Can ice cream really be healthy? If you've asked yourself this question, allow us to put on a more serious hat here and answer it with some simple explanations. P.s.: The last point might just be the most important one.
First, let us clarify that we use gelato and ice cream interchangeably here. The purest of purists will tell you they are not the same (and we agree).
However, from the perspective of how we incorporate gelato and ice cream in our lives, they serve the same purpose: Enjoyment.
So we will leave the difference between gelato and ice cream for another post.
Nutritional profile
Low calories: XO-ice gelatos are between 255 Calories to 360 Calories per pint.
A typical, traditional premium ice cream, depending on brand and flavour, can contain up to 1,300 Calories per pint.
A calorie is a unit of energy, and we need a certain amount of calories everyday for our body to function, even if we lie down and sleep all day. On top of this base amount of calories needed, all other activities we do throughout the day also requires energy and calories, e.g., talking, laughing, working, walking, exercising, playing, breathing, even thinking.
When we consume fewer calories than our body needs to maintain its current weight, our body turns to other sources of fuel, and it can result in weight loss. However, a calorie-deficit over a sustained period of time, we can feel tired, lethargic, experience brain fog, along with other longer-term issues.
Conversely, when we consume more calories than needed to maintain current body weight in a sustained manner, the excess energy can be stored in the form of body fat or used to fuel various bodily functions, including muscle growth.
If gaining weight is not your goal, or you are looking to maintain or even lose weight, a low calorie ice cream like XO-ice, may be healthier for you to incorporate into your diet. (Keep in mind that we are not advocating for completely giving up the full calorie options, but rather a proponent of some awareness of intake.)
Low Sugar: XO-ice gelatos are very low in sugar, with less than 6% of sugar content (6g per 100g)
A typical, traditional premium ice cream, depending on brand and flavour, can contain over 100g of sugar per pint.
Sugar occurs naturally in all foods that contain carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, grains, and dairy. Consuming whole foods that contain natural sugar is okay. Plant foods also have high amounts of fiber, essential minerals, and antioxidants, and dairy foods contain protein and calcium. (Source: Harvard Health Publishing)
That said, excessive sugar intake is linked to several health issues, including diabetes, obesity, heart conditions and dental issues among others.
Sugars are not only present in sugary foods and desserts, but also widely used to enhance flavours throughout cooking, e.g., in soups, bread, cured meats, condiments as well as salad dressings!
 Which is why you might want to be conscious of sugar intake in the long term, and be mindful of unnecessary sugars.
High Protein: XO-ice gelatos are rich in protein, packing in up to 28g of protein per pint (excluding our two dairy-free flavours)
Protein is most often associated with muscle growth, yet it is needed by everyone, not just those of us who are active.
It is essential to maintaining a well-balanced diet, and also helps repair and build our body cells and tissues, organs, muscles, antibodies and hormones.
Protein plays a key role in maintaining muscle mass and strength to perform daily physical functions such as balancing and carrying items, especially as we age. It also keeps us feeling fuller for longer, which usually leads to lesser snacking.
XO-ice (dairy-based flavours) is a high protein ice cream, with between 21g - 28g of protein per pint, which is about 3x - 4x more than a traditional premium ice cream. It is a great refreshing post-workout dessert to cool down, while also getting in a decent serving of protein that can keep hunger and snacking at bay for a while!
freedom of indulgence and good mental health
We are firm believers that the primary goal of having desserts is Enjoyment. Yes, you can choose to follow a "healthy" diet, but if it impacts your freedom of indulgence and enjoyment excessively, it will not be sustainable in the long-run and you may end-up yo-yo-ing. Does that scenario sound familiar?
This is why we spent over 18 months creating and perfecting ice creams that are just as indulgent as they are healthy.
You want ice cream? Have some, and have some more. Fully enjoy the taste, the texture, the flavours. Feel good about your choice. And move on with your day! Be free to get your work done. Be present when socialising. How awesome is that?
It really is this sense of freedom and peace of mind that we crave to bring to you. Don't get us wrong, we also have the occasional traditional, full cream, full sugar ice cream, and we can fully enjoy it, precisely because we are aware of our choices most of the time.
inclusiveness and togetherness
XO-ice gelatos are also Halal-certified, GMO-free, and vegetarian-friendly. Our dairy-free flavours (La Vie en Pink Strawberry Gelato, and Mango Goes Coco, mango gelato with coconut) are also vegan-friendly. And with 13 flavours on offer, there's something for everyone in the family and squad.
Where can you find XO-ice?
If you are curious and want to try some for yourself, visit the FIND US section on our website to check out where you can buy XO-ice, the best healthy gelato in Singapore and Malaysia!
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