Light ice cream, NFS
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Light ice cream, NFS (Not Further Specified) is a lower-fat, lower-calorie version of traditional ice cream, offering a similar creamy texture with a slightly lighter mouthfeel. It delivers a sweet, often vanilla-forward flavor profile with a noticeable reduction in richness compared to full-fat varieties. Nutritionally, it provides a moderate calorie source with a significant carbohydrate content, primarily from sugars.
Calorie split: 10% protein · 58% carbs · 32% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for satisfying ice cream cravings with fewer calories, making it a popular choice for those managing their weight or seeking a lighter treat. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed plain, as a base for sundaes, or blended into milkshakes.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downside is its high sugar content (14.29g per 100g), which can contribute to blood sugar spikes, especially for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance. To counteract this, pair a small portion with a source of protein (like nuts) or healthy fat (like a drizzle of nut butter) to slow sugar absorption. Also, be mindful of portion sizes to avoid consuming excessive added sugars.
Key benefits
- Lower in calories and fat than regular ice cream
- Provides a source of quick energy from carbohydrates
- Contains some protein for satiety
- Offers a familiar, indulgent dessert option with a lighter nutritional profile
- Often fortified with vitamins and minerals like calcium
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'light' designation in the US typically means the product must have at least 50% less fat than the regular version, but it can still contain significant calories from sugar.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 62.7 g |
| Energy | 174 kcal |
| Protein | 4.4 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 6.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 25.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.20 g |
| Total Sugars | 14.3 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 148 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.19 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 12.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 89.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 202 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 85.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.52 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.02 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 2.0 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 1.0 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.04 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.19 mg |
| Niacin | 0.10 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.04 mg |
| Folate, total | 5.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 5.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 5.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 24.5 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.50 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 107 ug |
| Retinol | 106 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 13.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.20 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 1.6 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 3.5 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.18 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.11 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.07 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.13 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.14 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.48 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.4 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.76 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.6 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.08 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.3 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.48 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.15 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.06 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 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 | 27.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Ice creams, vanilla, rich — USDA does not publish this profile for Light ice cream.
| 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
How does light ice cream differ from regular ice cream?
Light ice cream is defined by having at least 50% less fat than the regular version of the same product. It often uses stabilizers and emulsifiers to maintain a creamy texture despite the reduced fat content.
Is light ice cream a good source of protein?
It provides a modest amount of protein (4.38g per 100g), but it is not considered a primary protein source. The protein comes mainly from milk solids used in its base.
Can I eat light ice cream if I'm lactose intolerant?
Most light ice cream contains dairy and lactose. For lactose intolerance, you would need to seek out specifically labeled lactose-free or dairy-free light ice cream alternatives.
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 1.74 kcal/g · 10% calories from protein · 0.2 g fiber · 14.3 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: 0.42 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.