Frozen Yogurt Bark with Strawberries & Chocolate Chips | High Protein Snacks | Healthy Eating (2024)

FAQs

Is frozen yogurt actually healthy? ›

Because of the yogurt base, froyo is considered a healthier and lower-fat dessert than ice cream. Generally, this food will have between 0.5% and 3% milk fat. However, frozen yogurt does not fall under the Code of Federal Regulations created by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Since ice cream and frozen yogurt contain protein and calcium, they may be a healthier treat choice than candy, chips, or other empty-calorie foods. However, both frozen treats also deliver added sugars and calories. Therefore, if you eat them, be sure to indulge only once in a while.

Frozen yogurt may have probiotics, which may benefit your gut health “But, do make sure that the frozen yogurt that you are consuming says it contains active and live cultures. Not all products are created equal! So, we encourage you to be a savvy shopper and look at what you are buying,” says Oskian.

Most frozen yogurt, just like the regular stuff, contains live probiotic cultures. These are good bacteria that can help build a healthy gut, lower blood pressure, and improve your immune system -- your body's defense against germs.

“Ounce for ounce, frozen yogurt has about 25 fewer calories than ice cream—and only a third of the fat and saturated fat,” she says. So while frozen yogurt can be healthy, it's not always much better than a pint of Ben & Jerry's in the end. It all depends on how much you down—and what you eat it with.

Average all brand of a cup of frozen yogurt contains 10% fat, 37.3 g of sugar, and 221 calories whereas average all brand of a cup of vanilla ice-cream contains 22% fat, 28 g of sugar, and 273 calories. Toppings or the type of ice cream or frozen yogurt may actually determine the healthier choice.

The United States Food and Drug Administration inspects other foods. Yogurt can be stored in the refrigerator (40 ºF) one to two weeks or frozen (0 ºF) for one to two months.

Consuming one to two cups of low-fat Greek yogurt daily can be a healthy addition to your diet without making it difficult to maintain your weight.

You can use frozen yogurt as the creamy base for your next smoothie bowl, blending it with fruits and toppings for a nutritious, energizing start to your day. The rich texture of frozen yogurt adds a luxurious depth to your bowl, making breakfast feel like dessert.

Some frozen yogurts may contain vastly more added sugars than some ice creams, not to mention extra calories and fat from mix-ins like chocolate, cheesecake bites, or Oreo pieces. Extra gums and thickeners in frozen yogurt can also be a concern since they add an extra layer of food processing.

When should I eat frozen yogurt? ›

All yogurt—whether full-fat or nonfat, strained (like Greek or skyr), plain or swirled with fruit—can be frozen for up to two months. Technically, it's safe to eat long after that, but two months is really the limit when it comes to taste and texture.

"Some frozen yogurts contain the milk protein casein, which may increase inflammation," he explains. "Others contain specific probiotics that may actually reduce it." (And some frozen "yogurts" contain no dairy at all and use coconut milk.)

So, the good news here is that if you're looking for an iced dessert or treat that has similar properties to ice cream but is lower in calories and saturated fat, sherbet is going to be preferable over ice cream as a more diet friendly alternative.

Nearly all varieties of frozen yogurt are low-fat or fat-free, and with a few exceptions ("no sugar added" yogurt, for example), a half-cup serving has 90 to 120 calories, 20 to 26 grams of carbohydrate, 13 to 22 grams of sugar, and 3 to 4 grams of protein.

One of the major reasons frozen yogurt has gained popularity is its low fat content. Unlike ice cream, which often contains high levels of saturated fat, frozen yogurt is usually made with little or no added fat. This feature appeals to individuals who want to manage their calorie intake and maintain a balanced diet.

Light and low-fat yogurts are higher in protein and calcium than light ice cream. They're also usually lower in fat, saturated fat, and calories.

Gelato (also the Italian word for ice cream) is usually considered a healthier option than soft serve and hard ice cream. The refreshing dessert is specifically made with a higher proportion of milk to cream, creating less fat than traditional ice cream, says Mary Sabat, a nutritionist and owner of BodyDesigns by Mary.

Froyo Can Be Easier to Digest Than Ice Cream

Unfortunately, many people experience stomach discomfort when consuming traditional ice cream. Frozen yogurt has less milk fat than standard ice cream, which makes it easier for the stomach to break down.