Americans have a well-known love affair with ice cream, consuming an average of 20 pounds per person each year. In 2023 alone, U.S. manufacturers produced 1.3 billion gallons of this beloved frozen dessert.
While ice cream remains a favorite treat, a recent report highlights a surprising difference between American and European ice creams: the nutritional value.
Sandra Vigeliene, a nutrition expert from Healthnews, conducted a detailed analysis comparing popular ice cream brands in the U.S. and the European Union (EU). Despite identical branding—think Ben & Jerry’s or Häagen-Dazs—the products available in each region differ significantly in their nutritional content.
Portion Sizes and Caloric Content
One of the most notable differences is portion size. U.S. serving sizes tend to be larger, leading to higher calorie consumption. For instance, a single serving of Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie sold in the U.S. contains 350 calories, which is about 10% of the recommended daily calorie intake. In contrast, the same product in the EU has nearly 30% fewer calories per serving.
Sugar and Fat Content
Beyond calories, sugar and fat content also vary between regions. Vigeliene noted that both U.S. and EU ice creams are high in total sugar, with a single serving nearly reaching the daily limit for added sugars. However, U.S. brands generally contain significantly more sugar than their EU counterparts, largely due to larger portion sizes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have pointed out that excessive consumption of added sugars contributes to obesity, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes—health concerns that are prevalent in the U.S.
Moreover, American ice creams tend to have higher levels of saturated fats. According to the American Heart Association, this could increase the risk of heart disease. Sodium content is another area where U.S. ice creams surpass EU versions, which could exacerbate already high daily sodium intake levels in the U.S.
Healthier Options
Among the brands reviewed, Halo Top was found to have the lowest levels of calories, added sugars, and saturated fats, making it a healthier option for those looking to indulge without compromising their nutritional goals.
In summary, while ice cream is a popular treat on both sides of the Atlantic, the nutritional differences between U.S. and EU versions are significant, with American ice creams generally being higher in calories, sugars, fats, and sodium. This raises important questions about the impact of these differences on public health, particularly in the U.S., where diet-related health issues are already a major concern.
