Best Ice Cream for Diabetes According to a Diabetes Dietitian

If you’ve ever stood in front of the freezer aisle trying to figure out the best ice cream for diabetes, you’re not alone. Ice cream is one of those foods that can absolutely fit into life with diabetes, but the type you choose and how you eat itcan make a big difference for blood sugar.

I’m a registered dietitian and I’ve lived with type 1 diabetes for 30+ years, but I also take frozen treats very seriously. This post will walk you through what to look for in a blood sugar-friendly dessert, plus my favorite options for:

• Popular ice cream brands that work well for diabetes
• Sugar free and no sugar added ice cream options
• Low sugar ice cream
• Popsicles and frozen bars
• Frozen fruit treats
• Ice cream sandwiches (because portioning matters)

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your physician and/or registered dietitian.

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links through the Amazon Affiliates Program and the Walmart Creator Program. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Quick Answer: What Ice Cream Can People With Diabetes Eat?

People with diabetes can eat any type of ice cream. There’s no diabetes police hiding behind the sprinkles.

That said, if you’re looking for options that are easier on blood sugar, you’ll want ice creams and frozen treats with more helpful nutrition “built in” (like added protein, fiber, lower added sugar, or pre-portioned servings).

If you want more dessert ideas, check out: 27 Diabetes Desserts You Must Try

Best Ice Cream for Diabetes at the Grocery Store

Here are my favorite ice cream and frozen treat picks, grouped by category so you can shop faster and think less.

Popular Ice Cream Brands (and No Sugar Added Options)

• Blue Bunny Sweet Freedom
• Breyers Carb Smart or No Sugar Added
• Blue Bell single serving ice cream cups
• Rebel ice cream

Low Sugar Ice Cream

• Blue Bell No Sugar Added

Popsicles for Diabetes

• GoodPop popsicles
• Yasso Greek yogurt bars

Frozen Treat Bars

• KIND Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt Frozen Bars
• TruFru frozen fruits

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Blue Bell “mini” ice cream sandwiches

What to Look for in Blood Sugar-Friendly Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts

If you’re choosing an ice cream specifically to be more blood sugar friendly, I look for one or more of these:

• Protein: > 5g per serving
• Fiber: > 2g per serving
• Added sugar: < 5g per serving (or no sugar added)
• Single-serve options: cups, bars, sandwiches (pre-portioned helps a lot)

Watch-outs: Sugar Alcohols (Especially Maltitol)

Some sugar free ice creams use sugar alcohols. If you see maltitol, it may cause more GI distress for some people and can still impact blood sugar.

Ice Cream and Type 1 Diabetes: Practical Tips That Actually Help

Ice cream for people with type 1 diabetes often comes down to the same struggle: portion guessing.

Scoops are chaos. Measuring cups are annoying. So here are the strategies that reduce the guesswork:

• Choose single-serve cups, bars, or sandwiches when possible
• Use a food scale for scooped ice cream at home (faster and more accurate than trying to “eyeball” it)
• If you’re having a higher-fat ice cream, remember that fat can sometimes mean a delayed rise in blood sugar later on

Ice Cream and Type 2 Diabetes: What Usually Works Best

For many people with type 2 diabetes, the biggest wins tend to be:

• Sticking to single-serve portions
• Choosing options with more fiber and/or protein
• Eating ice cream after a meal that includes protein and fiber (instead of on an empty stomach)

Gestational Diabetes and Ice Cream: What to Consider

Ice cream can still fit with gestational diabetes, but it often helps to prioritize:

• Smaller portions
• Lower added sugar options
• Treats with protein (like Greek yogurt bars)
• Pairing with a balanced meal

If you’re seeing higher fasting numbers, bedtime timing and portion size matter a lot, so follow your care plan.

Best Ice Cream for Diabetes (My Top Picks)

These picks work well for ice cream and type 1 diabetes, ice cream and type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes and ice cream, depending on your portion and your personal blood sugar response.

Some options are “blood sugar friendly” by nutrition profile. Others are included because the portion is already counted for you, which is a big deal in real life.

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1) Blue Bunny Sweet Freedom (No Sugar Added)

Category: Popular grocery store ice cream options

Blue Bunny Sweet Freedom is widely available, affordable, and easy to find. If you want a no sugar added option without visiting five stores, this is a practical pick.

2) Breyers Carb Smart or No Sugar Added

Category: Popular grocery store ice cream options

Breyers Carb Smart is one of the most common “better-for-blood-sugar” options you’ll see in mainstream stores. I tend to prefer it over some other similar brands, but taste is personal and frozen treat loyalty runs deep.

3) Blue Bell Single-Serving Ice Cream Cups

Category: Single-serve treats (helpful for carb counting)

Single-serve cups are one of the easiest ways to enjoy ice cream when you need more predictable carbs. Also, it’s Blue Bell, so you already know why it’s here.

4) Rebel Ice Cream

Category: No sugar added / keto-labeled options

Rebel has a loyal fan base, so it belongs on the list. I’m not personally obsessed with the texture, but the flavor is solid and many people with diabetes love it.

5) Blue Bell No Sugar Added

Category: Low sugar / no sugar added ice cream

Blue Bell No Sugar Added is part nostalgia and part taste. If you want a no sugar added option that still feels like “real ice cream,” this is one of the best picks in the freezer aisle.

Bonus: If you ever visit the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham, you can get a scoop for $1.

6) GoodPop Popsicles

Category: Popsicles for diabetes

GoodPop is consistently delicious, and many options are lower in sugar. The fruit juice pops can also be useful for treating low blood sugar in the summer, especially for kids with type 1 diabetes.

7) Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars

Category: Popsicles / frozen bars with protein

Yasso bars are a great option when you want something sweet but also want protein built in. Most flavors have about 5g protein and lower added sugar compared to many traditional frozen desserts.

My favorites: Mint Chocolate Chip, Vanilla Chocolate Crunch, Coffee Chocolate Chip.

8) KIND Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt Frozen Bars

Category: Frozen treats for diabetes

If you want something that tastes like a frozen candy bar but has fiber and a more balanced nutrition profile, these are the move. The Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt flavor is the one I keep going back to.

9) TruFru Frozen Chocolate-Covered Fruit

Category: Frozen fruit treats

TruFru is simple and genuinely good. Chocolate-covered fruit gives you “dessert energy,” plus you get some fiber from the fruit, which can help make it easier on blood sugar than candy-style frozen treats.

10) Blue Bell Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches

Category: Ice cream sandwiches

Ice cream sandwiches are underrated for people with diabetes because the portion is already set. Blue Bell mini sandwiches have 16g carbohydrate per sandwich, which makes carb counting way easier for people using insulin.

Enjoying Regular Ice Cream With Diabetes (Yes, Really)

If you want “regular” ice cream, you can absolutely have it. These tips help make it easier on blood sugar:

• Enjoy ice cream after a meal with protein and fiber
• Choose lower sugar toppings (nuts, peanut butter, berries)
• Pick single-serve treats when possible
• Make your own at home using an ice cream maker so you can control ingredients and sugar

If you’re making it at home, here are “blood sugar friendlier” tweaks:

• Reduce sugar in the base recipe by about 1/3
• Use lower sugar mix-ins: chopped nuts, fresh fruit, peanut butter

How Often Can People With Diabetes Eat Ice Cream?

As often as it fits your life and your blood sugar goals.

Ice cream can be included regularly, occasionally, or rarely. The key is paying attention to:

• Serving size
• Added sugar
• Protein/fiber content
• How your blood sugar responds
• Your clinician’s guidance

If you wear a CGM, this is also a great place to learn what your body does with different brands and portions.

FAQs: Best Ice Cream for Diabetes

Can people with diabetes eat ice cream?

Yes. People with diabetes can eat ice cream. Portion size, carb counting needs, and blood sugar response matter more than the label on the carton.

What is the best ice cream for people with diabetes?

The best option is one you enjoy that also makes blood sugar management easier. Many people do well with ice cream that is lower in added sugar, has some protein or fiber, or comes in a single-serve portion.

Is sugar free ice cream better for blood sugar?

Sometimes, but not always. Some sugar free ice creams use sugar alcohols that can cause GI discomfort and may still affect blood sugar for some people. Checking ingredients and testing your response is key.

What should people with diabetes look for on an ice cream label?

Look for:

• Added sugar (lower is often easier)
• Protein (5g or more can help)
• Fiber (2g or more can help)
• Serving size (single-serve helps with consistency)

Is ice cream okay with type 1 diabetes?

Ice cream can fit with type 1 diabetes, but portion and carb counting accuracy matter. Single-serve options and using a food scale can reduce guesswork.

Is ice cream okay with type 2 diabetes?

Ice cream can fit with type 2 diabetes. Many people find it works best when eaten after a balanced meal and when portions are consistent.

Can ice cream raise blood sugar hours later?

Yes. Higher-fat ice cream can sometimes cause delayed blood sugar rises for some people. If this happens often, you may need a different portion, timing, or strategy recommended by your care team.

Diabetes ice cream at Walmart

Whether you have type 1 diabetes, type 2, gestational, or another type, Walmart has some great ice cream options! Head to my Walmart grocery finds post to check out some of my favorite options!

References

1. Gastrointestinal Disturbances Associated with the Consumption of Sugar Alcohols with Special Consideration of Xylitol: Scientific Review and Instructions for Dentists and Other Health-Care Professionals, International Journal of Dentistry, (2016). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5093271/ 
2. Carbs, Protein and Fats – Their Effect on Glucose Levels, Joslin Diabetes Center (2021). https://www.joslin.org/patient-care/diabetes-education/diabetes-learning-center/carbs-protein-and-fats-their-effect 
3. Know Your Limit for Added Sugars, CDC (2023). https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/php/data-research/added-sugars.html