Ice cream is a beloved treat for many, offering a delightful combination of flavor and satisfaction. However, concerns about its high sugar, calorie, and artificial additive content often lead to the perception that it should be consumed sparingly, if at all, from a health-conscious standpoint. But what if one were to indulge in ice cream daily? Would it have detrimental effects on their health? We consulted registered dietitians to shed light on this common dietary question.

Tamar Samuels, a registered dietitian and co-founder of Culina Health, refrains from categorizing any food or frequency of consumption as inherently ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ She emphasizes that such labeling can evoke negative emotions like shame, guilt, and fear, potentially fostering an unhealthy relationship with food. Additionally, individual nutritional needs vary widely among people, making blanket judgments unsuitable.

Similarly, Maggie Michalczyk, a registered dietitian and founder of Once Upon a Pumpkin, shares a similar perspective. She advocates against classifying specific foods as ‘bad’ or attaching moral value to one’s dietary choices. While acknowledging the varying nutritional profiles of different ice creams available in the market, Michalczyk highlights the calorie-dense, high-sugar, and high-fat nature of ice cream, suggesting that it can be enjoyed in moderation within a balanced diet.

Notably, the nutritional content of ice cream can differ significantly across brands and varieties, underscoring the importance of scrutinizing product labels. As a general reference, a 2/3-cup serving of Häagen-Dazs vanilla bean ice cream contains 32 grams of sugar and 13 grams of saturated fat. Comparatively, the American Heart Association recommends a daily limit of no more than 36 grams of added sugar for men and 25 grams for women, while also advising against excessive saturated fat intake.