Ice creams, vanilla
FDC 167575serving 1/2 cup (66 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 14 · +5 vs Sweets medianVanilla ice cream scores 14 of 100, a Low band, but that is still enough to rank 19th of 60 sweets, ahead of most confections in the category. It offers vitamin A at 13% DV and calcium at 10% DV, both good showings for a frozen dessert.
A half cup serving, about 66 grams, is the standard scoop size, often topped with fruit, sauce, or nuts. It runs high in sugars at 21.2 g per 100 g and high in saturated fat at 6.8 g per 100 g, figures worth factoring in if it is a regular treat rather than an occasional one.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around ice creams, vanilla, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 207 kcal | 10% |
| Total fat | 11 g | 14% |
| Saturated fat | 6.8 g | 34% |
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 80 mg | 3% |
| Carbohydrate | 24 g | 9% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.7 g | 3% |
| Sugars | 21 g | |
| Protein | 3.5 g | 7% |
| Potassium | 199 mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 128 mg | 10% |
| Iron | 0.09 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 14 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 0.6 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 118 µg | 13% |
| Vitamin E | 0.3 mg | 2% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 137 kcal | 7% |
| Total fat | 7.3 g | 9% |
| Saturated fat | 4.5 g | 22% |
| Cholesterol | 29 mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 53 mg | 2% |
| Carbohydrate | 16 g | 6% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.46 g | 2% |
| Sugars | 14 g | |
| Protein | 2.3 g | 5% |
| Potassium | 131 mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 84 mg | 6% |
| Iron | 0.06 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 9.2 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 78 µg | 9% |
| Vitamin E | 0.2 mg | 1% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 167575Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the sweets median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Frozen novelties, fruit and juice barsDensity 15 vs 14Ice creams, chocolateDensity 16 vs 14Candies, crispy bar with peanut butter fillingDensity 19 vs 14Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Vanilla ice cream is a churned frozen dessert made from a base of cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla, its smooth, scoopable texture the result of slow churning that keeps ice crystals small. It is served in bowls or cones on its own, or used as a base for sundaes, milkshakes, floats, and a la mode toppings for warm pie, cake, or cobbler. Its plain vanilla flavor also makes it a common pairing for fresh fruit, chocolate or caramel sauce, crushed nuts or cookies, and even a splash of coffee or liqueur for an affogato-style dessert.
Keep it in the coldest part of the freezer and press plastic wrap directly against the surface once opened to slow ice crystal formation, and let a hard-frozen container sit a few minutes at room temperature before scooping so it does not tear or clump. A half-cup serving (66 grams) sits at 207 calories per 100 grams, and it contributes 13 percent of the daily value for vitamin A and 10 percent for calcium, alongside 21.2 grams of sugar and 11 grams of fat per 100 grams, so it is best treated as a dessert-sized portion rather than a daily staple, with 0.7 grams of fiber and 80 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams rounding out its profile.
Frequently asked questions about ice creams, vanilla
How many calories are in vanilla ice cream?
Vanilla ice cream has 207 calories per 100 grams, with a typical half-cup (66 gram) serving containing less.
Does vanilla ice cream provide calcium?
Yes, it provides 10 percent of the daily value for calcium per 100 grams, along with 13 percent for vitamin A.
How should vanilla ice cream be stored?
Keep it in the coldest part of the freezer with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to limit ice crystals from forming.