Quick Answer
Sugar free shaved ice typically contains very few calories. The calories mainly come from the ice itself and any sugar free syrups used for flavoring. A 12 oz serving of plain shaved ice without any syrup likely has around 20-40 calories. Sugar free syrups add negligible calories. So a full serving of sugar free shaved ice with syrup likely has under 50 calories.
How Many Calories Are In Sugar Free Shaved Ice?
Sugar free shaved ice is a delicious frozen treat that contains minimal calories, making it a smart choice for those watching their calorie intake. Here’s a breakdown of the calorie content in sugar free shaved ice:
The Ice: Plain shaved ice is simply frozen water. A 12 oz serving (about 3 cups) of plain shaved ice contains around 20-40 calories. The calories come from the energy it takes for the body to melt the ice during digestion.
Sugar Free Syrup: Sugar free syrups are made with non-nutritive sweeteners like sucralose, stevia, or aspartame. These artificial sweeteners provide sweetness without calories or negligible calories. For example, a 1 tbsp serving of Torani sugar free syrup contains just 5 calories.
Sugar Free Shaved Ice (with Syrup): A typical 12 oz serving of sugar free shaved ice made with 2-3 tbsp of sugar free syrup will contain about 20-40 calories from the ice and negligible calories from the syrup, so the total is under 50 calories.
In contrast, the same serving size of regular shaved ice with 2-3 tbsp of sugary syrup would contain 150-250 calories from the added sugar alone. So sugar free shaved ice is the clear winner if you want to minimize calories!
What Ingredients Are In Sugar Free Shaved Ice?
Sugar free shaved ice has just two main ingredients:
Ice: machines finely shave blocks of ice to create light, fluffy, powdery ice that absorbs syrups. Any type of frozen water can be shaved for ice.
Sugar Free Syrup: Sugar free syrups are used to add flavors like cherry, pina colada, blue raspberry, etc. Popular brands like Torani, Monin, and DaVinci make sugar free varieties sweetened with non-nutritive sweeteners.
Some additional ingredients like fruit purees or extracts may be added to enhance flavors. Overall, sugar free shaved ice keeps the ingredient list short and sweet!
Health Benefits of Sugar Free Shaved Ice
Sugar free shaved ice offers several benefits:
– Low in calories and carbs – The lack of sugar means sugar free shaved ice is low in calories and will not spike blood sugar levels. This makes it perfect for diabetes or weight loss diets.
– Provides hydration – The high water content from the ice helps keep you hydrated. Shaved ice is over 90% water.
– Naturally gluten free – With ingredients limited to ice, sugar free syrups, and some extracts, sugar free shaved ice avoids common allergens and is naturally gluten free.
– Satisfies sweet tooth – The sweet taste from sugar free syrups curbs sweet cravings without the downsides of sugar.
– Versatile flavors – Sugar free syrups come in endless flavors, allowing you to customize your order. Popular choices are fruit flavors like mango, cherry, strawberry, or more indulgent options like cake batter or banana creme pie. The possibilities are endless!
Are There Any Downsides to Sugar Free Shaved Ice?
Sugar free shaved ice has very minimal downsides:
– Artificial sweeteners – While non-nutritive sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame have been deemed safe by health authorities, some prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners when possible. Those sensitive to sweeteners may experience gastrointestinal side effects.
– Can irritate sensitive teeth – Like any cold food, the ice can temporarily bother sensitive teeth and trigger brain freeze if consumed too quickly. Letting it melt slightly first can help.
Overall, sugar free shaved ice is a smart frozen treat option with very minimal cons to consider. The pros of low calories and carbs compared to sugary icees make it an ideal way to indulge your sweet tooth without overdoing calories or blood sugar spikes.
Common Questions
Does sugar free shaved ice have any sugar at all?
No, authentic sugar free shaved ice does not contain any added sugars or naturally occurring sugars. The sweet taste comes solely from high intensity sugar free syrups. Be sure to check ingredient labels to confirm no sugar has been added to any syrups.
Is sugar free shaved ice keto friendly?
Yes, sugar free shaved ice is keto diet approved! With no sugar or carbohydrates, a serving will contain minimal calories and just 1-2 net carbs, making it an ideal occasional treat for keto dieters. Just opt for keto friendly syrup flavors that don’t spike blood sugar.
What sweeteners are used in sugar free syrups?
Popular sugar free syrups are sweetened with sucralose, aspartame, stevia, or a blend. These provide the sweet flavor without calories or carbs. Some brands may also contain sugar alcohols like sorbitol or erythritol which have minimal effects on blood sugar.
Can I make my own sugar free shaved ice syrup?
Absolutely! You can easily DIY sugar free shaved ice syrup using stevia, erythritol, or your preferred non-nutritive sweetener. Blend it with your choice of extract flavors like vanilla or fruit purees. Getting creative with your own custom flavors can be fun!
Conclusion
In conclusion, sugar free shaved ice is the ideal way to enjoy flavorful frozen treats without worrying about calories, carbs, or spiking your blood sugar levels. With just 20-50 calories per serving coming from the ice itself and negligible calories from sugar free syrups, it is the perfect low calorie dessert option. The only potential downside is the use of artificial sweeteners, though these have been approved as safe by health authorities. Overall, sugar free shaved ice lets you indulge your sweet tooth and beat the heat without sabotaging your health or diet goals. Be sure to look for authentic sugar free syrups to get the full benefits. With endless flavor possibilities, it’s easy to customize sugar free shaved ice to satisfy any craving!
Calorie Comparison of Shaved Ice Treats
| Treat | Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Shaved Ice (with sugary syrup) | 12 oz | 150-250 calories |
| Sugar Free Shaved Ice (with sugar free syrup) | 12 oz | 20-50 calories |
| Shaved Ice with Fruit | 12 oz | 60-100 calories |
| Soft Serve Ice Cream | 1/2 cup | 140-180 calories |
