Ice cream cone, scooped, vanilla
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A classic, crisp wafer cone cradling a cold, creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream, offering a delightful contrast between the crunchy, edible vessel and the smooth, sweet filling. This iconic treat delivers a balanced macronutrient profile for a dessert, with a notable protein content from the dairy and a significant carbohydrate load primarily from added sugars.
💚 Why it's loved
People adore the nostalgic, hand-held convenience and the perfect textural marriage of a crisp cone with melting ice cream. Its universal appeal lies in the simple, customizable joy of choosing a favorite flavor and enjoying it as a celebratory treat or a casual indulgence.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar and refined carbohydrate content can lead to rapid blood-sugar spikes, and the saturated fat may concern those monitoring heart health. For a more balanced experience, pair it with a source of protein or fiber (like a handful of nuts) and practice portion control by opting for a single scoop.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates.
- Contains protein from dairy, which supports muscle maintenance.
- Offers calcium and phosphorus for bone health.
- Can be a source of enjoyment and psychological comfort.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The edible cone was popularized at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, where a waffle maker reportedly rolled his waffles to hold ice cream when neighboring paper dish vendors ran out.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 58.8 g |
| Energy | 215 kcal |
| Protein | 3.7 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 10.8 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 25.8 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.80 g |
| Total Sugars | 20.6 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 124 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.23 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 14.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 105 mg |
| Potassium, K | 196 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 87.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.69 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.03 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 1.9 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.60 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.05 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.24 mg |
| Niacin | 0.29 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.05 mg |
| Folate, total | 12.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 7.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 5.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 16.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 25.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.37 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 113 ug |
| Retinol | 111 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 18.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.32 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.40 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 6.6 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.35 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.20 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.12 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.27 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.30 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 1.1 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 3.0 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.3 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.9 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.20 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.7 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.56 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.39 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.18 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 42.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is the cone itself a significant source of nutrients?
The cone is primarily a source of refined carbohydrates and some sodium, with minimal protein or fat. Its main contribution is texture and convenience rather than substantial nutrition.
How does vanilla ice cream compare nutritionally to other flavors?
Vanilla is often slightly lower in sugar and calories than complex flavors like chocolate chip or cookie dough, which contain added mix-ins. However, the base nutritional profile is similar across most standard ice cream flavors.
Can this be part of a balanced diet?
Yes, when enjoyed mindfully as an occasional treat. Being aware of portion size and balancing it with nutrient-dense meals throughout the day allows for inclusion without compromising overall dietary goals.