How Many Calories in Ice Cream? Nutrition Facts & Macros
A scoop of vanilla ice cream (66 g) has 137 calories
Protein 2.3g · Carbs 15.6g · Fat 7.3g
Vanilla ice cream is one of the most popular desserts worldwide, but it packs a surprising amount of sugar and calories. With 207 kcal, 11.0 g of fat, and 23.6 g of carbs per 100 g, a single scoop (66 g) delivers about 137 kcal. The high sugar content (21.22 g per 100 g) makes it comparable to ketchup in terms of sugar density. On the plus side, ice cream is a decent source of calcium (128 mg per 100 g) from its dairy base. Here is everything you need to know about ice cream calories and macros, based on USDA data. About 61% of ice cream is water, mostly from the cream and milk base.
866 kJ · per 100g · Water: 61 g
Calorie Calculator: Ice Cream (Vanilla)
66 g Ice Cream (Vanilla) contains 137 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 scoop (66 g) | 137 kcal | 2.3g | 15.6g | 7.3g |
| 1 cup (132 g) | 273 kcal | 4.6g | 31.2g | 14.5g |
| 100 grams | 207 kcal | 3.5g | 23.6g | 11g |
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Ice Cream (Vanilla) — Nutrition Facts
| Ice Cream (Vanilla) | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 207 kcal |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Carbs | 23.6 g |
| Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugar | 21.22 g |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
| Potassium | 199 mg |
| Magnesium | 14 mg |
| Phosphorus | 105 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.05 mg |
| Folate | 5 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.01 mg |
| Water | 61 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 167575) · Data verified April 2026
Variations
Vanilla (default)
207 kcal, 3.5 g protein, 11.0 g fat, 23.6 g carbs per 100 g. The classic flavor and USDA reference. Moderate fat from cream, high sugar (21.22 g). A scoop (66 g) has about 137 kcal. The most widely consumed ice cream flavor worldwide.
Chocolate
216 kcal per 100 g. Slightly more calories than vanilla due to cocoa solids. Fat is similar (~11 g), but carbs are a bit higher (~24-25 g) with slightly more sugar. Cocoa adds a small amount of iron and magnesium. Premium dark chocolate ice cream can reach 250+ kcal per 100 g.
Light / low-fat
130–140 kcal per 100 g. About 35% fewer calories than regular ice cream by reducing cream and fat content. Fat drops to ~3–5 g per 100 g, but sugar often stays the same or increases to compensate for flavor loss. Protein may be slightly higher (~4 g). Check labels carefully — lower fat does not always mean fewer total calories.
Frozen yogurt (reference)
159 kcal per 100 g. Less fat (~6 g) than ice cream because yogurt replaces some of the cream. Sugar is similar (~21 g) — frozen yogurt is not a low-sugar alternative. Protein is slightly higher (~4 g). May contain live cultures (probiotics) depending on production. Overall about 50 kcal less per 100 g than vanilla ice cream.
Dietary Perspectives
For Weight Loss
Ice cream is calorie-dense for its serving size — a single scoop (66 g) has 137 kcal, and most people eat two or more scoops (274+ kcal). The high sugar content (21.22 g per 100 g) spikes blood sugar and does little for satiety. If you are counting calories, weigh your portion and log it. A scoop can fit within a deficit, but the combination of sugar, fat, and low protein makes ice cream one of the easiest foods to overeat. Consider frozen fruit or Greek yogurt as more filling alternatives.
For Athletic Performance
Ice cream provides 207 kcal per 100 g with 3.5 g protein — not an efficient post-workout food. The 11.0 g of fat slows digestion, and the protein content is too low for muscle recovery (you would need 400+ g of ice cream to get 14 g protein). As a calorie-dense treat, it can help athletes who need to eat in a surplus, but pairing with a protein source is essential. The calcium (128 mg per 100 g) supports bone health. Better post-workout options: Greek yogurt (97 kcal, 9 g protein per 100 g) or a protein shake with banana.
For Keto
Ice cream is NOT keto-friendly. Per 100 g: 23.6 g total carbs minus 0.7 g fiber = 22.9 g net carbs — a single scoop (66 g) has about 15 g net carbs, consuming most of a 20 g daily limit. The 21.22 g sugar per 100 g will spike blood glucose and interrupt ketosis. If you crave ice cream on keto, look for keto-specific brands that use erythritol or allulose (typically 2–4 g net carbs per serving). Coconut cream blended with cocoa and a keto sweetener is a popular homemade alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a scoop of ice cream?
A standard scoop of vanilla ice cream (66 g, about half a cup) contains approximately 137 calories. Per 100 g, vanilla ice cream has 207 calories. Two scoops (132 g) already reach 273 kcal. Premium brands can be significantly higher (250-300 kcal per 100 g) due to more cream and less air. Always check the label or weigh your portion for accuracy.
How much sugar is in ice cream?
Vanilla ice cream contains 21.22 g of sugar per 100 g — that is about 14 g per scoop (66 g). This is comparable to ketchup (21.3 g per 100 g) and almost half as much as a can of cola per serving. Most of the carbs in ice cream come from sugar (21.22 g out of 23.6 g total carbs), with very little fiber (0.7 g).
Is ice cream keto-friendly?
No — ice cream is not suitable for keto. Per 100 g it has 23.6 g total carbs minus 0.7 g fiber = 22.9 g net carbs. A single scoop (66 g) has about 15 g net carbs, which already takes up most of a typical 20 g daily keto limit. The sugar content (21.22 g per 100 g) would also spike blood sugar. If you want a frozen dessert on keto, look for sugar-free or keto-specific ice cream alternatives.
Ice cream vs frozen yogurt — what is the difference?
Vanilla ice cream has 207 kcal per 100 g vs about 159 kcal for frozen yogurt. Ice cream has more fat (11.0 g vs ~6 g) due to higher cream content. Sugar is similar in both (~21 g). Frozen yogurt often has slightly more protein (~4 g vs 3.5 g) and may contain probiotics. Neither is low-calorie — frozen yogurt saves roughly 50 kcal per 100 g but is not a health food.
Is ice cream a good source of calcium?
Ice cream provides 128 mg of calcium per 100 g, which is about 13% of the daily recommended intake. A scoop (66 g) delivers about 84 mg. While this is decent for a dessert, you would get more calcium from the same weight of milk (125 mg per 100 g with far fewer calories at 61 kcal) or yogurt (110 mg at 61 kcal). Ice cream is not an efficient calcium source due to the high sugar and calorie load.
Is ice cream unhealthy?
Ice cream is a treat, not a health food. A scoop (66 g, 137 kcal) is manageable within a balanced diet, but the combination of high sugar (21.22 g per 100 g), saturated fat (6.79 g per 100 g), and low protein (3.5 g) makes it easy to overconsume. The main concerns are sugar density and portion creep — most people eat more than one scoop. Occasional enjoyment is fine; daily consumption adds up quickly.
Compare with Similar Foods
| Portion | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Cream (Vanilla) | 207 | 3.5g | 23.6g | 11g |
| Yogurt | 61 | 3.47g | 4.66g | 3.25g |
| Dark Chocolate (60-69% Cacao) | 579 | 6.12g | 52.42g | 38.31g |
| Honey | 304 | 0.3g | 82.4g | 0g |
| Milk (Whole) | 61 | 3.15g | 4.8g | 3.25g |
per 100g
Per 100 g, vanilla ice cream has 207 kcal with 3.5 g of protein, 11.0 g of fat (6.79 g saturated), and 23.6 g of carbs (21.22 g sugar). A single scoop (66 g) delivers about 137 kcal — roughly the same as a medium banana.
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