A Summary of Summer Treats

For many people, a truly nostalgic part of childhood is the ice-cream truck merrily driving down the street. Just one verse of a song like “Pop Goes the Weasel,” “Camptown Races,” or “The Entertainer” in the distance would set off a frenzy of kids pleading with their parents for money, running out the door, and eagerly waiting for the treat deliverer on wheels.

Of course, times change. Today, in addition to these trucks, we have a plethora of frozen desserts available at both grocery stores and seasonal shops alike—not only ice cream, but also items such as water ice, gelato, and sorbet. But what makes each so distinctly refreshing on a hot summer day? And perhaps more importantly, are any of them healthy? This guide to some of the most common varieties can help you sort through your options so you can make informed decisions and indulge more wisely.

Ice cream
If you want a dash of vitamin D and calcium in your dessert, ice cream stands out in this category since it’s usually made with both milk and cream, hence the name. In fact, the FDA says that for a food to be called ice cream, it must be made of at least 10 percent milkfat and 20 percent total milk solids (among other requirements). The tradeoff? This classic dessert tends to be loaded with fat and sugar; and if it’s not, it may contain extra additives.

Gelato
Gelato, on the other hand, tilts the ingredient percentages more toward milk than cream for a smoother, denser dairy dessert. An added bonus: less cream usually means less fat. But less fat also often means less flavor, which may be compensated for in this treat with more sugar, so buyer beware.

Frozen yogurt
Arguably the healthiest version of cold confections, frozen yogurt earns its reputation for a few reasons. First and foremost, it often contains less fat and has fewer calories than traditional ice cream despite its dairy content. Also, because it’s derived from yogurt, it may have the added benefit of gut-friendly probiotics. The primary downside is that the flavor may be enhanced by added sugar.

Sorbet
Now we delve into the dairy-free category. Sorbet doesn’t contain milk or cream, making it palatable for people who are lactose intolerant as well as vegans. Just as important is what it does usually contain: some sort of fruit, whether it’s juice, puree, sweetener, or even the real stuff. (Though fruit itself is a much healthier option, of course.) And because it’s free of heavy dairy ingredients, it often has a lighter texture.

Sherbet
Consider this similarly named treat to be sorbet with just a touch of dairy. However, it’s certainly not the middle ground between ice cream and sorbet, as it contains significantly less fat than the former. In addition, as anyone who has had rainbow sherbet can attest to, sherbet flavors tend to be tangy.

Iced treats
Finally, there are the ubiquitous treats made primarily of ice, which are available in various varieties and under different names:

• Shaved ice is what its name implies: literally ice that’s shaved off a block and flavored with syrup; the result is a softer, fluffier product. You can also find different regional types, such as Hawaiian shaved ice and raspados.
• Snow cones are made of small, molded ice chunks that tend to be shaped into snowballs and likewise flavored with syrup.
• Water ice earns its superfluous name: it’s basically ice, sugar, flavorings, and possibly fruit chunks. But what about the different nationalities? Italian ice is icier, likely what most people associate with water ice, whereas Polish ice has a thicker, creamier texture like ice cream or custard.

When considering a warm-weather treat, the key is to keep it as such: a treat, something that should be enjoyed infrequently and in moderation. So be sure to read the fat and sugar content in your options and opt for the smallest serving available.

But perhaps the wisest choice is to make your own frozen treat with fruit so you can control the ingredients, or simply opt for a cold, ice-filled glass of water with a dash of lemon. Making such smart choices can better ensure that you don’t put your health on ice this summer.