Swaps / ice cream
The best keto substitutes for ice cream
Half a cup of regular ice cream has about 15.4 grams of net carbs. Cream, the right sweetener and a little technique make a keto version that actually scoops.
Ice cream (vanilla): 15.4 g netAllulose ice cream: 0 g net
4 swaps that work
01Allulose ice cream0 g net · 1 tsp (4 g)
- Best for
- Homemade, scoopable ice cream
- How
- Make a custard or no-churn base with heavy cream and allulose. Allulose keeps it soft enough to scoop.
- Watch for
- Erythritol alone freezes rock-hard.
02Berries and sweet cream0.8 g net · 2 tbsp (30 g)
- Best for
- A five-minute dessert
- How
- Whip cream with a little sweetener and vanilla and spoon over berries.
03Chocolate avocado mousse1.3 g net · ½ medium (75 g)
- Best for
- Rich, chilled chocolate dessert
- How
- Blend ripe avocado with cocoa, sweetener and a splash of cream.
04Frozen yogurt bark6.6 g net · ¾ cup (170 g)
- Best for
- Summer snacks
- How
- Spread full-fat plain Greek yogurt on a tray, top with berries and dark chocolate, freeze and break up.
Tips from the kitchen
- Store-bought keto ice creams vary; watch for maltitol and check serving sizes.
Net carbs per serving
From our food database. Serving sizes differ, so they are listed.
Recipes that use these swaps
Quick answers
What is the best keto substitute for ice cream?
It depends on the dish. Allulose ice cream is best for homemade, scoopable ice cream; Berries and sweet cream is best for a five-minute dessert; Chocolate avocado mousse is best for rich, chilled chocolate dessert.
How many carbs does the swap save?
A serving of ice cream (vanilla) (½ cup (66 g)) has about 15.4 g of net carbs. Allulose ice cream (1 tsp (4 g)) has about 0 g.
Is ice cream (vanilla) keto?
Not keto-friendly. About 15 grams of carbs per half cup.
Every swap, already made
The 28-Day Plan builds these swaps into four weeks of meals, with every macro counted and one grocery list a week.
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