Is Italian Ice Healthy?

Italian ice, also sometimes referred to as water ice, is typically made with fruit or fruit flavoring, water, and sugar. It’s dairy-free, and since it doesn’t contain milk or cream, it’s usually lower in fat than ice cream or frozen yogurt. That can be a plus if you’re looking for a low-fat or lactose-free dessert.

But not all Italian ice is made the same, and therefore, you can’t always assume it’s a healthy treat. Italian ice often contains a lot of added sugar. A small serving can have around 20 to 30 grams of sugar, which is close to what you’d get in a can of soda. That may be fine once in a while, but eating it too often can make it harder to manage your blood sugar, weight, or heart health.

Some Italian ice is made from real fruit, which can give you the benefit of the vitamins and antioxidants the fruit contains. And if there’s real fruit in the ice, there’s a good chance there’s less added sugar since fruit contains natural sugar. But other types of Italian ice may be nothing but fruit flavoring, artificial coloring, added sugar, and water. While this may still taste good, it supplies nothing but empty calories, as well as some questionable ingredients.

Here are a few tips to enjoy healthier Italian ice:

• Check the label. Look for products with fewer grams of added sugar or those made with real fruit. Some brands use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit to cut back on sugar.
• Watch your portion. It’s easy to go overboard with something cold and sweet, so stick with a small cup to keep calories in check.
• Try a DIY version. You can make Italian ice at home using blended frozen fruit and water with a splash of lemon or lime juice. There’s no need to add extra sugar since the natural sweetness from the fruit is usually enough, but if you like it sweeter, try monk fruit or stevia. Then freeze and enjoy.

If you’re asking “Is Italian ice healthy?” because you’re looking for a better-for-you summer treat, here are a few other frozen desserts to consider:

• Frozen fruit bars. These are often made with whole fruit and have less added sugar than store-bought Italian ice. They’re also easy to make at home with healthy ingredients.
• Homemade smoothies or smoothie pops. Blend up fruit with a little milk or yogurt. Drink from a glass or pour it into molds for a fun frozen treat that also packs some protein.
• Banana “nice cream.” Blend frozen bananas into a creamy texture that feels like soft-serve ice cream, with no added sugar or dairy.