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The Scoop On Light Ice Cream

Link: ConsumerReports.org

(KDKA) Looking for a way to cool down during these hot summer days?

If you love ice cream and are in search of a tastier ice cream that's lower in fat and calories, Consumer Reports has sampled 10 light and fat-free ice creams, including ones from Haagen-Dazs, Breyers, and Dreyer's.

Here's the scoop.

Experts say the term "light" means a food that has one-third fewer calories or half the fat of a regular version.

Sensory panelists had the task of taste-testing six vanilla and four chocolate ice creams. Testers say one fat-free ice cream disappointed. Breyers Free Fat Free Double Churn Creamy was gummy and as with most fat-free foods, it doesn't necessarily offer real calorie savings.

Haagen-Dazs Extra Rich Light Vanilla Bean and Dutch Chocolate were the clear winners.

Both Haagen-Dazs vanilla and chocolate ice creams rated very good and they have big flavor. But compared with the other light ice creams tested, Haagen-Dazs has about twice the calories and fat, and costs about twice as much.

So, testers say a tasty runner-up is Breyers Double Churn Light Creamy vanilla and chocolate ice creams. They cost a lot less and have far fewer calories.

Also, experts say customers may have noticed that ice cream packages are actually getting smaller these days. The traditional half-gallon carton, which is equivalent to two quarts, shrank to 1.75 quarts a while back. And Consumer Reports says they have observed that it is now down to 1.5 quarts for Breyers, Edy's, Dreyer's, and Turkey Hill. But that doesn't necessarily mean the price is shrinking, too.

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