by Nate Widom
Yes, you read that title correctly. Ice cream does not have to be bad for you! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up your own guilt-free version that’s high in protein and a fraction of the calories and fat. And it tastes just as good if not better than the real thing! You’ll only need a machine and a sweet tooth.
To make ice cream, see the ingredients below and prepare to your machine’s instructions. No cooking required – just churn ingredients, freeze to set, and enjoy!
All recipes yield 2 half-pint servings.
Lemon Blueberry
Ingredients
- 1 cup of fat free milk
- 1 scoop of vanilla whey protein
- ½ cup of fresh blueberries
- A few drops of lemon juice
- 1 tsp. of lemon rind
- ½ tsp. of xanthan gum
- Sprinkle of salt
Nutrition
Calories 130; Total Fat 1g; Saturated Fat 0g; Sodium 136mg; Carbs 11g; Sugars 7g; Fiber 2g; Protein 19g
PB & J
Ingredients
- 1 cup of fat free milk
- ½ scoop of chocolate whey protein
- 2 tbsp. peanut butter powder
- 4 chopped large, fresh strawberries
- ½ tsp. of xanthan gum
- Sprinkle of salt
Nutrition
Calories 110; Total Fat 1g; Saturated Fat 0g; Sodium 154mg; Carbs 9g; Sugars 6g; Fiber 2g; Protein 16g
Chocolate Chip
Ingredients
- 1 cup of fat free milk
- 1 scoop of vanilla whey protein
- ½ tsp. of xanthan gum
- A few drops of vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp. of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Nutrition
Calories 140; Total Fat 3g; Saturated Fat 2g; Sodium 136mg; Carbs 10g; Sugars 7g; Fiber 1g; Protein 19g
Mix in the chocolate chips if machine allows. If not, top your ice cream with them!
Coffee Chip
Ingredients
- 1 cup of fat free milk
- 1 scoop of coffee whey protein
- 1 tbsp. of cocoa powder
- ½ tsp. of xanthan gum
- 1 tbsp of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Nutrition
Calories 160; Total Fat 4g; Saturated Fat 2g; Sodium 131mg; Carbs 13g; Sugars 8g; Fiber 3g; Protein 19g
Orange Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup of fat free milk
- 1 scoop of vanilla whey protein
- ½ tsp. of xanthan gum
- 1 tsp. of orange extract
Nutrition
Calories 110; Total Fat 1g; Saturated Fat 0g; Sodium 115mg; Carbs 6g; Sugars 5g; Fiber 1g; Protein 19g
Chocolate Strawberry
Ingredients
- 1 cup of fat free milk
- 1 scoop of chocolate whey protein
- 4 chopped large, fresh strawberries
- ½ tsp. of xanthan gum
- Sprinkle of salt
Nutrition
Calories 120; Total Fat 1g; Saturated Fat 0g; Sodium 116mg; Carbs 8g; Sugars 7g; Fiber 2g; Protein 19g
They Key to Healthy Ice Cream
Xanthan gum is essential for healthy, delicious ice cream. While it may sound weird, it’s a common thickener and sweetener in dressings, sauces, and more. Healthline notes that the FDA considers it safe for consumption, and it has been well researched since 1963 with no major side effects. Combined with whey protein and fat free milk, it creates the creamy texture you love with less calories and fat than whole milk ice cream.