Ben & Jerry's Half Baked receives a FoodScore of 0/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its significant content of added sugar and saturated fat, alongside being an ultra-processed food.
This product has a FoodScore of 0/100, indicating it is not recommended for regular consumption.
It contains 13.42g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
With 8.33g of saturated fat per 100g, this SKU exceeds daily recommendations.
As a NOVA class 4 food, it is considered ultra-processed, similar to many other ice cream products.
Consume in small, infrequent portions due to its high calorie and sugar density.
Scores -16 points above the sweet category average (16/100 across 71 foods).
Fiber
0.8g
3% of Daily Value
Protein
3.33g
7% of Daily Value
Added sugar
13.42g
27% of Daily Value
Sodium
38mg
2% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (13.4g)-17
Saturated fat (8.3g)-10
Trans fat present-20
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 0
Ben & Jerry's Half Baked receives a FoodScore of 0/100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely driven by its nutritional profile, which includes high levels of added sugar and saturated fat. Per 100g, the product contains 13.42g of added sugar, a significant factor in its low score. Additionally, it provides 8.33g of saturated fat, which is a considerable amount for a single serving. The presence of trans fat, even at 0.42g per 100g, also contributes negatively to the score. Furthermore, Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc. Half Baked is classified as NOVA class 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food, which incurs a penalty. While it receives a small bonus for Vitamin A content, this is insufficient to offset the substantial penalties from its sugar, fat, and processing level. Compared to a generic unbranded ice cream, this product's nutritional profile is typical for the category, with similar challenges regarding sugar and fat content.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in ben & jerry's homemade . ben & jerry's half baked actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Provides a Source of Calcium
This product contributes 83mg of calcium per 100g, which is 6% of the Daily Value. Calcium is an essential mineral known for its role in maintaining bone density and strength. While not a primary source, it can contribute to daily calcium intake, especially for individuals who consume dairy products. It is important to consider the overall nutritional context when relying on products like this for calcium.
Contains Vitamin A
Ben & Jerry's Half Baked provides 46% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A per 100g. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health. This contribution is notable for a dessert item. However, consumers should prioritize obtaining Vitamin A from nutrient-dense whole foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, which offer a broader spectrum of beneficial nutrients.
Occasional Indulgence
For individuals seeking an occasional treat, this product can serve as a source of enjoyment and satisfaction. In a balanced dietary pattern, there is room for foods consumed for pleasure. The key is to manage portion sizes and frequency of consumption. When consumed infrequently and in moderation, it can fit into a varied diet without significantly impacting overall nutritional goals.
Ben & Jerry's Half Baked receives a FoodScore of 0/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its significant content of added sugar and saturated fat, alongside being an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
Ice cream like Ben & Jerry's Half Baked is typically consumed as a dessert or a snack. A common portion size is around half a cup (4 oz), which can be a significant source of calories and added sugars. It is often eaten directly from the container or served in a bowl.
To manage intake, consider serving a controlled portion in a small bowl rather than eating directly from the pint.
Pair with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas to add fiber and micronutrients to your dessert.
Consider this product as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your daily diet due to its high sugar and fat content.
If you enjoy the flavor, try making a homemade version with less added sugar and more whole ingredients to create a more nutrient-dense alternative.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several ingredients that consumers should be aware of. It lists cream, skim milk, and egg yolks, indicating it is not suitable for individuals with dairy or egg allergies. The presence of soy lecithin also makes it unsuitable for those with soy allergies. The ingredient list includes carrageenan, a common food additive used as a thickener and stabilizer, which some individuals report gastrointestinal sensitivities to. Given its high added sugar content, individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should consume this product with extreme caution and in very small, infrequent portions. Its ultra-processed nature also means it contains ingredients like natural flavors and coconut oil, which contribute to its overall formulation as a NOVA class 4 food.
Ben & Jerry's Half Baked is not considered healthy for regular consumption. It has a FoodScore of 0/100, primarily due to its high content of added sugar and saturated fat. While it provides some calcium and Vitamin A, these benefits are outweighed by its overall nutritional profile, classifying it as an ultra-processed food.
How does Ben & Jerry's Half Baked compare to other ice cream brands?
Compared to other premium ice cream brands like Häagen-Dazs, Ben & Jerry's Half Baked has a similar nutritional profile, often high in added sugars and saturated fats. Many conventional ice creams fall into the NOVA class 4 category due to their processing and ingredient lists. For a more nutrient-dense dessert, consider options like fruit sorbet or homemade frozen yogurt with less added sugar.
What is 'liquid sugar' in the ingredient list?
Liquid sugar, listed as 'liquid sugar (sugar, water)', is a common form of added sugar used in food manufacturing. It is a syrup made by dissolving sugar in water. This ingredient contributes directly to the high added sugar content of Ben & Jerry's Half Baked.
What is a reasonable portion size for this ice cream?
A reasonable portion size for Ben & Jerry's Half Baked, given its nutritional density, would be smaller than the stated serving size of 4 oz. To minimize intake of added sugar and saturated fat, consider a 2 oz portion as an occasional treat. This helps manage calorie and sugar consumption.
Can I eat Ben & Jerry's Half Baked if I am lactose intolerant?
No, Ben & Jerry's Half Baked contains cream and skim milk, which are dairy products. Therefore, it is not suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. There are dairy-free ice cream alternatives available from brands like So Delicious or NadaMoo! that may be more appropriate.