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Celebrate National Ice Cream Day!

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Get the scoop on enjoying Ice Cream as part of a balanced diet

Dish of ice cream with raspberries

Written By: Stefanie Weaver MS, RDN

On Sunday July 18th, 2021 we celebrate National Ice Cream day! Interesting fact, this day was initiated by the President in 1984 in an effort to commemorate a treat enjoyed by so many Americans. Since then, the day has been traditionally celebrated year after year.

Ice cream can be considered one of the most nostalgic treats, often linked with fond childhood memories or in present day, creating family memories. While there is no doubt in the pleasure ice cream provides, you may be wondering how ice cream can fit into a balanced diet?

Woman, man and child eating ice cream outside

Incorporating into a Balanced Diet

According to the USDA 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, added sugars and saturated fat should each be limited to under 10% of your daily calories. For added sugars (which is now required to be listed on the new nutrition fact panel), this would be less than 50g a day for someone on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Once you’ve met your daily needs through the primary food groups (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat or fat-free dairy), occasional treats like ice cream and frozen dairy desserts, can be part of a balanced diet. Freezer Tip: Look for some of the newer portion-controlled options such as minis, snack cups and squeezable pouches for a delicious treat!

Different ice cream flavors is separate cups

Portion Balanced Options to Check out!

Magnum ice cream offers Magnum mini versions of their popular favorites with no more than 170 calories per bar. Another great option are snack cups. For those looking for portion balance in a packaged ice cream, try Breyers snack cups for a delicious treat in a 3 oz snack size portion with no more than 120 calories per cup. Another fun format, Klondike Shakes are a unique new treat from Klondike inspired by classic diner milkshakes. They come in a convenient, on-the go mess-free pouch with 110-120 calories per pouch.

Now almost everyone can find an ice cream or frozen treat to meet their dietary & lifestyle needs and preferences. This includes all the portion-balanced options listed above, as well as other options including no sugar added, ½ the fat, non-dairy, lactose free and gluten free variants.

Ice cream in an ice cream scooper
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