Six reasons why ice cream is surprisingly good for you
The first real heatwave of the year always brings the same familiar sight: families in parks, packed beaches and queues forming outside ice cream parlours and vans.
Whether your favourite is vanilla, mint chocolate chip or salted caramel, ice cream feels like part of summer itself.
Yet despite being one of the world's best-loved treats, it is often dismissed as a guilty pleasure rather than something that can fit into a balanced diet.
Fortunately, healthy eating is no longer about labelling foods as “good” or “bad”. Experts now encourage balance, variety and moderation, which means there is room for the occasional scoop.
And traditional ice cream has more going for it than many people realise, from calcium and protein to the simple joy of enjoying a treat without guilt.
Here are six reasons why your favourite frozen treat deserves a healthier reputation.
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1. It helps keep your bones and teeth strong
One of ice cream's greatest strengths comes from its main ingredient: dairy.
Because it is made from milk or cream, traditional ice cream contains calcium, one of the body's most important minerals for strong bones and teeth.
Getting enough calcium also helps maintain bone density as we age, which can reduce the risk of fractures later in life.
While milk, yoghurt and cheese are the obvious sources, ice cream contributes too, giving every serving a little more nutritional value than many people expect.
So, while an ice cream cone will never replace a balanced diet, it certainly brings more to the table than simply satisfying a sweet tooth.
2. It contains protein that your body needs
Dessert is not usually associated with protein, but ice cream quietly delivers here too.
Protein helps repair muscles, supports healthy skin, hair and nails, and plays an important role in keeping the immune system working well.
Because traditional ice cream is made from dairy, it naturally contains protein. The exact amount varies depending on the recipe, but every scoop contributes towards your daily intake.
That makes it a surprisingly satisfying snack after time outdoors, whether you have been swimming, cycling, walking the dog or running around the park with the children.
While chicken, fish and eggs remain the stars of the protein world, ice cream deserves a small supporting role.
3. It is richer in vitamins than most people realise
It is easy to think of ice cream as little more than frozen sugar, but traditional dairy ice cream contains a range of vitamins that help keep the body functioning normally.
Vitamin A supports healthy eyesight, contributes to normal immune function and helps maintain healthy skin. B vitamins, including riboflavin and vitamin B12, play a vital role in converting food into energy while helping keep the nervous system healthy.
Many ice creams are also fortified with vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium more effectively. That makes it an important partner when it comes to maintaining healthy bones.
Of course, the nutritional content varies depending on the brand and flavour. Ice cream made with real dairy ingredients generally offers more benefits than heavily processed frozen desserts packed with artificial flavourings.
4. It provides a welcome energy boost on busy summer days
There is a reason ice cream tastes especially good after spending hours outdoors.
Ice cream contains carbohydrates, which are the body's preferred fuel source, alongside fat, which provides a slower release of energy.
That combination makes it a satisfying treat after physical activity.
Unlike some fashionable energy snacks that promise miracles, ice cream keeps things simple. It replaces energy, cools you down and tastes delicious at the same time.
Its high-water content also contributes, in a small way, towards hydration. While it should never replace drinking water during hot weather, its icy texture helps people feel cooler on particularly warm days.
5. It could help you build a healthier relationship with food
Perhaps ice cream's greatest health benefit has nothing to do with vitamins or minerals.
For years, diets encouraged people to label foods as either healthy or unhealthy, often leading to guilt, restriction and cravings.
Many dietitians now encourage a more flexible approach. Including foods you genuinely enjoy can reduce feelings of deprivation and make healthy eating easier to sustain.
Ice cream also offers something that cannot be measured on a nutrition label. Joy.
It reminds us of childhood holidays, seaside trips, family picnics and lazy afternoons in the garden.
Good health includes mental wellbeing too, and simple pleasures should never be underestimated.
6. There has never been a better time to choose a healthier ice cream
If you have not browsed the freezer aisle recently, you may be surprised by just how much choice there is.
Today's shoppers can choose from lower-fat, reduced-sugar, dairy-free, frozen yoghurt and protein-enriched options.
Many brands also use fruit, nuts and good-quality dairy to make lighter choices feel just as satisfying.
Smaller tubs and individual servings also make portion control much easier.
Vanilla is often a sensible choice because it usually contains fewer sugary or fatty mix-ins than more indulgent flavours.
Strawberry can be a good option too, especially if it is made with real fruit.
Frozen yoghurt is often lower in fat while still providing calcium and protein, though some brands are high in sugar.
Fruit sorbets are usually lower in fat and refreshing on hot days, but they can still be high in sugar.
So, the next time the sun comes out and the familiar jingle of the ice cream van drifts through the neighbourhood, don't feel guilty about joining the queue. Order your favourite flavour, savour every spoonful and remember that sometimes one of life's simplest pleasures can be surprisingly good for you after all.
How to perfect your at-home recipe
Making your own ice cream can be fun, tasty and a quick way to cut out the additives found in supermarket products.
‘Using real fruit makes a huge difference to both flavour and quality,’ explains Kate Murray, owner of mobile ice cream business LICKS Ice Cream. LICKS uses a New Zealand tradition of ice cream making that blends fresh fruit with vanilla ice cream to order. When it comes to making your own dessert at home, Kate recommends:
Celebrate fresh ingredients – ‘Rather than relying on artificial flavourings or syrups, real fruit brings natural sweetness, freshness and vibrant flavour that you simply can’t replicate. Nutritionally, it also means customers are enjoying real ingredients with naturally occurring vitamins, fibre and antioxidants, making it a more wholesome treat while still being indulgent!’
Added sugar doesn’t equal added flavour – ‘Our berry flavours are always popular because they offer a bright, refreshing taste that comes naturally from the fruit itself. Strawberry is a classic, and mixed berry and raspberry are great options for anyone who enjoys a slightly sharper fruit flavour. All of our real fruit flavours are a great way to enjoy a treat that puts real ingredients front and centre. ‘
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – ‘Keep it simple and focus on quality ingredients. The New Zealand-style real fruit method involves blending real fruit directly into quality vanilla ice cream just before serving, creating a smooth texture and an authentic fruit flavour. Don't be afraid to experiment with different fruit combinations! The best results come from letting the fruit be the star of the show.’
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