Ice lollies come in many flavors, from the classic choc ice that reminds us of childhood summers, to the popular Magnum, and the fruity Solero favored on hot days. But with growing awareness about the harm of added sugars to our waistlines and hearts, are there better, healthier choices?
Experts have tested popular ice lollies and some newer reduced-sugar options that promise indulgence with fewer calories. They looked at nutrition facts like calories, sugar, fat, and ingredients to rank these treats.
Magnum Classic Chocolate Ice Cream Stick
The UK’s favorite ice lolly, the Magnum, is rich and creamy but high in calories and sugar. Each stick has 231 calories, 20g of sugar, and nearly 10g of saturated fat. Nutritionists advise enjoying it only occasionally, not as a regular snack.
Nobbly Bobbly Ice Cream Bar
This ice lolly combines chocolate coating with sugary sprinkles, packing 16.9g of sugar per stick. It offers little protein or fiber, making it one of the least healthy options.
Calippo Orange Ice Lolly
With 17g of sugar and almost no fiber or protein, the Calippo is high in sugar but low in fat and calories (104 calories per stick). Experts suggest choosing the mini version to reduce sugar intake.
Fab Strawberry Ice Lolly
Popular with those under 50, the Fab has layers of strawberry and vanilla with chocolate coating. It contains 10g of sugar and added artificial ingredients, with very low protein and fiber.
Feast Original Chunky Chocolate Ice Cream Stick
This ice lolly has decent protein but is very high in saturated fat (14g per stick) and calories (244). It contains less sugar than the Magnum but still a significant amount.
Twister Ice Lolly
Loved by children, the Twister is low in calories (70) but has 12g of sugar, which is high for its size. Choosing the mini version halves the sugar content.
Mini Milk Ice Cream Lolly
A classic for kids, Mini Milk is one of the healthiest options. It has only 30 calories and provides 36% of a child’s daily calcium needs, making it the only ice lolly with a clear nutritional benefit.
Solero Exotic Ice Cream Stick
Containing real fruit purée and juice, the Solero has most of its sugar from natural sources. It has 98 calories and is a good choice for adults wanting a luxurious but lower-sugar treat.
‘Healthy’ Alternatives: Halo Top Sticks
Halo Top’s Gooey Brownie and Peanut Butter Swirl sticks offer moderate calories and good protein but contain sweeteners and additives that might affect gut health. Their sugar content is still relatively high.
Expert Advice
Finding a truly healthy ice lolly is tough. Most popular brands are high in sugar and calories but low in protein and fiber. The Mini Milk and Solero stand out as better choices. For a healthier homemade treat, try blending Greek yogurt with fresh berries and a little honey, freezing the mix in molds. This provides protein, probiotics, and healthy fats without added sugars or artificial ingredients.
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