FoodScore
0/ 100
AvoiddairyBREYERS· 1/2 cup

BREYERS HOMEMADE VANILLA ICE CREAM, HOMEMADE VANILLA

BREYERS HOMEMADE VANILLA ICE CREAM receives a FoodScore of 18/100 (Avoid). The primary factors driving this low score are its high content of added sugar and saturated fat, alongside its classification as an ultra-processed food.

  • BREYERS Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream scores 18/100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category.
  • This product contains 13.79g of added sugar per 100g, a significant contributor to its low score.
  • With 6.82g of saturated fat per 100g, it exceeds recommended daily limits for this nutrient.
  • Classified as NOVA 4, this ice cream is an ultra-processed food, impacting its overall nutritional quality.
  • Consider this as an occasional treat in very small portions rather than a regular dessert.
  • Scores -15 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
3.03g
6% of Daily Value
Added sugar
13.79g
28% of Daily Value
Sodium
91.06mg
4% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
What holds it back
Added sugar (13.8g)-17
Saturated fat (6.8g)-7
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Why it scores 18

BREYERS HOMEMADE VANILLA ICE CREAM earns a FoodScore of 18 out of 100, primarily due to its nutritional profile which includes significant amounts of added sugar and saturated fat. Per 100g, this product contains 13.79g of added sugar, contributing a substantial penalty to its score. Additionally, the 6.82g of saturated fat per 100g is another major detractor, exceeding dietary guidelines for healthy fat intake. The presence of ingredients like corn syrup and sugar as primary sweeteners, along with multiple gums and emulsifiers such as mono and diglycerides, classifies this product as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed. While it does receive a small bonus for its Vitamin A content (34% DV), this is not enough to offset the penalties from its less favorable nutritional components. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, this ice cream contains higher levels of added sugars and saturated fats, typical of many dessert ice creams.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in breyers homemade vanilla ice cream, homemade vanilla actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Calcium

BREYERS Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream provides 121.06mg of calcium per 100g, which contributes 9% of the Daily Value. Calcium is an essential mineral known for its role in maintaining strong bones and teeth. While not a primary source, it can contribute to daily calcium intake, especially for individuals who consume dairy products.

Contains Vitamin A

This ice cream offers 34% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A per 100g. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. The presence of milk and cream in the formulation contributes to this micronutrient content, offering a modest nutritional benefit.

Energy Contribution

With 212.12 calories per 100g, BREYERS Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream can provide a quick source of energy. This can be useful for individuals needing a caloric boost or as part of a higher-energy diet. However, it is important to consider the source of these calories, which in this product are largely from added sugars and saturated fats.

How to eat it

Ice cream like BREYERS Homemade Vanilla is typically consumed as a dessert or a treat, often in a bowl or cone. A common serving size is 1/2 cup, but it's easy to overconsume due to its palatability and caloric density.

To manage portion sizes, measure out a 1/2 cup serving and enjoy it slowly to savor the flavor.
Pair with fresh fruit like berries or sliced peaches to add fiber and additional vitamins, which can help balance the nutritional profile.
Consider using this ice cream as an occasional treat rather than a daily dessert to limit intake of added sugars and saturated fat.
If you enjoy the flavor, try making a small smoothie with a scoop of ice cream, milk, and fruit for a more nutrient-dense option.
Things to keep in mind

This product contains several ingredients that some individuals may wish to monitor. The emulsifiers mono and diglycerides and stabilizers like carob bean gum, guar gum, and tara gum are common in ultra-processed foods and may cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. As a dairy product, it contains milk and egg yolks, making it unsuitable for those with dairy or egg allergies. Given its high added sugar content, individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should consume this product with caution and in very limited quantities. The overall ultra-processed nature of this ice cream means it offers limited nutritional benefits despite its caloric density.

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Reader questions
Is BREYERS Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream healthy?
BREYERS Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream scores 18/100, indicating it is not considered a healthy food choice for regular consumption. It is high in added sugars (13.79g per 100g) and saturated fat (6.82g per 100g), both of which should be limited in a balanced diet. While it provides some calcium and Vitamin A, these benefits are outweighed by its less favorable nutritional components.
How does BREYERS Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream compare to other ice cream brands?
Compared to a generic ice cream, BREYERS Homemade Vanilla is similar in its nutritional profile, often containing comparable amounts of added sugar and saturated fat. For instance, brands like Ben & Jerry's or Häagen-Dazs also typically feature high levels of these nutrients. For a lower-sugar or lower-fat option, consumers might look for frozen desserts specifically marketed for those attributes, though these often contain artificial sweeteners or alternative fats.
What is corn syrup, and why is it in this ice cream?
Corn syrup is a liquid sweetener derived from corn starch, primarily composed of glucose. It is used in ice cream like BREYERS Homemade Vanilla for its sweetening properties, to prevent crystallization, and to contribute to a smooth texture. It is a form of added sugar and contributes to the overall sugar content of the product.
What is a reasonable portion size for this ice cream?
A reasonable portion size for BREYERS Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream is typically 1/2 cup (about 66g). Adhering to this portion helps manage the intake of added sugars and saturated fats. Consuming larger portions frequently can contribute to exceeding daily recommendations for these nutrients, which may impact overall dietary health.
Can I eat this ice cream if I am lactose intolerant?
No, BREYERS Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream contains milk and cream, which are sources of lactose. Therefore, it is not suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance. For those with lactose intolerance, there are many lactose-free ice cream alternatives available on the market that use lactase enzyme to break down lactose or are made from plant-based milks.

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Data & references