3 healthier summer treats

Breyer’s Double Churn in Dark Chocolate Velvet

Breyers Double Churn’s rich dark chocolate taste means it doesn’t have to be a sidekick to cake or pie-it’s got enough flavour on its own. To serve to guests, top a scoop with a cocoa bean, or press the ice cream into a shot glass for a portion-controlled dessert. A half-cup (125 mL) has 130 calories, six grams of fat and 15 grams of sugar. ($7, 1.89 L)

“Full disclosure: I love anything chocolate-especially when it’s the dark variety-so I didn’t come at this taste test with an unbiased palate. This ice cream has a smooth texture and full flavour. While it’s not exactly diet food, it has less fat and half the calories of my usual brand.”
-Margaret Nearing, senior editor

Nestlé Skinny Cow Fudge Bars

Nestlé Skinny Cow is clearly aimed at the diet-conscious. The box boasts the fudge bars are 98 percent fat free and have only 90 calories. Each has 1.5 grams of fat and six grams of sugar, and is further sweetened with Splenda. (If you’re on a point-system diet, each bar is valued at two points.) Skinny Cow also claims these are “Now even creamier.” ($7 for 7, 100 mL each)

“I’m not one for artificial sweet­eners, and I instantly tasted it. But once I got past that, it was like eating creamy frozen chocolate milk. And milk is listed as the main ingredient-the bar contains 10 percent of the recommended daily value for calcium-so it’s also a nice way to increase this nutrient in my diet. While the caloric content is close to a Fudge­sicle, the Skinny Cow bar has less than half the sugar.”
-Lisa Hannam, associate editor

Popsicle Swirlwinds

Popsicle Swirlwinds are made with gelatin to slow down melting and help you avoid some of the mess that kids can make when licking down to the stick. Made with real fruit juice, these contain some natural colours and flavours, and have added sugar. Each has 40 calories, no fat and seven grams of sugar. ($6 for 10, 48 mL each)

“Although these are targeted at kids, I loved the fruity flavours and that it didn’t melt much while I ate it. I tried all three varieties, and each has a bit of a tangy taste, which I really enjoyed. The semi-soft consistency makes it easy to bite into. It’s a refreshing alternative to ice cream and, best of all, it’s fat free.”
-Stephanie Han, art director

Related:
• Cherry Red Eye Mojito
• Double Raspberry Sorbet
• Raspberry Frozen Yogurt