Halo Top is a popular low-calorie ice cream that has taken the frozen dessert world by storm in recent years. With a significantly lower calorie count than regular ice cream, Halo Top has become a go-to treat for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without overindulging.
But when it comes to ingredients, many consumers have wondered – does Halo Top actually contain dairy? Or is it a dairy-free frozen dessert?
The short answer is yes, Halo Top does contain real dairy ingredients. However, it uses a specific blend to create a light, low-calorie ice cream.
Keep reading as we dive into the details around Halo Top’s ingredients, nutritional values, and how it achieves its signature light and creamy texture.
Halo Top’s Ingredients
Despite being lower in calories and fat than traditional ice cream, Halo Top does contain real milk and cream. This makes it different from non-dairy frozen desserts, which use plant-based ingredients like coconut, almond, or oat milk.
According to the ingredients label, Halo Top ice cream contains the following dairy components:
– Milk – This refers to cow’s milk, which provides the classic dairy flavor, proteins, calcium, and other nutrients we associate with ice cream.
– Cream – Cream gives ice cream its signature creamy texture and rich flavor. Halo Top likely uses a combination of milk and cream to achieve the right consistency.
– Skim milk – Using skim milk rather than whole milk reduces the fat and calorie content.
– Buttermilk powder – Buttermilk powder adds tangy flavor while keeping calories low.
– Whey protein concentrate – Whey is a protein component of milk. It adds thickness and body while packing in extra protein.
So while the ingredients differ from traditional ice cream, Halo Top ultimately relies on real dairy products to create its desserts. It just uses a more carefully engineered blend to reduce calories and fat.
Nutrition Facts
Let’s compare Halo Top’s nutrition facts to regular ice cream brands:
Halo Top (1/2 cup serving)
– Calories: 60-100 (varies by flavor)
– Fat: 2-5g
– Carbs: 11-21g
– Protein: 5-11g
Regular ice cream (1/2 cup serving)
– Calories: 137
– Fat: 8g
– Carbs: 15g
– Protein: 3g
As you can see, Halo Top delivers significantly lower calories and fat than regular ice cream. It also packs more protein thanks to ingredients like whey protein.
However, the carb count is similar between Halo Top and regular ice cream. The added milk proteins and complex carbs lend body to Halo Top, keeping the carb grams from dropping too low.
So in terms of nutrition stats, Halo Top offers a light version – but not carb or lactose-free. Those with dairy/lactose sensitivity may still need to moderate intake or avoid it altogether.
How Does Halo Top Keep Calories Low?
Halo Top manages to keep calories low while still using real dairy in a few key ways:
– Using skim milk and whey protein to increase protein and thickness while minimizing fat and carbs. This adds bulk without adding calories.
– Incorporating fiber-rich ingredients like prebiotic fiber from chicory root. Fiber satisfies hunger with minimal calories.
– Minimizing high-calorie ingredients like chocolate and swapping in naturally sweet extracts like stevia and monk fruit.
– Whipping in extra air to make the texture lighter.
– Using a high-powered blast freezer to create smaller ice crystals, reducing density.
– Formulating flavors that satisfy with small serving sizes like 1/2 cup rather than 1 cup.
Through this careful engineering and innovative techniques, Halo Top provides all the creaminess and satisfaction of real ice cream, just with a fraction of the calories.
Low-Calorie vs Non-Dairy Frozen Desserts
How does Halo Top compare to non-dairy frozen desserts in terms of ingredients and nutritional profile? Let’s contrast it with popular dairy-free brand So Delicious:
Halo Top Ingredients
– Milk, cream, skim milk, buttermilk powder, whey protein
So Delicious Ingredients
– Coconut milk/cream, potato starch, cane sugar, coconut oil, natural flavors
Halo Top Nutrition (1/2 cup)
– 60-100 calories
– 2-5g fat
– 11-21g carbs
– 5-11g protein
So Delicious Nutrition (1/2 cup)
– 100-140 calories
– 7-9g fat
– 16-21g carbs
– 0-1g protein
While So Delicious offers a true dairy-free, vegan option, Halo Top provides lower calories and higher protein, appealing to those who still want real dairy ingredients.
Ultimately, it comes down to individual dietary needs and preferences. Non-dairy varieties like So Delicious cater to vegans and the dairy-sensitive. Lower calorie options like Halo Top appeal to those limiting calories and fat but who can tolerate dairy.
Popular Halo Top Flavors
Halo Top offers a wide range of flavors so there’s an option for every ice cream lover. Here are some of their most popular pints:
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough – Vanilla ice cream loaded with chocolate chip cookie dough pieces.
Peanut Butter Cup – Peanut butter ice cream swirled with chocolate peanut butter cups.
Mint Chip – Mint flavored ice cream with chunks of chocolate chips throughout.
Oatmeal Cookie – A cinnamon oatmeal flavored ice cream with oatmeal cookie dough bites.
Pancakes and Waffles – Maple syrup ice cream with waffle cone pieces and a blueberry swirl.
Berry Swirl – Sweetened cream ice cream with raspberry and blackberry swirls.
Lemon Cake – Tart lemon ice cream with pieces of cake and frosting.
Candy Bar – Vanilla ice cream layered with chocolate, peanuts, and caramel.
The flavors run the gamut from fruity sorbets to decadent chocolate to creative cake and dessert inspired options. There’s something to satisfy every craving.
Halo Top Texture
In addition to unique flavors, fans love Halo Top for its ultra creamy, smooth texture that mimics regular ice cream. So how does it achieve this light, fluffy texture with such reduced fat and calories?
There are a few keys to Halo Top’s signature texture:
– Using a blend of skim and whole milk – Skim milk adds thickness without fat, while whole milk provides rich creaminess. This dual dairy approach maximizes texture.
– Incorporating stabilizers – Ingredients like guar gum, locust bean gum, and dextrose provide the essential creamy mouthfeel and prevent iciness.
– Quick hardening process – Rapidly freezing the ice cream in blast freezers at -20°F hardens it smoothly with only tiny ice crystals.
– Whipping in air – Adding extra air before freezing helps create that soft, smooth, fluffy body.
– Allowing ice cream to thaw – Letting pints sit out briefly before scooping allows for ideal softening.
Through its specific dairy blend, use of stabilizers, freezing methods, and air incorporation, Halo Top has mastered the science of crafting the perfect low-cal ice cream texture.
Halo Top Reviews
Halo Top has won over fans with its wildly creamy yet guilt-free take on ice cream. Here’s what real reviewers have to say about sampling the various flavors:
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
“It tasted just like regular cookie dough ice cream to me! The little bits of cookie dough were satisfying. I never would have known this lighter ice cream had only 240 calories.”
Lemon Cake
“The lemon flavor was bright and refreshing. You get the tartness upfront followed by a sweet, creamy finish. And I loved having actual pieces of cake mixed in for texture.”
Peanut Butter Cup
“The peanut butter ice cream base was dense, rich, and so nutty. Then the chocolate peanut butter cups throughout took it over the top. One of the most decadent Halo Top flavors.”
Strawberry Cheesecake
“Surprisingly tangy and creamy – it reminded me of actual cheesecake but in ice cream form! The swirls of strawberry sauce elevated the flavor.”
Overall, Halo Top earns rave reviews for delivering on both taste and texture. The light base leaves room for bolder flavors and mix-ins that feel indulgent. Even ice cream purists admit Halo Top hits the spot.
Where to Buy Halo Top
Wondering where you can get your hands on a pint or two of Halo Top? Here are the top spots to find it:
– Grocery stores – Check the freezer aisle at chains like Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, Whole Foods, and more
– Mass merchandise stores – Retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco stock Halo Top pints
– Online – Halo Top offers online ordering on their website with nationwide shipping
– Ice cream shops – Some scoop shops like Baskin Robbins offer Halo Top flavors
– Convenience stores – Select gas stations and quick marts carry pints
Halo Top is carried by most major food retailers in the US, though flavor availability may vary. Pints retail between $4-$6 depending on location. Be sure to check frozen sections closely – Halo Top is often stocked with healthier dessert brands.
Halo Top Variety Packs
Beyond individual pints, Halo Top now offers variety packs so you can sample multiple flavors in one box:
Pints 8 Pack – Comes with 8 mini 4oz pints of flavors like Birthday Cake, Candy Bar, Chocolate Almond Crunch.
Allergy Friendly 4 Pack – 4 mini dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO pints.
Pops 8 Pack – Box of 8 ice cream pops in fruit and chocolate flavors.
Fudge Bars 4 Pack – Individually wrapped fudge bars dipped in chocolate or nuts.
Ice Cream Cones 4 Pack – Pre-packed waffle cones filled with Halo Top scoops.
These variety packs are perfect for trying an assortment of flavors to discover new favorites. They also make great gifts and party additions.
Halo Top for Dietary Needs
In addition to traditional dairy Halo Top, there are a few product lines tailored for specific dietary needs:
Non-Dairy – Made with coconut milk and almond milk bases for vegan and dairy-free diets.
Keto – Formulated to be low-carb and high in fat for ketogenic diets.
Gluten Free – Guaranteed not to contain any gluten ingredients.
No Artificial Sweeteners – Sweetened with monk fruit and stevia instead of artificial sweeteners.
So those avoiding dairy, gluten, or artificial ingredients can still enjoy halo top alternatives. They come in unique flavors like Oatmilk and Jelly Donut for dairy-free or Chocolate Cheesecake Keto.
Nutritional Benefits
Despite being an indulgent treat, Halo Top does pack some additional nutritional perks:
– High protein – Between 5-11g protein per serving tops many other ice creams.
– Low sugar – Roughly 5-9g sugar per serving depending on flavor.
– Probiotics – Some varieties include probiotic cultures to support gut health.
– Fiber – Contains prebiotic fibers from ingredients like chicory root to aid digestion.
– Vitamins and minerals – Milk ingredients supply calcium, potassium, vitamins A and D.
– Antioxidants – Cocoa, tea, and fruit flavors provide antioxidant compounds.
– Low glycemic impact – Won’t spike blood sugar as severely as regular ice cream.
Though no substitute for real fruits and vegetables, Halo Top does sneak in some nutrients and benefits between all that creamy goodness.
Halo Top FAQs
Let’s wrap up with answers to some frequently asked questions about Halo Top:
Is Halo Top really Keto friendly?
Some flavors are, but not all varieties meet keto dietary guidelines for low carbs and high fat. Be sure to check nutrition labels.
Is Halo Top good for weight loss?
The reduced calories and fat make it a smarter choice than regular ice cream when dieting. But portion control is still key.
Does Halo Top taste strange or icy?
Today’s versions taste much creamier and richer than early formulations thanks to ingredient and texture improvements.
Who makes Halo Top?
Halo Top Creamery, headquartered in Los Angeles, makes and markets all Halo Top products.
Where are Halo Top ingredients sourced?
Halo Top uses dairy sourced from cows in the United States along with other ingredients from U.S. and international suppliers.
Is Halo Top gluten-free?
Most flavors are gluten-free but some varieties do contain gluten from ingredients like cookie dough. Always check labels.
Can kids eat Halo Top?
Yes, Halo Top is safe for kids. Since portion sizes are smaller, it can be a better frozen treat option than regular high-fat ice cream.
The Bottom Line
While Halo Top re-invents the concept of ice cream with its wildly low calorie counts, it still relies on real milk and cream for the classic dairy taste and texture ice cream lovers crave. Thanks to smart substitutions like skim milk and high-tech freezing methods, Halo Top offers a guilt-free way to indulge your sweet tooth. So go ahead – grab a pint, dig in, and enjoy those creamy, dreamy scoops. Just be mindful of portion size no matter how light it may be!
