Ice cream soda, chocolate
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A chocolate ice cream soda is a classic, effervescent fountain drink blending creamy chocolate ice cream with carbonated soda water or cola, creating a frothy, cold, and sweet treat. Its taste is a delightful mix of rich chocolate, vanilla-like creaminess, and a sharp, bubbly fizz that cleanses the palate. Nutritionally, it's a light indulgence at 87 kcal per 100g, with most energy coming from simple sugars (14.48g) and a modest fat content from the ice cream.
Calorie split: 4% protein · 67% carbs · 29% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore it for the nostalgic, playful combination of textures—the cold, smooth ice cream melting into the sharp fizz of soda. It's a versatile treat that can be customized with different ice cream flavors or soda types, making it a beloved staple of soda fountains and diners.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content (14.48g per 100g) can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes, making it a poor choice for diabetics or those monitoring sugar intake. The carbonation may also cause bloating or discomfort for some. To counteract this, enjoy it as an occasional treat, pair it with a source of protein or fiber (like nuts) to slow sugar absorption, and opt for a smaller portion size.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick energy boost from simple carbohydrates.
- Offers a small amount of calcium from the dairy ice cream base.
- The carbonation can aid in digestion and provide a refreshing sensation.
- A classic comfort food that can elevate mood and provide psychological satisfaction.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The classic 'Egg Cream' name is a misnomer—it contains neither eggs nor cream, but is made from milk, chocolate syrup, and seltzer water, a New York City invention.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 80.5 g |
| Energy | 87.0 kcal |
| Protein | 1.0 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 2.9 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 15.2 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.30 g |
| Total Sugars | 14.5 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 32.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.28 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 8.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 28.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 66.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 30.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.20 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.04 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.70 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.20 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.05 mg |
| Niacin | 0.06 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.01 mg |
| Folate, total | 4.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 4.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 4.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 6.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.08 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 31.0 ug |
| Retinol | 31.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 5.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.08 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.10 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 1.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 16.0 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.8 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.07 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.08 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.28 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.81 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.38 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.84 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.06 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.78 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.11 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.07 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.04 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 | 9.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Ice creams, vanilla, rich — USDA does not publish this profile for Ice cream soda.
| Tryptophan | 0.04 g |
| Threonine | 0.14 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.18 g |
| Leucine | 0.30 g |
| Lysine | 0.25 g |
| Methionine | 0.08 g |
| Cystine | 0.03 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.15 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.14 g |
| Valine | 0.20 g |
| Arginine | 0.14 g |
| Histidine | 0.08 g |
| Alanine | 0.14 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.65 g |
| Glycine | 0.15 g |
| Proline | 0.34 g |
| Serine | 0.17 g |
FAQ
What is the difference between a chocolate ice cream soda and an egg cream?
A chocolate ice cream soda is made with scoops of chocolate ice cream and soda water or cola. A traditional New York egg cream is made with milk, chocolate syrup, and seltzer water, with no ice cream or eggs.
Can I make a healthier version at home?
Yes. Use a lower-sugar chocolate syrup or cocoa powder, choose a low-fat or dairy-free ice cream, and use plain seltzer water instead of sweetened soda to significantly reduce the sugar and calorie content.
Why does it foam up so much?
The foam is created by the reaction between the carbon dioxide in the soda water and the proteins and fats in the ice cream, which trap the bubbles and create a thick, frothy head.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.87 kcal/g · 5% calories from protein · 0.3 g fiber · 14.5 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.45 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.