• Frozen yogurt is usually lower in calories and fat than ice cream, but it often contains more sugar.
• Some frozen yogurts provide probiotics, though the amount varies and not all products contain meaningful levels of live cultures.
• Toppings and portion size can have a bigger impact on overall nutrition than whether you choose frozen yogurt or ice cream.

Frozen yogurt and ice cream are sweet treats enjoyed year-round, but become especially popular when the weather heats up. While both of these frozen desserts can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet, most people automatically assume that frozen yogurt is the “better” choice due to its lower fat and calorie content. Here’s what to know about frozen yogurt and ice cream, including how they compare nutritionally and which is the healthier choice. 

Is Frozen Yogurt Actually Healthy?

Frozen yogurt is a creamy, dairy-based dessert similar to ice cream, but made with yogurt cultures, which give it a tangier taste.

Frozen yogurt got its “healthy” reputation because it's usually lower in fat and overall calories than ice cream. Frozen yogurt is typically made with cultured low-fat milk, while ice cream is made with a blend of heavy cream and whole milk, which increases its calories and fat content. It's typically associated with weight loss and gut health.

However, there are many types of frozen yogurt, and not all are as nutritious as you may think. Some ice creams may be a better choice than some frozen yogurts and vice versa. It all depends on what they’re made with and how you consume them. 

Does Frozen Yogurt Really Contain Probiotics?

Some, but not all, frozen yogurt contains probiotics. Frozen yogurt sold in grocery stores and frozen yogurt shops is typically made with pasteurized milk. Pasteurization is a heat-treatment process that kills potentially harmful bacteria. Because this process also destroys beneficial bacteria, live cultures are added after pasteurization to make frozen yogurt.

Research suggests that many probiotic bacteria, including lactic acid bacteria (LAB) commonly used in frozen yogurt, can survive freezing temperatures and remain stable during storage.

However, as with other fermented dairy products, such as traditional yogurt, probiotic levels in frozen yogurt can vary significantly. If you'd like a frozen yogurt that’s high in these beneficial bacteria, choose products made with live and active cultures, which contain significant levels of live, active probiotics.

Frozen yogurt products with a Live & Active Cultures (LAC) seal contain at least 100 million cultures per gram of yogurt at the time of manufacture.

Nutritional Comparison

Here’s how a 100-gram serving of soft-serve vanilla frozen yogurt compares to a cup of soft-serve vanilla ice cream:

As you can see, frozen yogurt is significantly lower in calories and fat than ice cream. This is because it’s typically made with low-fat or nonfat milk. Ice cream is higher in calories due to its higher fat content.

That said, frozen yogurt is often higher in carbohydrates and sugar than ice cream. To compensate for reduced fat in products like frozen yogurt and other low-fat desserts, manufacturers frequently add sugar to enhance taste and improve texture. Frozen yogurt may also contain higher sugar levels to balance its naturally tart flavor.

Which Dessert Is Better for Weight Management?

Since it’s lower in calories and generally contains the same amount of protein as ice cream, frozen yogurt is usually the better choice if you’re trying to lose weight.

To promote weight loss, you need to create a calorie deficit. This is where choosing lower-calorie foods, like frozen yogurt, can be helpful. 

However, not all frozen yogurt products are low in calories, especially if you add high-calorie toppings or ingredients. 

The Toppings Can Matter More Than the Base

On its own, frozen yogurt can be a lower-calorie alternative to traditional ice cream. However, many yogurt stores offer a variety of high-calorie topping options, which can significantly increase the calorie content of your frozen treat.

For example, toppings like hot fudge, peanut butter, and chocolate candies can add hundreds of calories to your dessert. 

If you’re trying to lose weight or simply want to stick with a lower-calorie option, consider lower-calorie toppings like fresh fruit.  

So, Which One's Actually Better For You?

If you’re in a calorie deficit or are following a low-fat diet, frozen yogurt may be the better option. Some types of frozen yogurt, such as those made with live and active cultures, can be a better option for gut health than traditional ice cream.

However, it’s important to understand that just because frozen yogurt is often lower in calories and fat than ice cream, it can still contain high amounts of added sugar. This is especially true when it’s paired with sugary toppings, which can quickly increase the overall calorie and sugar content.

If you’re solely interested in taste, then ice cream may be the best option. Higher-fat products tend to have a richer texture, creamier mouthfeel, and more intense flavor compared to lower-fat alternatives like frozen yogurt. 

In some cases, ice cream can contain less added sugar than flavored frozen yogurt, depending on the brand and recipe. 

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Kristina Dawson