Chocolate chip ice cream, a mix of vanilla ice cream and chocolate chips, is the third most popular ice cream flavor in the U.S., according to the International Dairy Foods Association. The cold creaminess of ice cream combined with sweet chocolate chunks provides a decadent ending to a meal or a special snack, as well as calcium and riboflavin. Chocolate chip ice cream does contain quite a bit of sugar and fat, however.
Basic Nutrition
A 1/2-cup serving of chocolate chip ice cream contains 153 calories. Based on a 2,000-calorie diet, this accounts for 7.6 percent of the calories you may include in your daily diet. If you add toppings to a serving of chocolate chip ice cream, such as fruit sauces, nuts or whipped cream, be sure to account for these added calories in your meal plan. Chocolate chip ice cream contains 5.6 g of fat per serving, or 33 percent of its calories. Reduce your fat intake to 20 to 35 percent of the calories you consume each day -- eating more can lead to weight gain. You will also take in 17 g of carbohydrates and 2.3 g of protein per serving of chocolate chip ice cream.
Sugar
Chocolate chip ice cream is high in sugar, containing 13.7 g per serving. While too much fat can make you gain weight, so can too much sugar. The World Health Organization and the National Academy of Sciences suggests cutting down your sugar intake to no more than 10 to 25 percent daily. Over indulging in sugar is particularly dangerous for those with type 2 diabetes, blood lipid issues or obesity, as well as those with sedentary lifestyles. If you fit into one of these categories, limit your consumption of chocolate chip ice cream -- consider either eating a smaller portion or choosing a dessert with less sugar.
Vitamins
Eat a 1/2-cup serving of chocolate chip ice cream, and you will consume 8 percent of the daily recommended intake of riboflavin, also known as vitamin B-2. This vitamin helps convert carbohydrates to energy, as well as protects your body from free radical damage. Your liver, eyes, skin and hair depend on it to stay healthy. A serving of chocolate chip ice cream also contains 5 percent of the vitamin A you need every day, making this flavor of ice cream good for eye health.
Minerals
As ice cream contains milk and cream, it makes sense that ice cream helps you satisfy your body's daily calcium requirements. One 1/2-cup portion contains 7 percent of the daily recommended intake. You don't make your own calcium supply, so it is vital to eat foods high in this mineral to ensure strong bones and teeth. Chocolate chip ice cream contains 6 percent of the calcium you need daily as well.
References
- What's Cooking America: Legends and Myths of Ices & Ice Cream
- University of Guelph: Ice Cream Flavours
- FitBit: Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
- MayoClinic.com: Healthy Diet: End the Guesswork with These Nutrition Guidelines
- "Alabama Cooperative Extension System"; Experts Now Say, "It's the Sugar, Stupid"; March 12, 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B2
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