There has long been a debate of frozen yogurt vs ice cream, and there are some very important differences to note.
Frozen Yogurt vs Ice Cream
Frozen yogurt and ice cream are both dairy products that have a few differences, mainly on the basis of milk fat and taste. Let’s discuss in detail the differences between these two summertime treats as enjoyed by many of the same people.
Nutrition
- Nutrients: 1 cup of frozen yogurt contains roughly 220 calories, 5 grams of protein, and 38 grams of carbohydrates. 1 cup of ice cream contains roughly 275 calories, 5 grams of protein, and 30 grams of carbohydrates.
- Fats: Frozen yogurt also boasts moderate levels of fat, roughly 6 per cup, 4 of which are saturated fats. Ice cream has about twice as much fat as frozen yogurt. [1]
- Sugar: Both of these are high in sugar.
Frozen yogurt is slightly different than ice cream, as it’s made from cultured milk instead of cream. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Taste
- Frozen yogurt has a somewhat tangier taste, due to the presence of bacteria, similar to traditional yogurt. [2]
- Ice cream is often sweeter and has more flavor varieties, in most cases.
- Ice cream has a somewhat creamier consistency, due to the presence of more milk fat (to be considered ice cream, the product must contain more than 10% milk fat.
Health Benefits
- Frozen yogurt will help with digestive issues, due to the presence of live bacteria cultures (in some products)
- Frozen yogurt can help in weight loss, due to its lower calorie levels.
- Frozen yogurt is good for heart health, due to moderately low levels of saturated fat per serving. [3]
- Ice cream has higher levels of fat, which may help to regulate the high intake of sugar more so than in frozen yogurt.
There are minerals in both of these substances that can help with a variety of health issues, such as bone mineral density, nervous system health, and metabolic activity.
Which is Healthier?
While both of these desserts can have a place in your diet, there is very little debate that frozen yogurt is the healthier option. In fact, it was created to be just that and has remained popular for decades as a result. That being said, frozen yogurt shouldn’t be seen as a total health food, as it still has high levels of sugar, and should be eaten only in moderation. [4]
