From ultra-processed to real-ingredient options, we reveal the nutritional facts behind popular vanilla ice creams in the UK.
The allure of a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream is undeniable, whether it’s enjoyed solo or paired with a warm dessert. This beloved treat has become a staple in British households, with adults consuming around nine litres each per year, contributing to an industry worth more than £1.4billion.
While traditional ice cream is made from simple ingredients like milk, cream, and sugar, many supermarket varieties are laden with additives that push them into the realm of ultra-processed foods. These chemical-laden products have been linked to serious health concerns, including cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Navigating the supermarket freezer aisle: a nutritional guide
To help consumers make informed choices, we analyzed some of the UK’s most popular vanilla ice creams and consulted with registered nutritionist Jenna Hope. Her expert assessment reveals the healthiest options available, from the least to the most nutritious.
Mackies – Indulgent Madagascan Vanilla
Nutritional information (per 100g, or a medium-sized scoop): Calories215kcal, Fat11.9g (7.1g saturated fat), Carbohydrates25.2g (21.8g sugars).
Made in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Mackie’s prides itself on its ‘fresh, smooth and creamy’ ice cream, crafted with ‘natural vanilla extract and fresh milk and cream’. The brand claims to have sourced the finest Madagascan vanilla for its product.
However, Jenna Hope notes that while this ice cream is lower in fat, it contains emulsifiers and stabilisers, which are additives that help maintain the product’s appearance and texture. She rates it 1/5 for healthiness.
Wall’s – Soft Scoop Vanilla Ice Cream
Nutritional information (per 100g, or a medium-sized scoop): Calories180kcal, Fat6.3g (5.7g saturated fat), Carbohydrates28g (17g sugars).
Wall’s famous soft scoop ice cream is marketed as a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on its own or alongside other desserts. However, Jenna Hope warns that this ice cream is heavily ultra-processedcontaining a wide range of additives such as emulsifiers, stabilisers, colourings, and flavourings. She also rates it 1/5.
Carte D’Or – Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream
Nutritional information (per 100g, or a medium-sized scoop): Calories186kcal, Fat7.5g (6.7g saturated fat), Carbohydrates27g (19g sugars).
Carte D’Or boasts that its ice cream is ‘vanilla at its best’, made with hand-picked and sustainably grown vanilla from the Sava region of Madagascar. Despite its appealing description, Jenna Hope points out that this ice cream is highly ultra-processed and contains four different types of sugar, as well as emulsifiers that can irritate the gut and stomach lining. She rates it 1.5/5.
Healthier alternatives in the ice cream aisle
For those seeking a more nutritious indulgence, there are options that stand out for their better ingredient profiles and lower levels of processing.
Halo Top – Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Nutritional information (per 100g, or a medium-sized scoop): Calories106kcal, Fat2.4g (1.2g saturated fat), Carbohydrates26g (9.4g sugars).
Halo Top is known for its low-calorie offerings, and this ice cream is no exception. Jenna Hope acknowledges that while it is still an ultra-processed product, it contains around 6g of fibre per serving and is sweetened with erythritol and stevia, making it a more inclusive alternative for those managing blood sugar levels. She rates it 3/5.
Little Moons – Vanilla Mochi Ice Cream
Nutritional information (per 100g, or a medium-sized scoop): Calories214kcal, Fat6.6g (4.2g saturated fat), Carbohydrates36g (24g sugars).
Little Moons offers a unique twist with its Japanese mochi ball-inspired bites, wrapped in a soft rice dough. Jenna Hope highlights that this option is lower in fat compared to others and has more favourable serving sizes, making it a good choice for a quick ice cream snack. She rates it 3.5/5.
Ben & Jerry’s – Vanilla Ice Cream
Nutritional information (per 100g, or a medium-sized scoop): Calories232kcal, Fat15g (9.6g saturated fat), Carbohydrates20g (20g sugars).
Ben & Jerry’s vanilla ice cream is made with a rich mix of ingredients, including 100% fairtrade sugar and vanilla. Jenna Hope notes that it contains stabilisers like carrageenan, which may have debated effects on gut health. She rates it 3.5/5.
Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream
Nutritional information (per 100g, or a medium-sized scoop): Calories250kcal, Fat16.9g (11.3g saturated fat), Carbohydrates19.9g (19.9g sugars).
Haagen-Dazs emphasizes the use of natural vanilla flavouring in its ice cream, creating a rich and indulgent treat. Jenna Hope appreciates that this ice cream is made from predominantly real ingredients and contains no emulsifiers or artificial ingredients. She rates it 4.5/5.
Yeo Valley – Organic Vanilla Ice Cream
Nutritional information (per 100g, or a medium-sized scoop): Calories229kcal, Fat15.1g (9g saturated fat), Carbohydrates18.5g (18.5g sugars).
Yeo Valley’s ice cream starts with thick and luscious West Country cream and is swirled with organic ingredients. Jenna Hope praises this ice cream for being made with real organic ingredients and free from artificial additives, stabilisers, and emulsifiers. She also rates it 4.5/5.
