7 Ice Cream Alternatives Perfect for Summer

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! 
 
Cold, creamy, and sweet, this beloved summertime treat is one that we all like to indulge in from time to time.  When eaten in moderation, ice cream isn’t unhealthy. However, most parents are not impressed when they hear about the empty calories, unnecessary fat, sugar, and stabilizers. That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of great tasting better-for-you alternatives: 
 
Frozen Yogurt 
 
Lower in calories and saturated fat then ice cream. Frozen yogurt is a better-for-you option and tastes just as creamy and delicious as ice cream. As an added benefit it may contain live, good-for-your gut probiotics.  
 
Only three ingredients are needed to make this treat at home. 
 
Gelato 
 
Best known as Italy’s ice cream this is a high-flavor, dense ice cream that is lower in saturated fat, sugar, and calories then ice cream. It’s also traditionally served in smaller quantities so it can be enjoyed easier while on the go.  
 
You don’t have to go to Italy to experience gelato. Make authentic gelato at home. 
 
Sorbet 
 
Sorbet is a dairy free frozen treat made of fruit puree and water. This is a cool, fruity and refreshing option that usually comes in a wide range of flavors from mango to strawberry and even coconut! 
 
With a few simple ingredients, this strawberry sorbet recipe is quick to whip up and cool down with. 
 
Sherbet 
 
If you grew up in the 90’s you probably remember having rainbow sherbet as a treat at school or in the summer. Sherbet is the “fruitier” cousin to ice cream and is filled with fruit flavor from raspberry to orange to lime. Sherbet is made from water, fruit and some dairy, which gives it a creamier taste without the added fat.  
 
Feeling nostalgic? Try this homemade rainbow sherbet recipe. 
 
Shaved Ice 
 
Shaved ice is an ice-based dessert that is made from the “shavings” from a block of ice and then flavored with syrup and other sweet ingredients. Best known as “Hawaiian shaved ice” this is a colorful and tasty treat. To make a home, you can process ice cubes in a food processor until it looks like snow with no lumps.  
 
Try one of these recipes to an at home Hawaiian experience. 
 
Snow cone 
 
Similar to shave ice, snow cones are made with crushed ice and then flavored with syrup and other sweet ingredients.  This is a super easy snack to make at home. Just crush some ice into tiny pieces, scoop into a cup or bowl and drizzle with flavored syrup.  
 
Check out this complete guide to making snow cones at home. 
 
Vegan Ice Cream 
 
True to its name, this ice cream contains no dairy. Typically, non-dairy ice cream is made with coconut, almond, soy, or cashew milk.  Nut-based milks provide heart-healthy plant-based monounsaturated fat. Don’t let the “vegan” scare you away from this alternative. Vegan ice cream can be just as rich and creamy as its dairy counterpart. 
 
Make your own classic vanilla vegan ice cream. 
 
 
Do you have another alternative to ice cream that you’d like to share? Leave a comment below.