If you’re a fan of ice cream but also watching your calorie intake, Halo Top has been a game changer. This low-calorie ice cream brand has gained a massive following in recent years thanks to its creative flavors and guilt-free indulgence.
We will take a closer look at what makes Halo Top so popular, the taste and texture of some of their most popular flavors, and whether it lives up to the hype.
What is Halo Top Ice Cream?
Halo Top, founded in 2012 by Eden Creamery and owned by Wells Enterprises, is a popular brand of frozen dessert that’s available in many countries including the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, and some European countries.
Halo Top contains natural sugar substitutes and less cream than traditional ice cream, which results in a significantly lower calorie count. The brand uses a mix of natural and organic ingredients, including dairy products from conventionally raised cows and organic cane sugar.
Halo Top offers a variety of options, including vegan and keto-friendly versions, as well as dairy- and fruit-based pops.
What Are the Ingredients of This Ice Cream Brand?
Halo Top ice cream is available in over two dozen traditional and unique flavors, such as Birthday Cake and Peanut Butter Cup. The core ingredients of most flavors include skim milk, erythritol, eggs, prebiotic fiber, cream, organic cane sugar, vegetable glycerin, and organic stevia leaf extract.
However, some flavors may have slightly different ingredients. For example, vanilla flavor includes milk protein concentrate, natural flavors, sea salt, vanilla beans, organic carob gum, and organic guar gum. The vegan options use a base of coconut cream mixed with water instead of milk and eggs.
Halo Top fruit pops use real fruit along with soluble corn fiber, sugar, stevia, natural flavors, citric acid, and lemon juice concentrate. Keto series items have most of the same ingredients as dairy-based ice creams and pops but contain more cream and are made without cane sugar.
What Are the Best Halo Top Ice Cream Flavors?
Candy Bar
Candy Bar Halo Top is a flavor that will surely remind you of Snickers. This ice cream has a light chocolate flavor as its base, similar to the taste of nougat. It is then filled with honey roasted peanuts, caramel, and chocolate swirls, giving it a deliciously rich taste.
If you’re craving something sweet and satisfying, the Candy Bar Halo Top is a great choice. It’s a tasty and guilt-free way to indulge in your cravings. Just remember to eat it in moderation and savor every bite.
Gingerbread House (Seasonal)
If you are a fan of gingerbread during the holiday season, you might want to give the limited-edition Halo Top Gingerbread House a try. This festive flavor combines real ginger cookies, vanilla icing swirl, and brown sugar base to deliver a warm and sweet taste that will remind you of the holidays.
Although it’s only available for a limited time, Halo Top Gingerbread House is a healthier alternative to traditional gingerbread houses, which can pack thousands of calories. So, enjoy the festive flavor guilt-free and indulge in the warm and spicy taste of the holiday season.
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Halo Top’s limited-edition Peanut Butter and Jelly flavor was introduced in August 2018 and was a fan favorite. The base flavor is a delicious blend of sweet and salty peanut butter that pairs perfectly with a jammy strawberry swirl. The only downside is that the promised cannoli shell pieces are barely noticeable.
Fans were disappointed that this flavor was only available for a short time and are hoping that it will make a comeback. It’s the perfect flavor for those who love the classic PB&J sandwich and want to enjoy it in a guilt-free way.
Red Velvet
Red Velvet Halo Top may be a lower calorie option, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on flavor. It strikes the perfect balance between cocoa and vanilla, with a creaminess that sets it apart from other flavors. Unlike other brands that rely on chocolate, this one stays true to the unique flavor of red velvet cake.
Plus, it features an indulgent mix-in of brownie dough, adding an extra layer of deliciousness. Don’t let the low calorie count fool you – this is a flavor worth trying.
Pumpkin Pie (Seasonal)
If you’re a fan of pumpkin spice, you’ll want to try Halo Top’s Pumpkin Pie ice cream. Made with natural pumpkin and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, this flavor is sure to satisfy your autumn cravings. It’s creamy and features pieces of pie crust throughout, although they may be small.
However, if you’re not a fan of pumpkin pie or pure pumpkin flavors, you may want to skip this one as the taste is strong. But if you’re up for trying something new, give it a go and let your taste buds be the judge.
Oatmeal Cookie
Oatmeal Cookie Halo Top is a flavor that is often overlooked but deserves more attention. The base has a strong, delicious cinnamon taste that is sinfully sweet. Even though there are no real cookie bits in this flavor, there is a sufficient amount of rolled oats to bring the oatmeal flavor together.
It will remind you of a baked oatmeal cookie with its texture and flavor. However, it could have benefited from the addition of raisins, but it’s probably for the best that there aren’t any because they may not be the best for those on a strict diet.
Peanut Butter Cup
Peanut Butter Cup Halo Top is a classic flavor that combines two beloved flavors: peanut butter and chocolate. The generous amount of peanut butter mixed into the ice cream is perfectly salted, making it taste just like the real thing. The chocolate and peanut butter are evenly balanced, with the chocolate flavor being the most prominent.
Although it is not as sweet as a Reese’s cup, it still satisfies your cravings for something sweet and indulgent. This is the perfect dessert for those who love both peanut butter and chocolate, and you won’t be disappointed with the generous globs of peanut butter in every bite.
Cinnamon Roll
Cinnamon Roll Halo Top is a must-try flavor for cinnamon lovers. The base has a moderate cinnamon taste, complemented by a cinnamon and brown sugar swirl, small eggy cinnamon roll pieces, and both buttery and vanilla glaze components that add depth to the flavor.
What sets this flavor apart is its texture, which is one of the best in the entire lineup. However, this flavor is not for the faint of heart, as it’s likely to make you put on some extra weight. So, indulge in moderation and enjoy the heavenly taste of Cinnamon Roll Halo Top.
Sea Salt Caramel
Sea Salt Caramel Halo Top is a treat for those with a sweet tooth. The base is a rich caramel flavor that stands out from other brands. What sets it apart is the buttery caramel pools scattered throughout that make it feel like you’re swimming in a caramel river.
It’s a bit on the sweeter side, but the sea salt helps to balance it out. You’ll find yourself reminiscing about your pre-thigh gap days with each delicious spoonful.
Peaches and Cream
Halo Top’s Peaches and Cream flavor may just be the perfect summertime treat. Despite initial skepticism, it proves to be one of the best fruity flavors in the entire Halo Top lineup. Made with peach puree concentrate and real peach pieces, the base is bursting with a fresh and flavorful peach taste.
What’s more, the cream component balances out the fruity notes perfectly, resulting in a deliciously creamy and refreshing dessert. As a limited edition summer seasonal, it’s definitely worth trying before it’s gone.
Strawberry Cheesecake
The Strawberry Cheesecake Halo Top may not taste as fruity as the Strawberry flavor, but it has a unique twist that you won’t find in any other pint. The graham swirl mix-in is a delightful addition, with its crunchy texture and rich blend of cinnamon and graham.
The cheesecake pieces are small, but they are genuine and add a creamy sweetness that complements the base perfectly. If you’re a fan of cheesecake, you’ll definitely appreciate the subtle cheesecake flavor in this pint. The Strawberry Cheesecake Halo Top is a tasty and satisfying treat that’s worth a try.
S’mores
S’mores Halo Top is the perfect solution for those craving the campfire classic during the summer months. The base is sweet and marshmallow-like, but not overwhelmingly so, allowing the other flavors to shine. The pint is packed with plenty of cinnamon graham crunch and mini chocolate chips, creating the perfect balance of sweet and crunchy.
Unlike some other s’mores ice creams, the graham crunch is a standout element throughout the entire pint. Give S’mores Halo Top a try and indulge in the nostalgic taste of s’mores all year round.
Pancakes and Waffles
Pancakes and Waffles Halo Top is the perfect solution for those who can’t decide between pancakes or waffles. The base is infused with a buttery maple flavor that will satisfy any breakfast craving. But the real star of the show is the waffle cone mix-in, which is generously sprinkled throughout the pint.
Although the waffle cone pieces have lost their crunch, they still add the perfect texture to this creamy treat. If you’ve been dieting, you might have forgotten how delicious a hearty breakfast can be. But with Pancakes and Waffles Halo Top, you can indulge in the flavors of a decadent breakfast without the guilt.
Caramel Macchiato
Caramel Macchiato Halo Top is the perfect fix for those who need a sweet kick to their coffee fix. With a smooth and creamy coffee base that reminds you of a Dunkin’ Frozen Coffee, this flavor is the ideal balance of sweetness and caffeine. The caramel component is excellent, although the ribbon is not as thick and prominent as the one in Sea Salt Caramel.
Plus, it contains sugar alcohols that can make you gassy, so be aware of that. If you want to indulge in a sweet coffee treat without the guilt, Caramel Macchiato Halo Top is definitely worth a try.
Mint Chip
Halo Top’s Mint flavor is a great option for those looking for a sweet treat that is also high in protein. The mint flavor is refreshing and not too overpowering, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a subtle peppermint taste.
The chocolate flavor is creamy and smooth, with the addition of little chocolate chips adding some crunch to the mix. Plus, the protein concentrate taste is barely noticeable, making it a great option for those who want to indulge in something sweet without feeling guilty.
Lemon Cake
Lemon Cake Halo Top is a flavor that combines the tartness of lemon with the smooth texture of a buttery base. It has a distinct taste that is reminiscent of pound cake and is complemented by the sweetness of Fruity Pebbles.
This flavor is perfect for those who are looking for a refreshing and satisfying dessert that won’t leave them feeling guilty. Whether you’re on a crash diet or just looking for a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, Lemon Cake Halo Top is a great choice that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Halo Top may not have the most impressive base, but it makes up for it with chunks of cookie dough scattered throughout the pint. These cookie dough pieces are among the best mix-ins that Halo Top has to offer, second only to the brownie dough in the Red Velvet flavor.
While the base is not particularly noteworthy, it is a buttery and sweet accompaniment to the cookie dough chunks. If you’re craving something rich and indulgent, this pint may satisfy your sweet tooth.
Chocolate Almond Crunch
The Chocolate Almond Crunch Halo Top is an interesting flavor that may surprise your taste buds. Contrary to what you might think from the name, the chocolate taste is not very prominent in this pint. Instead, you will be hit with the strong, nutty flavor of almonds mixed with a hint of vanilla.
The crunchy almond bits sprinkled throughout the ice cream add a satisfying texture that completes the overall experience. So, if you’re in the mood for a unique, nutty flavor with a satisfying crunch, this pint might just be for you.
Vanilla Bean
If you’re looking for something simple yet satisfying, Vanilla Bean Halo Top is a great option. Despite its name, it’s anything but plain, thanks to the addition of real vanilla beans. This infusion of flavor provides a bold and natural vanilla taste that’s both refreshing and delicious.
Although the texture may be a little icier than other flavors, it’s still a great option for anyone looking for a low-calorie treat without sacrificing taste. So go ahead, indulge in something sweet that won’t derail your healthy eating goals.
Blueberry Crumble (Seasonal)
Halo Top’s Blueberry Crumble ice cream is a unique flavor that offers a refreshing change from the usual ice cream options. With a moderate, tart blueberry taste, it stands out from other protein ice cream brands, making it a great choice for anyone looking for something different.
Although the blueberry swirl and pie crust pieces are not as dense as they could be, the novelty of the blueberry base is enough to make it an enjoyable experience. Blueberries are known for their antioxidant properties, so indulging in this ice cream may even provide some health benefits – a great excuse to treat yourself.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Eating Halo Top Ice Cream?
Compared to traditional ice cream, Halo Top ice cream contains fewer calories and is packed with hunger-satisfying protein. This allows you to indulge in a sweet treat while still staying within your calorie goals.
Additionally, because Halo Top ice cream has less added sugars, it may not cause a sudden spike in your blood sugar levels as much as regular ice cream would. Lastly, sugar substitutes like stevia and erythritol found in Halo Top ice cream don’t contribute to tooth decay and may even help eliminate bacteria that wear away tooth enamel.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Eating Halo Top Ice Cream?
While Halo Top ice cream may seem like a guilt-free indulgence, it’s important to recognize that it should be consumed in moderation. The labeling on the packaging can be misleading, as each pint actually contains four servings.
Eating an entire pint in one sitting could lead to unhealthy portion control habits, excessive sugar intake, and a lack of essential nutrients found in more nutritious foods. While Halo Top uses natural sweeteners like stevia and erythritol, it still contains added cane sugar, which can be detrimental to your health when consumed in excess.
Halo Top is lower in calories than traditional ice cream, but it should not be considered a health food. It’s also worth noting that some people may experience digestive discomfort from consuming prebiotic fiber added to the ice cream. Lastly, certain ingredients in Halo Top, including erythritol, guar gum, and carob gum, have been linked to allergic reactions in some studies.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy Halo Top Ice Cream?
Halo Top ice cream and pops come at varying prices depending on the type and location of purchase. A pint of Halo Top, whether dairy-based, nondairy, or keto, can cost around $4 to $6. Fruit pops, dairy-based pops, and keto pops, on the other hand, cost approximately $4 to $5 for a pack with 4 to 6 servings.
Halo Top products are widely available and can be found in most major supermarkets. If you’re looking for a specific product, you can check the brand’s website and enter your zip code to locate a nearby store that carries it in stock.
Is Halo Top Ice Cream Worth Buying?
Halo Top ice cream is a great choice for those who are looking for a healthier frozen dessert option, as long as they are careful with portion sizes. The ingredients in Halo Top are mostly natural, and it doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners or colors, unlike other light ice creams.
However, because of its low fat content, the texture may not be as creamy as you would expect, and you might end up feeling unfulfilled. If you are looking for a creamier texture, a small portion of regular, natural, or organic ice cream might be a better option as it usually contains fewer additives.
Conclusion
Halo Top ice cream offers a unique approach to the frozen dessert market with its low calorie and high protein options. While some flavors may fall short in taste or texture, there are certainly options worth trying.
With its availability in most major supermarkets and relatively natural ingredient list, Halo Top is definitely worth a try for those looking for a healthier dessert option.