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Vanilla Ice Cream Nutrition Facts: Is Vanilla Ice Cream Good for You?
Vanilla ice cream can be part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderation. It is a good source of several nutrients, including calcium, vitamin A, riboflavin, and vitamin B12. However, it is also high in saturated fat and contains 21 grams of sugar and 207 calories per 100-gram serving. How it fits into your diet depends on your personal nutrition goals, portion size, and overall food intake throughout the day.
Per 100 g · Ice creams, vanilla
What stands out in vanilla ice cream
- Good source of calcium. A 100-gram amount of vanilla ice cream provides 128 mg of calcium, which is 10% of the Daily Value.
- Source of B vitamins. Vanilla ice cream is a good source of riboflavin (B2) and vitamin B12, supplying 18% and 16% of the Daily Value per 100 grams, respectively.
- High in saturated fat. This food is high in saturated fat, containing about 7 grams per 100 grams. This amount provides 34% of the Daily Value for saturated fat.
- Vitamin A content. A 100-gram serving of vanilla ice cream is a good source of vitamin A, with 118 mcg, or 13% of the Daily Value.
What to keep in mind
- Vanilla ice cream is high in saturated fat, providing 34% of the Daily Value in a 100-gram serving. It also contains 207 calories and over 21 grams of total sugars in the same amount. Being mindful of portion sizes is useful when incorporating it into your diet.
Vanilla Ice Cream nutrition facts per 100 g
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 207 kcal | – |
| Protein | 3.5 g | 7% |
| Total fat | 11 g | 14% |
| Saturated fat | 6.8 g | 34% |
| Monounsaturated fat | 3 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 0.45 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% |
| Carbohydrate | 23.6 g | 9% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.7 g | 2% |
| Total sugars | 21.2 g | – |
| Water | 61 g | – |
| Sodium | 80 mg | 3% |
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Potassium | 199 mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 128 mg | 10% |
| Iron | 0.09 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 14 mg | 3% |
| Phosphorus | 105 mg | 8% |
| Zinc | 0.69 mg | 6% |
| Copper | 0.02 mg | 3% |
| Manganese | 0.01 mg | 0% |
| Selenium | 1.8 mcg | 3% |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 118 mcg | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 0.6 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 0.3 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin K | 0.3 mcg | 0% |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.04 mg | 3% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.24 mg | 18% |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.12 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.05 mg | 3% |
| Folate (DFE) | 5 mcg | 1% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.39 mcg | 16% |
| Choline | 26 mg | 5% |
% Daily Value uses the FDA Daily Values for adults and children 4 years and older. Highlighted rows are 20% DV or more per 100 g. A dash means no Daily Value is set.
Vanilla Ice Cream by portion
The nutrition data is based on a 100-gram amount, which is larger than a typical serving. The USDA defines one serving as a 1/2 cup, which weighs 66 grams. This portion size contains 137 calories, about 7 grams of total fat, 16 grams of carbohydrates, and 14 grams of total sugars. It also provides about 2 grams of protein.
| USDA portion | Weight | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fiber | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving 1/2 cup | 66 g | 137 | 2.3 g | 15.6 g | 0.5 g | 7.3 g |
How vanilla ice cream compares with other condiments, snacks and spices
The USDA groups vanilla ice cream with other condiments, snacks, and spices. Compared to 15 other foods in this category, it ranks highest for total sugars, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. It also ranks third for total fat and calcium content. Its calorie count (207 kcal per 100 g) is higher than that of black olives (116 kcal) but lower than foods like cinnamon (247 kcal) or dried spirulina (290 kcal). It contains significantly less fiber than most other foods in this diverse group.
| Per 100 g | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fiber | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanilla Ice Cream | 207 | 3.5 g | 23.6 g | 0.7 g | 11 g |
| Cinnamon | 247 | 4 g | 80.6 g | 53.1 g | 1.2 g |
| Black Olives | 116 | 0.84 g | 6 g | 1.6 g | 10.9 g |
| Turmeric | 312 | 9.7 g | 67.1 g | 22.7 g | 3.2 g |
| Spirulina | 290 | 57.5 g | 23.9 g | 3.6 g | 7.7 g |
Quick answers
How many calories are in a scoop of vanilla ice cream?
A standard serving of 1/2 cup (66 grams) of vanilla ice cream contains 137 calories.
How much sugar is in vanilla ice cream?
A 1/2 cup serving of vanilla ice cream has 14 grams of total sugars. A larger 100-gram amount contains about 21 grams of total sugars.
Is there protein in vanilla ice cream?
Yes, vanilla ice cream contains protein. A 1/2 cup serving provides 2.3 grams of protein, while a 100-gram amount provides 3.5 grams.
When to talk to a doctor or dietitian
- Vanilla Ice Cream contains milk, one of the major food allergens in the US. If you have a known or suspected milk allergy, follow the plan your allergist gave you, and get urgent help for signs of a severe reaction such as throat tightness or trouble breathing.
- If you manage diabetes, a registered dietitian can help you fit portions of it into your meal plan.
- This page describes nutrient content, not medical advice. If a health condition, medicine or pregnancy affects what you eat, a doctor or registered dietitian can tell you how vanilla ice cream fits your situation.
Last updated October 21, 2026