Arctic Zero: A Review of the Low-Calorie Ice Cream
For ice cream lovers watching their waistlines, Arctic Zero promises the taste of premium ice cream with a fraction of the calories and fat. But does this popular low-calorie ice cream live up to its claims? Let's take a closer look in this Arctic Zero ice cream review.
What is Arctic Zero Ice Cream?
Arctic Zero is a brand of high protein, low-fat, low glycemic frozen desserts marketed as "ice cream". Unlike traditional ice cream which gets most of its calories from fat and sugar, Arctic Zero is made with a blend of whey protein, monk fruit extract, and soluble corn fiber as the main ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
The most impressive feature of Arctic Zero is its nutritional profile compared to regular ice cream brands:
- 35-80 calories per serving
- 7-12 grams of protein
- Only 1-4 grams of sugar
- No lactose or gluten
With just a fraction of the calories but a solid dose of protein, Arctic Zero makes a compelling case over traditional ice cream if you're watching your weight and want to avoid blood sugar spikes.
Taste and Texture
Of course, none of the nutrition facts matter if the product doesn't deliver on providing a satisfying icy treat. Here's an overview of the taste and texture you can expect from Arctic Zero:
Flavors
Arctic Zero comes in everything from chocolate and cookie shake to cherry chocolate chunk and maple waffle. They have flavors to suit almost any craving. Some of the most popular picks include:
- Brownie Blast
- Cookie Shake
- Pounded Cake
- Chocolate Peanut Butter
Taste and Sweetness
The monk fruit extract used in Arctic Zero provides natural sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels. While most flavors satisfy ice cream cravings, some find the dessert isn't quite as sweet and flavorful as the premium brands it mimics.
The taste can vary between flavors. Richer chocolate varieties generally get better reviews than lighter fruit or coffee options. Topping the dessert with chocolate sauce or fresh fruit improves the taste for some customers.
Creamy Texture
Arctic Zero achieves a creamy, scoopable texture using corn fiber and whey protein rather than high-fat dairy products like cream or egg yolks. While the texture is quite similar to real ice cream, some note it has more of an icy bite or sorbet-like quality.
How it Melts
The lack of fat and cream means Arctic Zero melts faster than regular ice cream. It tends to get icy quickly rather than melting into a creamy puddle. Munching through your bowl before it frosts over is part of the fun!
Health Benefits
Compared to traditional full-fat ice cream, Arctic Zero offers several benefits for health:
Weight Loss
At just 35-80 calories per serving, Arctic Zero is a dieter's dream. You can satisfy sweet cravings and stick to your daily calorie intake without overindulging.
Blood Sugar Control
The low sugar, high protein formula has a low glycemic index. This means it won't cause rapid spikes and crashes in blood glucose levels.
High Protein
Whey protein gives Arctic Zero an impressive 7-12 grams of protein per serving. This protein dose helps with muscle recovery and keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
No Lactose
Since Arctic Zero contains no dairy, it can be enjoyed by people who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet.
Downsides and Considerations
While Arctic Zero makes a good substitute for high-fat, sugary ice cream, it does have some downsides to consider:
Higher Price Tag
Low-calorie substitution foods often cost more than the real thing. Expect to pay a premium price for Arctic Zero pints over basic store brands.
Contains Artificial Sweeteners
While the monk fruit extract provides natural zero-calorie sweetness, most flavors also contain the artificial sweetener sucralose to boost sweetness. If you strictly avoid artificial sweeteners, check labels carefully.
High Ingredients List
To mimic the texture of ice cream, Arctic Zero relies on thickeners, stabilizers, corn fiber, and whey protein concentrates rather than simple cream and sugar.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Some customers report digestive upset like gas, bloating, or changes in bowel habits after eating Arctic Zero, likely due to sugar alcohols or corn fiber content.
Is Arctic Zero Worth It?
At the end of the day, is packing your freezer with Arctic Zero instead of ice cream worth the switch? Here's the verdict:
If you're closely monitoring calories or need to manage blood sugar levels, Arctic Zero absolutely makes sense over traditional high-fat, high-sugar ice cream. The impressive protein content provides another advantage.
However, some people may not find Arctic Zero satisfying enough to fully replace regular indulgent ice cream. Having a carefully portioned serving of the "real stuff" may sometimes be more satisfying.
Overall, Arctic Zero makes an excellent occasional substitute for ice cream lovers focused on healthy eating. Just balance it out by still enjoying your favorite premium ice cream now and then in sensible portions!
FAQs
What are the ingredients in Arctic Zero?
Arctic Zero is made with a blend of whey protein, monk fruit extract, soluble corn fiber, and thickeners like guar gum and carrageenan. It contains no lactose or gluten.
Is Arctic Zero Keto friendly?
Yes, with only 1-4 net carbs per serving, Arctic Zero can fit into a Keto diet. The low sugar and high protein content makes it a good low-carb ice cream substitute.
How many calories are in Arctic Zero?
Arctic Zero contains just 35-80 calories per serving depending on flavor. This is up to 75% less calories than regular ice cream.
Does Arctic Zero taste like real ice cream?
It comes very close! Arctic Zero provides a creamy, scoopable texture and plenty of decadent flavors. While not quite as sweet or indulgent as regular ice cream, it satisfies most cravings for a frozen dessert.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Related Coverage
Research shows pineapple juice & bromelain can effectively treat UTIs. Learn how the antibacterial properties help flush out infection-causing bacteria....
Fibermaxxing risks include bloating, constipation, and nutrient loss. Find out how excess fiber can harm your gut—and what to do instead....
A single cup of white sugar contains 774 calories while brown sugar has 785-796 calories per cup. Learn daily sugar limits and identify high sugar foods....
Learn how to make healthy choices when dining at Olive Garden. Get tips on ordering low calorie appetizers, salads, entrees, sides and desserts on the menu....
Learn proven methods to rehydrate, settle your stomach, restore nutrients, reduce inflammation and improve sleep quality when hungover from alcohol overconsumption....
Follow the 9 major steps of digestion: ingestion, deglutition, stomach, small intestine, absorption, large intestine, storage, elimination, and hydration....
Learn how the ice bag test works and its role in diagnosing myasthenia gravis. Understand how cooling fatigued muscles can temporarily improve strength....
Learn about the plant-based diet food pyramid including suggested servings, benefits of plant-forward eating, foods to enjoy and limit and tips for success....
Enjoy hot dogs while limiting salt by choosing low sodium brands with natural ingredients, making homemade recipes, and using cooking methods that reduce sodium....
Learn how to make any grab-and-go salad more nutritious. Get tips on salad greens, toppers, proteins, healthy fats, storage, dressing and more to maximize your salad's nutrition....