Nutrition expert provides guidance on healthy ice cream selection

Nutrition expert Betül Merd from Memorial Kayseri Hospital has provided guidance on selecting healthy ice cream options. She emphasizes that the healthiness of ice cream depends on its ingredients, portion size, and frequency of consumption, rather than just its temperature.

Consumers are advised to look beyond marketing terms like ‘strawberry’ or ‘chocolate’ on the front of packaging. Instead, they should examine the ingredient list and nutritional facts table. Key distinctions to watch for include whether a product is labeled as ‘ice cream,’ ‘milk ice,’ or a ‘vegetable oil-based product.’ Products made from real milk, yogurt, or cream containing natural fruits and nuts are considered more nutritious than those high in sugar, glucose/fructose syrups, vegetable oils, and artificial additives.

Merd also noted that calorie counts vary significantly based on ingredients like cream, sugar, and nuts, making it inaccurate to assign a fixed calorie value to a single scoop. Additionally, she addressed viral social media videos showing ice cream that does not melt in water, noting that melting rates are influenced by fat content, milk proteins, and production methods rather than being a sole indicator of unhealthy additives.