A Chick-Fil-A ice cream cone can range from around 150 to over 500 calories depending on the size and toppings. The cone itself contributes around 50-150 calories. A small vanilla ice cream cone with no toppings contains about 150 calories. Larger sizes with extra toppings like chocolate syrup or sprinkles can add a significant number of calories. For example, a large Cookies & Cream Shake with whipped cream and a cherry is over 1000 calories.
Calories in Chick-Fil-A Ice Cream Cones
Here is a breakdown of the approximate calories for Chick-Fil-A’s ice cream offerings:
| Menu Item | Calories |
|---|---|
| Kiddie cone | 150 |
| Small cone | 170 |
| Medium cone | 250 |
| Large cone | 340 |
| Small milkshake | 530 |
| Large milkshake | 850 |
| Small Cookies & Cream Shake | 610 |
| Large Cookies & Cream Shake with whipped cream and cherry | 1090 |
As you can see, the calories increase significantly as the serving size gets larger. Plain cones range from 150 for a kiddie cone up to 340 calories for a large. Milkshakes start at 530 calories for a small and go up to 850 calories for a large. The popular Cookies & Cream Shake starts at 610 calories for a small but jumps to 1090 calories when you get a large with whipped cream and a cherry!
Factors That Affect Calories
There are a few key factors that determine how many calories are in a Chick-Fil-A ice cream cone:
Serving Size
The main factor is the serving size – kiddie, small, medium or large. The more ice cream you get, the more calories. Each larger size has about an extra 100 calories compared to the size below it. So choose wisely if you’re watching your calorie intake!
Ice Cream Flavor
While most of Chick-Fil-A’s ice cream flavors like vanilla and chocolate have similar calorie counts, some flavors are higher. For example, Cookies & Cream has extra calories from the cookie pieces mixed in. The Shake versions also have more calories than cones due to being blended with milk and syrups.
Toppings
Adding toppings like sprinkles, chocolate syrup or whipped cream will add extra calories. Just a squirt of chocolate syrup is an easy 50 extra calories, while whipped cream can add over 150 calories to your dessert. The cherry on top might seem innocent but contributes about 10 calories too.
Cone Size
Don’t forget about the cone itself! The waffle cone contributes 50-150 calories depending on if you get a kiddie, small, medium or large. Opting for a cup instead of a cone will save you about 50-100 calories.
Low Calorie Options
If you want to enjoy a cool treat from Chick-Fil-A but are watching your calorie intake, here are some lower calorie options:
- Kiddie cone – Only 150 calories!
- Small vanilla cone with no toppings – About 170 calories
- Small vanilla milkshake with no whip – Around 530 calories
- Medium Cookies & Cream Shake with whip – About 660 calories
Sticking with the smaller sizes of cones and shakes and avoiding extra toppings will keep the calorie count reasonable. Share with a friend or get a kiddie cone for yourself if you want just a small portion.
High Calorie Options
On the flip side, here are some easy ways to ramp up the calories with your Chick-Fil-A ice cream:
- Large vanilla cone – 340 calories
- Large vanilla cone with chocolate drizzle and sprinkles – Around 500 calories
- Large Cookies & Cream Shake with whip – About 1090 calories
- Any shake made with whole milk – Adds about 80 calories
The large cones and shakes pack a caloric punch on their own. Adding toppings like syrups, sprinkles and whip exponentially increases the calories. Substituting whole milk for non-fat milk in shakes will also up the calorie count.
Health Impact of Frequent Ice Cream Consumption
While an occasional ice cream cone is perfectly fine for most people, regularly consuming large shakes and cones with toppings can negatively impact your health. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Weight Gain
Frequently eating high calorie desserts like large shakes makes it easy to overload on calories and gain weight over time. Just one large Cookies & Cream Shake has over 1000 calories, which is over half the recommended daily intake for many people.
Blood Sugar Spikes
The sugar and refined carbs in ice cream can cause big blood sugar spikes and crashes, especially in large amounts. This negatively impacts energy levels and can contribute to insulin resistance.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Ice cream is not a very nutritious food. Eating it often may displace healthier foods, leading to potential deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients over time.
High Saturated Fat
Full fat dairy products like ice cream and milkshakes contain high amounts of saturated fat, which in excess can negatively impact heart health and cholesterol levels.
Moderation and portion control is key when indulging in ice cream. Stick with small servings and consider sharing or splitting a large shake or sundae with a friend or family member.
Healthier Dessert Alternatives to Ice Cream
You don’t have to swear off sweets entirely if you’re trying to eat healthier. Here are some deliciously refreshing alternatives that are lower in calories, sugar and fat than ice cream:
Greek Yogurt Parfaits
Layer vanilla or fruit-flavored Greek yogurt with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola for a creamy, protein-packed parfait.
Fruit Smoothies
Blend up your favorite fresh or frozen fruits with yogurt or milk for a hydrating drink that satisfies your sweet tooth.
Nice Cream
Make “nice cream” at home by blending frozen bananas into a creamy, icy dessert. Mix in cocoa powder, nut butter or berries for different flavors.
Fruit Popsicles
Enjoy store-bought fruit popsicles or make your own by blending fruit and yogurt and freezing in popsicle molds for a refreshing treat.
Sorbet
Sorbets made from fruit and fruit juice have a fraction of the fat, calories and sugar of ice cream. Try mango, raspberry or lemon flavors.
With a little creativity, you can come up with healthier alternatives to ice cream that still satisfy your cravings for something sweet and icy cold on hot summer days.
Conclusion
A Chick-Fil-A ice cream cone can range from 150 calories for a no-frills kiddie cone up to over 500 calories for a loaded large cone. Milkshakes start at 530 calories and can exceed 1000 calories for an extra large with toppings. Stick with smaller sizes and avoid additional toppings if watching your calorie intake. An occasional cone treat is fine for most people, but frequent ice cream indulgences can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Luckily there are plenty of lighter alternatives that provide the cold and creamy texture without the excess calories and fat.
