Italian Ice
Italian ice, also known as water ice, is a refreshing frozen dessert made from water, sugar, and fruit flavorings, often including real fruit purée or juice. It has a smooth, granita-like texture that is lighter than ice cream but denser than a slushie, and it originated in Italian-American communities, particularly in Philadelphia.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Italian ice is primarily a source of carbohydrates from sugar, with negligible fat and protein, making it a lower-calorie frozen treat compared to ice cream, typically ranging from 100 to 200 calories per serving depending on size and sweetness.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 130 kcal |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 15 mg |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Iron | 0.1 mg |
| Potassium | 20 mg |
| Magnesium | 2 mg |
| Phosphorus | 5 mg |
| Zinc | 0.1 mg |
| Copper | 0.01 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Italian ice is a staple of summer street fairs and boardwalks in the northeastern United States, and nutritionally, its fruit-based versions can offer some vitamin C, though it's mostly enjoyed as a hydrating, dairy-free indulgence.
