Vanilla ice cream

Vanilla ice cream is a classic frozen dessert made from a base of cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla flavoring, often in the form of extract or bean. Originating from European custard-based ice creams, it has become a global staple enjoyed on its own or as a base for countless sundaes, floats, and other treats.

🍳 View the full Vanilla ice cream recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dessert is typically high in fat and carbohydrates, with a moderate amount of protein from the dairy. A standard half-cup serving generally contains around 150-200 calories, providing key nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	137 kcal
Protein	2.3 g
Carbs	15.6 g
Fat	7.3 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	14.9 g
Sodium	53 mg
Calcium	84 mg
Phosphorus	67 mg
Potassium	115 mg
Vitamin A	68 mcg RAE
Vitamin D	0.2 mcg
Vitamin B12	0.2 mcg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.1 mg
Cholesterol	29 mg

Per 1/2 cup (66 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The flavor we associate with vanilla ice cream comes from the vanilla orchid, making it the world's most popular and labor-intensive spice. Nutritionally, its high fat and sugar content can trigger the brain's reward system, which is why it's often considered a quintessential comfort food.