Italian Ice vs. Ice Cream
Italian ice is typically low in fat and calories compared to ice cream. However, it contains corn syrup and sugar, so should be eaten in moderation. As it lacks dairy, Italian ice can be suitable for those with allergies or intolerance. It also means it is often vegan. The lack of fat and cholesterol makes Italian ice seem a healthier choice than ice cream. Fruit-based frozen desserts like Italian ice may promote better health than dairy ones. But occasional ice cream likely won’t harm health. Italian ice originated from Italian granita. An American then adapted it into a new dessert. The sweet taste means it’s hard to resist overindulgence. But limiting intake to a cup or two weekly is recommended.
- Italian ice is significantly lower in calories than ice cream. A 1/2 cup serving contains about 110 calories. The same serving size of ice cream ranges from 145-290 calories depending on the flavor. This calorie difference is largely due to less fat and added sugars in Italian ice.
- The biggest nutritional difference between the two desserts is fat content. Ice cream contains cream or milk fat, while Italian ice has no fat. Ice cream has 7-12 grams of fat per 1/2 cup. Italian ice has 0 grams of fat.
Are Luigi’s Italian Ice Good For You?
Italian ice is typically fat-free and low in calories compared to ice cream. However, it contains corn syrup and sugar, so moderation is recommended. The lack of gluten, fat, and cholesterol makes Italian ice seem a healthier choice than ice cream. Fruit-based frozen desserts like Italian ice may promote better health than dairy ones. But occasional ice cream likely won’t harm health. Limiting intake to a cup or two weekly is advised. Italian ice is more like sorbet in texture and flavor. In general, sorbet has a creamier texture than Italian ice. But Italian ice can be as smooth, sweet, and refreshing as sorbet.