Vanilla Ice Cream Nutrition Information

Vanilla is a flavoring that comes from a plant native to Madagascar. Next to saffron, it is the most expensive spice due to the extensive labor involved in growing its seed pods that are used in its manufacturing,. Vanilla has delicate an pleasing aroma and it is used in products from perfume to ice cream.

Significance

• Vanilla ice cream is one of America's favorite snacks. In fact, vanilla ice cream is considered the world's most popular ice cream. While not actually a health food, vanilla ice cream has some very significant nutritional properties.

Calorie Count

• THe calorie count of vanilla ice cream will vary depending on the amount of fat and sugar used. A half cup of light no-sugar added vanilla ice cream may have as little as 101 calories, traditional comes in at 145 calories, while a rich, full fat version weighs in at 266 calories per half cup serving.

Vitamins

• The vitamin content in a traditional 1/2 cup serving (not low fat, low sugar, or rich) based upon the recommended daily allowance for a 2,000 calorie diet is: 6 percent of vitamin A, 9 percent of calcium, 1 percent of vitamin C. It also contains various trace minerals and vitamins.

Fat

• A half cup serving of vanilla ice cream has 7 grams of fat. Saturated fat accounts for 4.9 grams, polyunsaturate fat adds 0.3 grams, and mono-saturated fat adds another 2.1 grams.

Protein and Carbohydrates

• A half cup serving of vanilla ice cream supplies 2.5 grams of protein. It also contains 16.99 grams of carbohydrates.

Fun Fact

• The United States is the world's top consumer of ice cream. New Zealand, Denmark, Australia, Belgium and Luxembourg follow. While vanilla takes first place as favorite ice cream, chocolate is the favorite topping.