The Joy! Ice Cream Season is Fast Approaching. Here Are Some of the Best.

There’s a certain thrill that comes with the first warm days of spring—the kind that sends people to the nearest scoop shop or supermarket freezer aisle. As summer 2026 approaches, ice cream lovers across the country are plotting their next cone. This year’s offerings are tastier and more inventive than ever, with brands and nutritionists alike pushing for indulgence without guilt.

Halo Top, a name that’s become almost synonymous with “healthy ice cream,” is leading the pack again. Each serving clocks in at roughly 100 calories and packs 6 grams of protein, making it a favorite among dietitians who want to help people satisfy their sweet tooth without blowing past their daily goals. Halo Top uses a combination of natural and artificial sweeteners, including stevia, erythritol, and sugar, to achieve its signature taste while using fewer calories and less sugar than traditional ice cream. “People want to enjoy dessert and still feel good about themselves,” says registered dietitian Emily Nguyen. “Halo Top is one of those rare treats that actually helps you feel fuller for longer” (Cozymeal).

But the field has gotten crowded. For those looking for something plant-based or dairy-free, Van Leeuwen’s Vegan Peanut Butter Brownie Honeycomb has been drawing raves. Its base, a blend of peanut butter and coconut cream, delivers richness and a familiar texture and flavor for those avoiding dairy (New York Times). However, keep in mind that this flavor contains peanuts and coconut, which are common allergens, so it may not be suitable for those with related food sensitivities.

Keto dieters and anyone watching their sugar intake have gravitated toward Rebel, which contains only 1 gram of sugar per pint. Rebel achieves this by using sugar substitutes such as erythritol and monk fruit extract, allowing it to deliver sweetness with minimal impact on blood sugar. Despite the low sugar, the texture and flavor remain creamy and satisfying. “Rebel is proof that you really don’t need a sugar overload for ice cream to taste good,” says nutritionist Marissa Green (Sporked).

For those who like their ingredient lists short and recognizable, Ice Cream for Bears has been making waves for its ultra-clean approach. With only milk, eggs, and a few natural sweeteners, these pints appeal to parents and people with food sensitivities, addressing the desire for minimally processed foods (Instagram).

This season, protein remains the buzzword. According to the Dairy Council of California, consumer demand for protein-rich snacks continues to rise, with ice cream now joining the ranks of “functional foods” that offer more than just a treat (Dairy Council of CA). Brands like Yasso and Enlightened are responding in kind, offering Greek yogurt-based bars and low-calorie pints that double as post-workout snacks. These products primarily use dairy proteins derived from Greek yogurt or milk, appealing to those seeking the familiar taste and nutritional benefits of dairy. Some brands are also experimenting with plant-based protein sources, such as pea or almond protein, to accommodate vegan or lactose-intolerant consumers, but most high-protein options currently feature dairy as the primary protein source.

But healthier ice cream doesn’t have to mean compromise. “The best brands are those that keep things simple—real cream, real fruit, and just enough sweetness to make it feel like a treat,” says nutritionist Sophie Martinez. Even brands like Cosmic Bliss, using coconut milk as a base, are gaining traction for their clean labels and innovative flavors (V8Well).

If you’re the type to worry about ultra-processed foods, there’s good news: several artisan brands now offer products with just four or five ingredients, such as cream, sugar, eggs, and real vanilla, appealing to those seeking less processed, simpler options that rate well in certain independent health rankings (UltraProcessedFoodList). For example, brands like Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream are known for crafting pints with short, recognizable ingredient lists, making them standouts for anyone seeking a purer ice cream experience.

This year, whether you crave nostalgia or a modern, health-forward treat, the freezer aisle has you covered. Celebrate with a cone—now with options that let you truly enjoy every bite. The healthiest choice, however, is always to make it yourself from scratch.