Halo Top has emerged as a popular choice for those seeking lower-calorie alternatives to traditional ice cream. With a wide range of products, including high-protein ice cream pints and pops, the company caters to various dietary preferences. Among these, the keto-friendly options have garnered significant attention. This article delves into the Halo Top keto series, examining its taste, texture, ingredients, and nutritional value, while also considering its pros and cons.
What is Halo Top?
Halo Top frozen treats are marketed as a lower-calorie alternative to traditional ice cream. The company, owned by Wells Enterprises and founded in 2012 by Eden Creamery, offers a diverse product line with over 47 options, including high-protein ice cream pints and pops. Their offerings extend to nondairy and keto-friendly versions, available in various flavors. Halo Top has gained popularity as a bestselling frozen dessert brand, available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, and some European countries.
Why is Halo Top Lower in Calories?
Halo Top achieves its lower calorie count through the use of natural sugar substitutes and a reduced amount of cream. The ingredients include both natural and organic components, such as dairy products from conventionally raised cows and organic cane sugar. The brand also provides options for those following vegan or keto diets, alongside dairy- and fruit-based pops.
Exploring the Halo Top Product Line
Halo Top offers a variety of product lines to cater to different dietary needs and preferences:
- Dairy Series: The dairy-based pints are the most popular, offering a wide selection of flavors, including Birthday Cake, Blueberry Crumble, Candy Bar, Caramel Macchiato, Chocolate, Chocolate Caramel Brownie, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Mocha Chip, Cookies & Cream, Devil’s Food Cake, Mint Chip, Oatmeal Cookie, Peaches & Cream, Peanut Butter Cup, Pistachio, Red Velvet, Sea Salt Caramel, Strawberry, Vanilla Bean, and Vanilla Caramel Milkshake. The brand also offers dairy pops in flavors like Brownie Batter, Chocolate Fudge, Dark Chocolate Caramel, Mint Chip, Sea Salt Caramel, and Strawberry Swirl.
- Fruit Pops: Made with real fruit, most fruit pops are dairy-free and lower in calories, featuring flavors like Strawberry, Coconut, Mango, Lime, and Pineapple.
- Nondairy Series: These dairy-free ice cream pints use coconut cream instead of milk and are available in Chocolate Almond Crunch, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Cup, and Sea Salt Caramel flavors.
- Keto Series: Designed for those following a ketogenic diet, these pints and pops are higher in protein and low in net carbs. Pint flavors include Banana Cream Pie, Brownie a la Mode, Caramel Butter Pecan, Chocolate Caramel Lava Cake, Chocolate Cheesecake, Macadamia Nut Cookie, Peanut Butter Chocolate, and Vanilla Bean. Keto pops come in Berry Swirl, Chocolate Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Chocolate, and Sea Salt Caramel varieties.
Halo Top vs. Traditional Ice Cream: A Nutritional Comparison
Compared to premium and regular ice cream, Halo Top stands out for its lower calorie content. A 1/2-cup serving of vanilla Halo Top contains approximately half the calories of regular ice cream and less than a third of premium ice cream due to its reduced fat and sugar content.
Read also: Keto-Friendly Dessert Option: Halo Top Cheesecake
| Nutrient | Vanilla Halo Top | Regular Vanilla Ice Cream | Premium Vanilla Ice Cream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 70 | 145 | 229 |
| Fat | 2g | 7g | 16g |
| Sugar (Total)* | 6g | 14g | 15g |
| Protein | 5g | 2g | 3g |
| Calcium (% Daily Value) | 10% | 8% | 10% |
*This includes lactose and added sugars.
Halo Top also provides a modest amount of protein, with 5 grams per 1/2-cup serving, more than twice the amount found in regular ice cream. While it offers some calcium, a serving of Halo Top contains less calcium than a serving of milk.
The nutritional value can vary across different Halo Top products. Keto series products are higher in protein and lower in carbs, while nondairy pints have varying calorie and protein content. Fruit pops are the lowest in calories and protein.
Ingredients in Halo Top
Halo Top ice cream combines traditional and innovative ingredients to achieve its unique nutritional profile.
- Core Ingredients: Most flavors include skim milk, erythritol, eggs, prebiotic fiber, cream, organic cane sugar, vegetable glycerin, and organic stevia leaf extract. Specific flavors may have slight variations. For example, the vanilla flavor includes milk protein concentrate, natural flavors, sea salt, vanilla beans, organic carob gum, and organic guar gum.
- Dairy-Based Pops: These contain similar ingredients to the pints but without soluble corn fiber.
- Vegan Versions: Milk and eggs are replaced with a base of coconut cream and water. The protein is isolated from rice and peas.
- Fruit Pops: Made with real fruit and include soluble corn fiber, sugar, stevia, natural flavors, citric acid, and lemon juice concentrate.
- Keto Series: These contain similar ingredients to the dairy-based options but with more cream and without cane sugar.
Key Ingredient Breakdown
- Sugar Substitutes:
- Stevia Leaf Extract: A calorie-free sweetener from the Stevia rebaudiana plant.
- Erythritol: A virtually calorie-free sugar alcohol made from yeast fermentation of corn starch. It is less likely to cause nausea or diarrhea compared to other sugar alcohols unless consumed in large quantities (over 50 grams). One pint of Halo Top contains 20 grams.
- Fiber and Gums:
- Prebiotic Fiber: Added to fuel the growth of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine.
- Carob and Guar Gums: Soluble fibers from carob seeds and guar beans, used to replace fat and stabilize the product, resulting in a smoother texture by reducing ice crystal formation.
- Protein Concentrate:
- Derived from skim milk and eggs in dairy-based products.
- Isolated from rice and peas in nondairy versions.
- Other Additives:
- Vegetable Glycerin: Made from vegetable oil, helps retain moisture and improve texture.
- Natural Flavors: Derived from plants, animals, or microbes.
- Natural Colors: Sourced from vegetable and fruit juices, turmeric, and annatto.
Health Implications of Halo Top
Potential Benefits
- Lower Calorie Content: Halo Top offers significantly fewer calories than traditional ice cream, aiding in calorie management.
- Protein Content: Provides hunger-satisfying protein.
- Lower Added Sugar: May not increase blood sugar levels as much as regular ice cream.
- Sugar Substitutes: Stevia and erythritol do not promote tooth decay.
Potential Downsides
- Portion Control: The "Stop when you hit the bottom" message on the packaging may encourage overconsumption, leading to unhealthy portion control habits.
- Nutrient Deficiency: Lacks the vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds found in more nutritious foods.
- Added Sugars: Contains cane sugar, which, when overconsumed, can lead to health issues like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Lack of Creaminess: The low-fat content results in a less creamy texture, potentially leading to dissatisfaction.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Overeating may cause gas due to the fermentation of prebiotic fiber.
- Allergic Reactions: Rare allergic reactions to ingredients like erythritol, guar gum, and carob gum have been reported.
Pricing and Availability
Halo Top pints typically range from $4 to $6, with fruit pops, dairy-based pops, and keto pops costing around $4 to $5 for a pack of 4-6 servings. They are available at most major supermarkets.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Texture and Taste Considerations
Halo Top has an icy, slightly grainy texture and freezes harder than regular ice cream. It is recommended to let it sit out for a few minutes before eating to soften it.
Flavor Reviews
Here are some reviews of popular Halo Top flavors:
- Peanut Butter Cup (4.5/5): Smooth peanut-flavored ice cream with crunchy peanut butter cup chunks, offering a rich and indulgent taste.
- Chocolate (4.5/5): A rich and satisfying chocolaty flavor, though not as creamy as regular ice cream.
- Vanilla Bean (4/5): A delicious vanilla bean flavor without an artificial taste, versatile for pairing with other desserts or fruits.
- Sea Salt Caramel (4/5): A rich and pleasant taste with a caramel drizzle, though the caramel distribution could be more even.
- Oatmeal Cookie (3.5/5): Sweet with warming spices reminiscent of oatmeal cookies, but the oat flakes may not appeal to all.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (3/5): The chocolate chips are small, and the cookie dough chunks are sparse, but still enjoyable.
- Mint Chip (3/5): A refreshing mint flavor with a slight artificial aftertaste.
- Cookies & Cream (2.5/5): A smooth and creamy texture but with an artificial flavor and a lack of cookie bits throughout.
- Candy Bar (2/5): Too peanutty with a slight hint of chocolate, failing to capture the essence of a Snickers Ice Cream Bar.
- Birthday Cake (2/5): Tasted artificial, with few sprinkles mixed in.
Keto Series Specific Review
One reviewer highlighted the Banana Cream Pie flavor from the Keto series, praising its authentic banana smell and taste, reminiscent of Runts banana candy. Despite concerns about the carb content of bananas, the reviewer found the macros to be well-balanced. The ingredients included actual banana, which was a significant positive. However, they noted a slight lack of chocolate flavor, which could have enhanced the overall experience.
Another reviewer expressed skepticism towards the food and medical industries, particularly regarding truth in advertising. They scrutinized the ingredients of the Halo Top Keto series, raising concerns about sugar and gluten content, which are critical for those with diabetes and celiac disease.
Alternatives to Halo Top
Several other brands offer keto-friendly ice cream options, including:
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
- Rebel Ice Cream: Known for its creamy texture and low carb content, Rebel is a popular alternative. Flavors like Salted Caramel and Triple Chocolate are highly recommended.
- Enlightened Ice Cream: The Enlightened Keto Collection is praised for its creamy texture and lack of aftertaste, often considered the best overall keto ice cream brand.
Homemade Keto Ice Cream
For those seeking complete control over ingredients, making homemade keto ice cream is a viable option. Simple recipes involve using cream, allulose, vanilla, and salt. The mixture can be shaken in a mason jar or whisked until doubled in size, then frozen.