & Canada: Available from Wholefoods Markets, Safeway, Fred Meyer, Nugget Markets etc and ships to all U.S. states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii).

See the website for the full listing.

 

OTHER CREAM BRANDS THAT ARE “HEALTHY” BUT NOT KETO:

Edy’s Slow Churner Ice Cream

INGREDIENTS: non-fat milk, cane sugar, cream, buttermilk, tapioca starch, pectin, guar gum, natural flavor.

MACRONUTRIENTS: Vanilla flavor has 15g of net carbs per half-cup serving, 100 calories, 3g fat, 3g protein.

This is not a great fit for the ketogenic diet as it is high-carb, and uses non-fat milk so is low-fat, not high fat.  It also includes sugar cane as an ingredient as well as tapioca starch which is high GI and raises blood sugar.

So Delicious Dairy Free

INGREDIENTS: Cashewmilk (Filtered Water, Cashews), Cane Sugar, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Tapioca Syrup, Pea Protein, Sea Salt, Guar Gum, Vanilla Extract, Natural Flavors, Locust Bean Gum.

MACRONUTRIENTS: Vanilla flavor has 22g of net carbs per half-cup serving, 158 calories, 7.5g fat, 2g protein.

This dairy-free ice cream contains cane sugar and tapioca syrup which will both dramatically impact insulin levels and therefore not keto-diet friendly. The carbs are also way too high for a keto diet at a whopping 22g per half-cup.

 

The post The Ultimate Guide To Ketogenic Ice-Cream Brands appeared first on Appetite For Energy.