8 Best High-Protein Ice Creams According to a Nutritionist in 2025

High-protein ice cream can be a way to satisfy a craving while adding a little extra protein to your day. Getting some protein through treat foods like ice cream won’t replace whole food sources, but it can help increase overall intake.

According to the Cleveland Clinic and registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, adding protein to a dessert may help slow digestion slightly, which can support steadier energy.

Protein is also known to support satiety, which may help you feel satisfied with a smaller portion. Individual responses vary, so high-protein ice cream should be enjoyed as part of a balanced eating pattern rather than relied on for blood sugar management or appetite control.

Now that you know a few possible benefits of choosing this type of dessert, what are the best high-protein ice cream brands to buy? To help make shopping easier, our guide outlines eight top-rated high-protein ice creams.

These options offer more protein than traditional ice cream and aim to keep calories, added sugar and saturated fat reasonable for a dessert. Taste, texture and overall nutrition vary by brand, so the best pick will depend on your preferences and goals.

Whether you’re in the mood for classic or creative flavors, are craving a pint or an ice cream bar, these nutritionist-approved picks will crush those cravings while supporting your protein goals. 

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• The 8 Best High-Protein Ice Cream Brands
• What Is High-Protein Ice Cream?
• What Is the Best High-Protein Ice Cream?
• How We Chose the Best High-Protein Ice Cream

The 8 Best High-Protein Ice Cream Brands

1. Halo Top

Halo Top has become a go-to for fitness enthusiasts, dieters and anyone looking for a lower-calorie option. When it launched in 2011 (though it gained wider recognition around 2012), few expected a lower-calorie, high-protein ice cream to outsell industry giants like Ben & Jerry’s and Häagen-Dazs in the U.S., but it did!

Each pint has about 16 to 20 grams of protein, which is higher than traditional ice cream and can help increase daily protein intake. A serving can have about 70 to 120 calories and up to 5 grams of protein, which is more than most regular ice creams. Each serving also has around 6 grams of fiber, a nutrient not commonly found in ice cream.

The magic behind Halo Top comes from its unique ingredient mix. Instead of relying on higher amounts of sugar and cream, it contains ultrafiltered skim milk, milk protein concentrate, prebiotic fiber and sweeteners like stevia and erythritol. This keeps added sugar lower than traditional options, which may appeal to shoppers looking for high-protein snacks.

Flavors and Formats

Beyond the macros, there are many Halo Top flavors to choose from. These range from classics like chocolate, vanilla bean and cookies and cream to bolder options like sweet cream cold brew.

So, if you love trying unique flavors, Halo Top should be on your list of the best protein ice creams to try. Ice cream pops are available as well as pints, and you can find dairy-free, keto and fruit-based options. This makes Halo Top a high-protein ice cream with choices that can suit different preferences and dietary needs.

Halo Top Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Nutritional Information (per 85-gram serving)

• Calories: 90
• Total Fat: 2 grams (3% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 1 gram (5% DV)
• Cholesterol: 10 milligrams (3% DV)
• Sodium: 105 milligrams (5% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 22 grams (8% DV)
• Fiber: 6 grams (21% DV)
• Total Sugar: 8 grams
• Added Sugar: 4 grams (8% DV)

Protein per Serving: 5 grams

Protein per Pint: 16 grams

2. Enlightened

Enlightened has been shaking up the high-protein ice cream market since 2012, serving up a low-sugar, low-calorie ice cream that doesn’t skimp on flavor. And, it doesn’t just come in pints; you can also get bars, making this high-protein ice cream an easy, portion-controlled treat.

With a focus on real ingredients and natural sweeteners like monk fruit and allulose, Enlightened is one of the healthiest ice cream brands for anyone looking to limit added sugar while still enjoying a frozen dessert. One ice cream bar has about 80 to 140 calories and around 5 grams each of protein and fiber. The bars contain about 5 grams of added sugar per serving.

As with any dessert, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced eating pattern. While some light ice creams struggle with iciness, we also love that Enlightened’s high-protein ice cream formula offers a smooth, silky consistency, especially after letting the treat sit for a minute once taken out of the freezer.

Flavors and Formats

Those who love lots of flavor choices will be pleased to learn that this high-protein ice cream brand has your back! There are over 10 flavors to choose from, including salted caramel, chocolate with peanut butter and mint chip. You can also choose between a Greek yogurt formula and a skimmed milk and cream recipe without seeing much difference in the nutritional values. 

Enlightened Sea Salt Caramel Ice Cream Bars Nutritional Information (per 64-gram bar)

• Calories: 80
• Total Fat: 2 grams (3% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 1 gram (5% DV)
• Cholesterol: 10 milligrams (3% DV)
• Sodium: 150 milligrams (7% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 17 grams (6% DV)
• Fiber: 5 grams (18% DV)
• Total Sugar: 8 grams
• Added Sugar: 5 grams (10% DV)

Protein per Ice Cream Bar: 5 grams

Protein per Pint: 21 grams

3. Yasso 

Since 2011, Yasso has offered a high-protein ice cream option made with frozen Greek yogurt bars. Using healthy Greek yogurt as the base gives these bars a naturally creamy texture, with the added benefit of 4 to 5 grams of protein per bar.

Another thing that makes Yasso stand out among the best protein ice cream brands is that it does not use sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners. However, the use of sugar means that these high-protein ice cream bars have 12 grams of total sugar, 8 grams of which are added.

Despite this, Yasso offers a balance of flavor and protein that may appeal to those looking for a lighter frozen treat. Each bar has about 80 to 140 calories, which is lower than many traditional ice cream bars, while still offering some protein.

Flavors and Formats

Flavors range from options like chocolate chip cookie dough and chocolate fudge to fruit-based choices such as pineapple with coconut and strawberries and cream. You can choose from bars with or without a chocolate coating.

These high-protein ice cream bars are known for a smooth consistency and balanced sweetness. Texture and taste can vary by flavor, but they do not tend to have the chalky texture sometimes associated with higher-protein frozen desserts.

If you prefer a tub over bars, Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt is also available in pints. A 400-gram tub has about 18 to 19 grams of protein. A serving of the tub has 7 grams of protein, though the calorie content is higher than the bars at about 140 to 160 calories per serving.

Yasso Chocolate Fudge Greek Yogurt Bars Nutritional Information (per 65-gram bar)

• Calories: 80
• Total Fat: 0 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: <5 milligrams (0% DV)
• Sodium: 55 milligrams (2% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 15 grams (5% DV)
• Fiber: 1 gram (4% DV)
• Total Sugar: 12 grams
• Added Sugar: 8 grams (16% DV)

Protein per Ice Cream Bar: 5 grams

Protein per Ice Cream Serving: 7 grams

Protein per Tub: 18 to 19 grams

4. Keto Pint 

Created in 2018, Keto Pint offers a zero-added sugar frozen treat designed to align with a ketogenic eating pattern. The keto diet has grown in popularity in recent years and was the most Googled diet in 2020, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Each high-protein ice cream bar and pint contains higher fat, moderate protein and minimal net carbs. They are made with milk protein concentrate and egg yolks, providing about 4 to 6 grams of protein per 90-gram serving. These ingredients contribute to its creamy texture. 

Keto Pint is often recognized as one of the best keto ice cream brands within the category. It is also a popular choice for those looking for added sugar-free ice creams, using erythritol, monk fruit and stevia in place of cane sugar to provide sweetness.

Flavors and Formats

Flavors include chocolate chip cookie dough, triple chocolate brownie and mint chip. Keto Pint is available in pints and bars, with the bars offered with or without a chocolate coating.

As a high-protein ice cream with no added sugar, it may appeal to those limiting sugar or following a lower-carb eating pattern. However, if you are looking for the highest protein content per serving, Keto Pint is not the top option.

Keto Pint Peanut Butter Caramel Ice Cream Nutritional Information (per 90-gram serving)

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 16 grams (21% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 7 grams (35% DV)
• Cholesterol: 50 milligrams (17% DV)
• Sodium: 250 milligrams (11% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 16 grams (6% DV)
• Fiber: 5 grams (18% DV)
• Total Sugar: 3 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 grams 

Protein per Serving: 6 grams

Protein per Pint: 18 grams

Protein per Ice Cream Bar: 3 to 4 grams

5. Simple Truth Low Cow Lite

Simple Truth Low Cow Lite keeps things simple, offering higher protein, lower calories and an accessible price point. This high-protein ice cream is Kroger’s take on a lighter frozen dessert.

Each 65-gram serving has about 60 to 80 calories and 6 to 7 grams of protein, making it an easy choice for those looking for the best grocery store ice cream that helps them towards their protein goals.

Made with skim milk, whey protein concentrate and milk protein isolate, it provides protein while keeping fat relatively low. Sweetness comes from a small amount of sugar along with erythritol, monk fruit extract and stevia, which helps reduce added sugar compared with many regular ice creams.

Flavors and Formats

Flavors include classics like chocolate, vanilla, mint chocolate chip and cookie dough. While it may not be the pick for highly innovative flavors, it’s a straightforward, affordable high-protein ice cream for those looking to limit calories and added sugar. Currently, Low Cow Lite high-protein ice cream is available in pints.

Simple Truth Low Cow Lite Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Nutritional Information (per 65-gram serving)

• Calories: 60
• Total Fat: 1.5 grams (2.31% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 1 gram (5% DV)
• Cholesterol: 10 milligrams (3% DV)
• Sodium: 125 milligrams (5.5% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 12 grams (4% DV)
• Fiber: 3 grams (12% DV)
• Total Sugar: 3 grams
• Added Sugar: Not Specified 

Protein per Serving: 6 grams

Protein per Pint: 24 grams

6. Protein Pints

Although this high-protein ice cream brand has only recently launched, it has gained attention in this category. Each pint has 30 grams of protein, which is among the highest of the products featured in our guide to the best high-protein ice cream.

Even if you do not eat the whole pint, a 90-gram serving provides about 10 grams of protein. While not the lowest in sugar on this list, a serving has about 4 to 5 grams of total sugar, 1 to 3 grams of which are added.

The nutrition panel lists about 6 grams of net carbs per serving. Whether this fits a keto or low-carb approach depends on individual goals and total daily intake. Overall, if you're searching for ice cream high in protein, Protein Pints should be on your must-try list. 

Flavors and Formats

As a newer brand, the list of Protein Pints flavors is a little limited. However, by focusing on some of the most popular ice cream flavors, the brand leaves little to be desired. Options include peanut butter chip, cookie dough, and cookies and cream, as well as mint chip, strawberry, chocolate and coffee.

Currently, only pints of this high-protein ice cream are available. However, we wouldn't be surprised if the brand launches some other products like high-protein ice cream bars in the future. 

Protein Pint Chocolate Ice Cream Nutritional Information (per 90-gram serving)

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 6 grams (8% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 3 grams (17% DV)
• Cholesterol: 19 milligrams (6% DV)
• Sodium: 110 milligrams (5% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 17 grams (6% DV)
• Fiber: 1 gram (3% DV)
• Total Sugar: 4 grams
• Added Sugar: 1 gram (2% DV)

Protein per Serving: 10 grams

Protein per Pint: 30 grams

7. Favorite Day Reduced-Fat Ice Cream

Looking for another high-protein ice cream brand that's affordable? If so, you'll be interested to learn about Favorite Day Reduced-Fat Ice Cream.

This popular Target brand offers a few flavors of this low-fat, high-protein ice cream, with a pint having 20 to 24 grams of protein. Each 90-gram serving lists under 10 grams of total sugar and about 3.5 to 4.5 grams of total fat.

Texture can vary by flavor. Many shoppers find that this high-protein ice cream improves if you let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before digging in, similar to other light ice cream formulas. Mix-ins and sweetness also differ by flavor, so it’s worth trying more than one to see which fits your taste.

This high-protein ice cream is currently available in seven delicious flavors, including chocolate peanut butter, mocha cold brew coffee (which is our team's favorite) and cookie dough.

Chocolate peanut butter has the highest protein content at 24 grams per pint, and with a relatively limited number of flavors on offer, you can easily try a few to see which you like most. 

At the time of publication, Favorite Day didn't have any other high-protein ice cream products, such as ice cream bars. But that may change, so keep an eye out when in Target's frozen foods section. 

Favorite Day Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Nutritional Information (per 90-gram serving)

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 4.5 grams (6% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 2 grams (10% DV)
• Cholesterol: 10 milligrams (3% DV)
• Sodium: 80 milligrams (5% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 19 grams (7% DV)
• Fiber: 5 grams (18% DV)
• Total Sugar: 6 grams
• Added Sugar: 1 gram (2% DV)

Protein per Serving: 8 grams

Protein per Pint: 24 grams

8. Ice Cream for Bears

Don't let the cute name fool you! This high-protein ice cream is 100% suitable for humans and comprises a unique recipe with raw honey as the sweetener. While it may not have the highest protein count among the high-protein ice cream options featured in this guide, it provides about 6 grams of protein per serving.

The suggested serving size is about 114 grams with roughly 270 to 290 calories, which is higher than many light options. You can choose a smaller portion of around 65 grams to reduce calories, though protein will decrease proportionally. Sugar is on the higher side, with about 12 grams of added sugar per serving.

Although the added sugar comes from honey rather than refined sugar, it is still considered added sugar. Because the recipe includes cream and egg yolks, fat and cholesterol are higher than in many other high-protein ice cream picks. This means that this ice cream really falls into the "once in a while treat" category and should be consumed in moderation. 

Although this isn't the healthiest or highest protein ice cream on our list, it's a fun brand to check out if you're looking to support a smaller, independent company in your quest for the best high-protein ice cream. 

Flavors and Formats

Ice Cream for Bears has some great flavors to try, all of which have a slightly different flavor profile than standard ice cream, thanks to the use of honey.

There are some classic choices like Queen & Bean (vanilla), Mint to Bee (mint chip) and Dough Bear (cookie dough), alongside more innovative flavors like seasonal Basic Bear (pumpkin spice), Churro y Burrow (cinnamon churro) and Honey Honey, which really leans into the honey flavor profile. 

Currently, only ice cream pints are available (along with some quirky merchandise). But more types of high-protein ice cream products, such as bars or sandwiches, could be added to the lineup in the future. 

Ice Cream for Bears Queen & Bean Vanilla Ice Cream Nutritional Information (per 114-gram serving)

• Calories: 270
• Total Fat: 17 grams (22% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 10 grams (50% DV)
• Cholesterol: 130 milligrams (43% DV)
• Sodium: 90 milligrams (4% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 24 grams (9% DV)
• Fiber: 5 grams (18% DV)
• Total Sugar: 22 grams
• Added Sugar: 12 grams (24% DV)

Protein per Serving: 6 grams

Protein per Pint: 14 grams

What Is High-Protein Ice Cream?

High-protein ice cream is a frozen dessert formulated to provide more protein per serving than traditional ice cream. In this guide, we consider high-protein ice cream to be options that generally offer at least 5 grams of protein per serving, with many pints totaling 15 to 20 grams or more.

For comparison, a typical 65-gram serving of regular ice cream has roughly 2 to 2.5 grams of protein. That means high-protein ice cream usually delivers at least double the protein per serving.

Compared with traditional recipes that rely more on cream and sugar for texture and sweetness, many high-protein ice cream products include ingredients such as milk protein concentrate, whey protein or plant-based proteins to raise protein content while moderating calories relative to similar portion sizes.

To manage added sugar, some brands use sweeteners like monk fruit, stevia, erythritol or allulose. These ingredients can help lower added sugar compared with standard ice cream, though overall nutrition still varies by brand and serving size.

Is Ice Cream a Good Source of Protein?

Regular ice cream generally wouldn't be considered a good source of protein. While high-protein ice creams, such as those featured in this guide, can support your protein intake goals, these types of sweets shouldn’t consistently replace whole-food sources like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese or soy milk. 

As this list shows, ice cream can have a decent amount of protein if formulated to do so, meaning you don't have to miss hitting your macro goals for the day just because you wanted dessert. 

But make sure that high-protein ice cream doesn't become a regular staple in your diet. Instead, prioritize healthier, naturally protein-rich foods most of the time, turning to high-protein ice cream as an occasional treat.  

What Is the Best High-Protein Ice Cream?

The best high-protein ice cream for you depends on what you’re looking for. Some people prioritize the highest protein per serving, while others want something with minimal sugar, all-natural ingredients or a keto-friendly profile.

Others may consider the best high-protein ice cream to have natural or organic ingredients or minimal to no added sugar. It all comes down to your dietary needs, taste preferences and whether you’re after a creamy, indulgent texture or a lighter, fruit-based treat.

The following are top picks in categories like ice cream with the most protein, best for keto and most flavor choices:

Highest Protein 

For those focused purely on protein content, Protein Pints offers one of the highest totals, delivering 30 grams of protein per pint with a solid variety of fan favorite flavors.

Keto-Friendly 

If a low-carb, keto-friendly option is the goal, Keto Pint's products offer a creamy texture with little sugar; perfect for a keto-appropriate treat. 

Best High-Protein Ice Cream Bars

Yasso and Enlightened are the go-tos if you're looking for high-protein ice cream bars that don't sacrifice taste. 

Most Affordable High-Protein Ice Cream

For a budget-friendly pick, Simple Truth Low-Cow Lite or Favorite Day brings affordability without sacrificing taste.

Most Flavor Choices

All of the brands on this list of high-protein ice cream offer delicious flavors, including classics and more innovative options. However, we would recommend Halo Top above the rest if you're searching for an interesting and varied mix of flavors when shopping for high-protein ice cream. 

From sweet cream cold brew to caramel crunch and birthday cake, the decadent selection of flavors is sure to entice. 

Wild Card

We also love Ice Cream for Bears and think it's a fun addition to the high-protein ice cream market with an interesting recipe. It's ideal if you're after something a little different, but it's important to keep the high saturated fat content of this ice cream in mind when indulging. 

How To Choose High-Protein Ice Cream

When choosing high-protein ice cream, look beyond the protein number. Aim for a balanced protein-to-calorie ratio, limited added sugars and a reasonable amount of saturated fat per serving. Scan the ingredient list to see where protein comes from, such as milk protein concentrate, whey or plant proteins, and consider whether you tolerate sugar alcohols like erythritol.

Fiber can be a plus, but types vary. Some products add fiber or prebiotic ingredients. Prebiotic fibers can support beneficial gut bacteria, and fiber and protein can help with fullness, though individual responses differ. If you are sensitive to sugar alcohols or certain fibers, start with a small serving and see how you feel.

With a wide range of flavors and formats, from vanilla and chocolate to more creative options, you can choose high-protein ice cream that fits your taste, portion preferences and overall eating pattern.

Where To Buy Protein Ice Cream

You can find high-protein ice cream in a range of places, from your nearest grocery store to health food shops. Many of the brands featured in this guide to the best high-protein ice cream can be found at national supermarket chains, with a few options like Favorite Day and Simple Truth Low-Cow Lite being grocery store ice cream brands. 

You may also want to check the brand's store locator (often found on the company website) if you can't find something featured in this guide at the grocery store, as some products are only available at specialized shops. 

Homemade High-Protein Ice Cream

If none of the options in this guide fully fit your needs, making high-protein ice cream at home is a great alternative.

Using Greek yogurt, blended bananas or cottage cheese as a base, you can customize the protein content by adding whey, casein or plant-based protein powder. Making high-protein ice cream at home also allows you to use your favorite sweeteners, flavors and mix-ins. 

You can find a range of homemade ice cream recipes to try, all of which allow you to customize the recipe just to your liking. If you're not sure where to start, making an easy, protein-packed cottage cheese ice cream is a great idea!

How We Chose the Best High-Protein Ice Cream

With over a decade of experience in the culinary industry, the team at Cozymeal possesses a wealth of knowledge across a range of food topics, including healthy eating and the best products for meeting dietary goals, such as consuming more protein.

To put together this guide to high-protein ice cream, we first turned to this experience and our existing knowledge of what to look for when choosing a protein-packed version of this popular dessert. 

Next, we conducted research to discover which high-protein ice creams are most popular. We additionally consulted with nutritionists, such as Jessica O’Shea, a Registered Nutritionist (ANutr) with the Association for Nutrition, who also has an MSc in Human Nutrition.

Once we had a selection of ice creams to consider including in this guide, we assessed them using the following criteria to decide which products would ultimately be included.

The high-protein ice cream in this guide should:

• Have at least 4 to 5 grams of protein per serving, prioritizing those with closer to 10 grams per serving.
• Contain under 200 calories per 64 to 85-gram serving.
• Use recipes that keep added sugars relatively low.

Along with the above nutritional guidelines, we included a mix of premium, grocery store and independent or up-and-coming brands. This means that this guide to the best high-protein ice cream also features products at various price points to suit all budgets. 

Lastly, we included a mix of high-protein ice cream bars and pints, and ensured a range of delicious flavors were represented, allowing consumers of all tastes to find the perfect protein-filled sweet treat.

Finding high-protein ice cream that fits your diet doesn’t mean giving up flavor or enjoyment. No matter your health goals or dietary needs, there’s a frozen treat that delivers protein while keeping sugar, fat or dairy to a minimum.

From keto-friendly picks to added sugar-free scoops, these high-protein ice cream brands offer something for everyone. Pick the one that works best for your lifestyle and enjoy a sweet treat that aligns with your preferences.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.