Easy Homemade Protein Ice Cream Recipes

By Andrea Cohen
Published 8/13/2024
Easy Homemade Protein Ice Cream Recipes

When you’re hot and sweaty and in the mood for something refreshing, reach into your freezer for a homemade protein ice cream bar. Your body will thank you.

Protein ice cream is tasty and refreshingly cold – and it is trending among fitness buffs who follow high protein, gluten free, and paleo diets. The extra protein in this ice cream is satisfyingly delicious. Best of all, most protein ice cream recipes have very few calories and almost no fat.

You read that right: Protein ice cream has almost no fat. That’s why people love it. And while there’s usually no added sugar, ice cream that’s high in protein hits the sweet spot when you add chocolate or natural fruit flavors.

Protein ice cream recipes are easy to follow and that’s why most people make this treat themselves. You need just a handful of ingredients – five or six items that are probably already in your fridge or pantry. One ingredient is key: protein powder. Another ingredient that adds protein in ice cream is Greek yogurt.

Health eCooks chefs recommend using about a 1/4 cup (or 25 grams) of plant-based vanilla protein powder in our high protein ice cream recipes. One scoop of protein powder – which is about a quarter cup – makes eight generous servings of high protein ice cream.

How Does Homemade Protein Ice Cream Taste?

Honestly, protein ice cream is not as thick and creamy as Haagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream. But that small serving of Haagen-Dazs is loaded with more than 300 calories and 212 grams of fat. In contrast, the homemade protein ice cream recipes from Health eCooks average 60-90 calories with only 4 or 5 grams of fat.

So, what’ll it be?  The bikini or the flowing beach cover-up? Protein or heavy cream?

Before you decide, try making a batch of one of these homemade protein ice creams. The recipes were developed and tested by chefs in the Health eCooks kitchen and our dietitians approved the ingredients and portions for a high protein/low fat diet.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Ice Cream Popsicles

Heart Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Ice Cream Popsicles
10 mins

Heavy on protein and light on calories, this dairy-free ice cream is made with coconut milk instead of cow’s milk or cream.

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Mango Protein Ice Cream Popsicles

Heart Healthy Mango Protein Ice Cream Popsicles
10 mins

This gluten free ice cream can be served on a stick as a popsicle. It stays frozen for a long time.

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Chocolate Protein Ice Cream

Heart Healthy Chocolate Protein Ice Cream
10 mins

Make this ice cream chocolatey by adding both cocoa and dark chocolate chips. We thickened the coconut milk with yogurt.

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Strawberry Lime Protein Frozen Yogurt Popsicles

Heart Healthy Strawberry Lime Protein Frozen Yogurt Popsicles
10 mins

Enjoy a generous dose of protein and probiotics with every lick of strawberry lime goodness.

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Lemon Raspberry Protein Frozen Yogurt Popsicles

Heart Healthy Lemon Raspberry Protein Frozen Yogurt Popsicles
15 mins

High protein and heart healthy ice cream in each bite. It’s perfect for a low sodium ice cream snack.

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Protein Ice Cream FAQ

  • Protein ice cream is a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream. The extra protein in each serving helps support muscle growth and boosts energy.

  • Protein ice cream tastes good and it’s good for your health, especially if you want to reduce fat and sugar in your diet and up the amount of protein you eat.

  • The amount of protein in protein ice cream varies by recipe or brand, but the frozen treat can contain up to 15 grams of protein per serving.

  • Many people find protein ice cream delicious. It comes in a variety of flavors that cater to different tastes, though it might have an icier and less creamy texture than traditional ice cream. Some fruit-flavored ice creams and protein popsicles have been described as tasting like protein frozen yogurt.

  • You can eat protein ice cream daily as part of a balanced diet, but it should not replace other essential nutrients and whole foods.

  • This confectionary treat is often lower in calories than regular ice cream, but calorie content can vary by ingredients and flavor. When you make it yourself, you can control the ingredients, and therefore the calorie count.

  • While protein ice cream can be a nutritious snack, it should not be used as a meal replacement since it lacks other essential nutrients found in a balanced meal.

  • It’s easy to make protein ice creams that are gluten-free. If you buy commercial brands, it’s always best to check the packaging for gluten-containing ingredients or cross-contamination warnings.

  • Common ingredients in protein ice cream include milk or milk alternatives, protein powder, Greek yogurt, fruit or sweeteners, stabilizers (found in commercial brands), and flavorings.

  • Store homemade protein ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain its texture and prevent freezer burn.

  • Homemade protein ice cream can last two or three months in the freezer if stored properly.

  • Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to make it easier to scoop. As it softens, it will also make it creamier.

Make one of these easy homemade protein ice cream recipes and store it in your freezer for a post workout snack. Your body will thank you. For even more delicious treats, check out all of our frozen desserts to cool off with!

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