Food Reviews: Low-Fat Chocolate Ice Cream Bars
By Tanya Taylor, PhD
When those chocolaty, sweet food cravings hit, what's a person to do?
Well, for me, instead of reaching for two handfuls of chocolate chip cookies that would probably still leave me wanting for more, I much prefer to have a delicious low fat ice cream bar. I find that because it takes quite some time to eat one, I don't indulge in any more - and the low fat ones tend to be reasonably low in calories. I was looking at some of the chocolaty flavors in the supermarket, and decided to try out Skinny Cow Chocolate Truffle and Weight Watchers Chocolate Ice Cream Bars.
Skinny Cow Chocolate Truffle Low Fat Ice Cream Bar
These Skinny Cow Ice Cream Bars are made with skim milk, and provide 100 calories and 12 grams of sugars per 64 gram bar, in addition to 2 grams of total fat (all of which is saturated). The chocolate ice cream bar has swirls of hardened chocolaty ribbons in swirls all around the outer coating of the bar.
(1) Describe the taste
The taste is incredibly delicious – chocolaty, sweet and so smooth. If you've never had a Skinny Cow Ice Cream bar, you need to get on this train quick.
(2) Describe the texture
The hardened chocolate ribbons adds a nice little crunch, against the smoothness of the bar, giving the texture a delicious added dimension.
(3) What did you like about it?
My favorite thing about this was the taste. If you ever doubted that low fat ice cream bars would taste good, then you haven't tried this yet.
(4) What did you not like about it?
There really isn't much I didn't like about this bar – except maybe the price. A box with 6 cost $3.98, which I would love to see lowered. But I am probably just being picky, since it does work out to less than $1.00 per bar.
(5) Did it satisfy your hunger or did you want something else as well?
This was perfect for satisfying a hankering for something sweet without going overboard.
(6) How does this food compare to similar and competing products?
The nutrition facts are similar to other low fat ice cream bars, but there is one out there that has less calories and sugar. Blue Bunny Health Smart Fudge & Vanilla Fudge Bars (reviewed at Iateapie.net), provide 60 calories, no fat, and 4 grams of sugars per 60 gram bar. The trade off is that there are 10 grams of sugar alcohols too.
Summary
I would definitely get this Skinny Cow Chocolate Truffle Bar again. I'm big on finding delicious alternatives for high caloric foods, and this certainly could be eaten instead of so many other things – full fat ice cream, ice cream bars and cookies come to mind.
Click to see the Nutrition Facts food label for Skinny Cow Chocolate Truffle Bar.
Weight Watchers Giant Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream Bar
Displayed on the front of the package is the “2009 ChefsBest Award” gold seal. Weight Watchers Giant Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream Bar got an award for Best Taste in Better-for-you Frozen Fudge Bars, so clearly that upped my expectations significantly.
(1) Describe the taste
I agree with ChefsBest about the smooth, creamy texture. The bar was quite dense and sweet, so maybe that's what is supposed to be fudge like, but I think that the chocolate flavor was completely overshadowed by the intense sweetness of the bar.
(2) Describe the texture
The texture was smooth, creamy and quite dense, but that was it, nothing really interesting about it. This does not hold a candle to my beloved Weight Watchers Giant Chocolate Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Bar (reviewed at Iateapie.net).
(3) What did you like about it?
The taste was good although I wasn't really wowed like I was with Skinny Cow Chocolate Truffle Low Fat Ice Cream Bar.
(4) What did you not like about it?
About half way through eating this bar, I felt like I really didn't want any more. It's just so dense and sweet that it got to be too cloying.
(5) Did it satisfy your hunger or did you want something else as well?
Each bar is 76 grams, which is quite big and I couldn't even imagine wanting anything other than a drink of water after eating this.
(6) How does this food compare to similar and competing products?
This is one case where I don't think more is better. As I mentioned before, I'll have a Skinny Cow Chocolate Truffle Bar instead please.
Summary
Weight Watchers Giant Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream Bar provides 110 calories per 76 gram bar, along with 16 grams of sugar, and 21% of the daily value for fiber. The nutrition facts aren't bad, but in this case, I think I would tolerate it more if the bar weren't so big – with the added benefit of less calories and grams of sugars.
Click to see the Nutrition Facts food label for Weight Watchers Giant Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream Bar.
Question for You:
What's your favorite low fat ice cream bar?
Tanya Taylor founded Iateapie.net in 2004 while working on a PhD in Food Science and Nutrition at Auburn University (Alabama). Shortly after graduation (in August 2006), she moved to Ann Arbor, MI and started working as a Food Chemist. She recently relocated to New York where she continues to run Iateapie.net, along with IntheGym.net, which features workout playlists.
Calorie Count follows About.com's Ethics Policy when it comes to reviewing products.
Comments
I'm a fan of most Skinny Cow products. Currently, the obsession has landed on their ice cream sandwiches. I love the cookies and cream, vanilla/chocolate, and mint flavors the best. However, the peanut butter/chocolate and strawberry shortcake flavors I could skip altogether. Too artificial tasting.
My wife really likes the Weight Watchers Smart Ones Desserts like the Cookie Dough Sundae and the Peanut Butter Cup Sundae and I admit they are really good for about 170 calories.
I love anything Skinny Cow, but a word of warning: if you have any sign of sugar addiction these will trigger cravings. All of these low fat treats are jam-packed with sugar. I love sugar, and the second I eat something sugary I crave more. If I have Skinny Cow bars or cones or sandwiches in the house they will disappear over two days. Therefore I don't buy them any more.
I've been eating Skinny Cow Chocolate Truffle bars for a while now and I agree, they're "wowing!" I have a really bad sweet tooth and this completely satisfies it. Also, one bar has three grams of fiber which is a plus!
These ice cream bars are DELICIOUS! I also love the CarbSmart Ice Cream Bar (It's like eating a klondike bar!)
Here are the nutrition facts in case any of you would like to try them. 
Serving Size 3 fl. oz.
Servings Per Container 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 170
Calories from Fat 130
Total Fat 15g
Saturated Fat 11g
Cholesterol 15mg
Sodium 40mg
Total Carbohydrates 9g
Dietary Fiber 2g
Sugars 5g
Sugar Alcohol 2g
Protein 2g
What about Healthy Choice Fudge Bars from Costco? 100 cals, very low sugar, 5g of added fiber, even a little protein! And oh so creamy and chocolatey. I would love them even if they weren't as healthy as they are.
I agree with heathersmether...Healthy Choice Fudge Bars are the best to satisfy a sweet craving. And when you buy in bulk (Costco), you are receiving a better value than a 6 pack or 8 pack of other treats. It's difficult not to break open the box and have one on the way home!!!
i accidently bought some sugar free fudgecicles the other day, for my kids. when i realized they were sugar free, i thought i would see how many calories they had. i was surprised to see there were only 40 calories, so i had one. oh man, i love chocolate ice cream, and i didnt want to let my kids have any after that.
I wish Skinny cow and weight watchers had a low sugar version
-the 'Carb Smart' posting looks like those fit the bill.
I have been eating Dreyers "no sugar added" ice cream - Coffee,
Mint chocolate chip and Butter Pecan. Trying to keep sugar under
5 grams per serving.
I love Dairy Queen Fudge Bars 45 calories,0.3 f fat.4 g sugar, aspartame at 82 mg..... A bit expensive but I buy and enjoy every bite!.
I just get regular Fudgecicles for 60 calories and no nasty sugar substitutes tainting it.
I had been getting the Skinny Cow vanilla ice cream sandwiches for years until I tried the weight watcher ones. Weight Watchers is so much creamier and I love the skinny cow ones but the weight watcher ones are even better and they seem to keep the cravings down too. My whole family loves them so, I don't have to worry about over indulging.
I do love my chocolate but there is one yummlicious ice-cream bar that I would have never imagined myself loving!! It is made by Blue Bunny and is called Raspberry Vanilla Aspen, Frozen Yogurt Granola Bars. They are a little high in saturated fat (7g) 150 calories, 3g fiber, 2g protien. They are extremely good so for those of you craving something fruity and yummy try it!! It quenched my sweet tooth!!
I like Blue Bunny fudge lites the best, They come in smaller bars 43g
45 calories 0 fat 0 sugar. 12g carbs. Try the two bite rule. Stop by the
frig take only two bites put it back and come back later. They last much longer
and stop the cravings.
Wow, this is great. The only problem is that it's going to take a while to try all these!!!!
I love Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches. They are my favorite. They taste great and the cookie outside really hits my sweet tooth. I get the giant box from Costco and alternate between chocolate ice cream and vanilla ice cream. Sometimes, I put one in a bowl and top it with a little low fat whipped cream. That way I can eat it with a spoon and it takes longer.
I also got the Health Choice fudge bars from Costco. They're very good, chocolately and creamy. They really satisfy my need for that evening dessert and they are only 100 calories, which is pretty amazing considering how good they taste. The only thing is that I miss that crunchy outside that the sandwich has. But I would buy them again.
I think that I will try the Skinny Cow truffle bar next - buy a small box - a little more sugar than I would like.
WebMD also has a review of low cal ice creams - they rated the Weight Watchers Giant bar with the cookie coating number 1. Oddly, they did not mention Skinny Cow at all - must not be one of their advertisers.
imj very addictedto sugar but i never add it to anything. now i satisfy myself with high fiber walnut muffins andbitter chocolate
To me the WW fudge bars pictured here are the best I've ever tasted. I would eat them even if I wasn't watching my waistline. Nothing about them taste dietary. I must try the Skinny Cow Chocolate Truffle after reading such a raving review as well as some of the others mentioned. Thanks everyone.
Original Post by: toocoyoteblueI just get regular Fudgecicles for 60 calories and no nasty sugar substitutes tainting it.
Wow... Dairy Queen, I would have never guessed. I'm going to have to try!! Thanks for the tip!
For me, bigger is better, because ice cream treats are my weakness! I love the Weight Watchers giant fudge bar. I usually spoon it off the stick into a bowl, and add some sliced almonds. Yum!! I fit it into my calorie allowance for the day. Weight Watchers also has some ice cream bars with toffee & nuts on the outside that are delicious. Both are pretty pricey, though.
I love love LOVE the coffee version of the WW bar! I've never been a big fan of the chocolate version, but the coffee is killer. The whole Skinny Cow line is phenomenal as well :)
I love love LOVE the coffee version of the WW bar! I've never been a big fan of the chocolate version, but the coffee is killer. The whole Skinny Cow line is phenomenal as well :)
I love love LOVE the coffee version of the WW bar! I've never been a big fan of the chocolate version, but the coffee is killer. The whole Skinny Cow line is phenomenal as well :)
My husband and I adore the Fudgesicles, low fat. Just enough for a sweet, creamy chocolately taste, and only 40-60 calories (depending on whether you get sugar free or not). And not so overpriced as the diet specialty ice cream products.
Original Post by: bigredkcI agree with heathersmether...Healthy Choice Fudge Bars are the best to satisfy a sweet craving. And when you buy in bulk (Costco), you are receiving a better value than a 6 pack or 8 pack of other treats. It's difficult not to break open the box and have one on the way home!!!
Depending on how far away you live from Costco, its not a bad idea to eat one right away! Because if you let them thaw out too much, they get chalky and awful, even after being refrozen. I ruined a whole box doing that when I used to have to drive really far to get them.
(These have ALWAYS been in my freezer for the past 2 years - one of the pitfalls of living a mile away from an awesome Costco.)
I prefer to eat real ice cream. My son and I walk down to the local ice cream shop around the corner and order ice cream made on site with many local, seasonal flavors. We each order a junior size on a cone (I get the wafer cone). When all is said and done I have satisfied my craving for real ice cream, we have supported a local business, and we walked 1.5 miles.
I have just go into the the weight watchiers ice cream but I have to say that I LOVE their ice cream bar. Its super great. The only problem is that it can be addicting. If you love ice cream, carmel, and peanuts then this is the treat for you :)
I love Skinny Cow Truffle Caramel flavor but do feel they have way too much sugar, would actually rather have more fat added to the bar to mute the glycemic response, still for 100 cals and such a big bar I keep them around, a little addicting but at most I'd maybe only go one bar above one serving before there'd be just too much sugar. I like the no sugar alcohol aspect.
My husband and I LOVE all the skinny cow products AND the weight watcher's products too. We try to save the 140 calories into our plan each day, but if we don't we turn to sugar free popcicles instead. We get the large packages of each at Sam's club so the cost p/each is lower than that when you buy the smaller packages at the regular grocery store. I really will have to try the Dairy Queen thing though, who would have thought! This is why I love this site,
I HAVE BEEN A FAN OF SKINNY COW FOR A WHILE THAT IS THE ONLY WAY I MAKE IT ON DIET.WW ARE GREAT ALSO. IF YOU HAVE A SAM'S CLUB YOU CAN GET A VARIETY BOX FOR UNDER TEN DOLLARS.I REALLY ENJOY THIS SITE I PAID WW BUT AFTER THIS SITE I FOUND NOT ONLY IS IT FREE BUT IT WORKS A WHOLE LOT BETTER.NO DRIVING TO A MEETING,ALL I HAVE TO DO IS LOG ON AND COUNT.THANKS SO MUCH FOR HELPING ME...
I agree fudgesicles are the best and the best calorie value
Skinny cow has just 10 cal less than a reg ice cream sandwich I compared it to - I realize the fat content can be lower but 150 vs 140 calories and the price difference???!!! I told my athlete slender son to eat the skinny cow as I should stick with the 35-40 cal fudgesicle and he can have the 140 skinny cows. He burns way more calories than I do!!!!
The Dairy Queen bars are my favorite too! And they also have something like 6 grams of fiber (:
There is a place in Grand Marais, MN that makes homemade frozen custard called Sydnys. I have no clue what the calories are on it but I only get one when i walk around town for hours. that is a treat I only get 4 times a year. All natural! Yummo!
I actually bought the Skinny Cow Chocolate Truffle bars last night... tried one out for myself. It was smaller than I thought it would be but really good ! Like the crunch of the "Truffle" as well ! At 100 calories I know I can fit that in a few times a week. Will be a great way to cool down in the summer !
I am a weight watchers and enjoy there ww fudge bar.One bar with a 1/2
of a banana and 1 tlbs of chocolate syrup equal 2 pts It is the beat treat .
Try it and enjoy.
!I'm on they skinny cow band wagon. I first tried their Caramel Truffle bars and was blown away!! I can enjoy a delicious ice cream bar without loading up on fat and calories!
If you haven't tried the Caramel Cone cups, you're missing out! ;)
Original Post by: aegisroseI'm on they skinny cow band wagon. I first tried their Caramel Truffle bars and was blown away!! I can enjoy a delicious ice cream bar without loading up on fat and calories!
If you haven't tried the Caramel Cone cups, you're missing out! ;)
Aegisrose,
The Skinny Cow Caramel Cone cup is on the dinner menu for me this evening!
I prefer the WW bars. Both the Giant Fudge bars and the Cappuccino are wonderful. They are 110 cals (10 more than your run of the mill little fudgesicle) and have a lot more calcium & fiber. Now and then it's just nice to have something BIG. Most packaged 100 cal snacks leave me wanting more. Not these. :P
I generally like Skinny Cow products but not so much the ice cream bar. I found the coating irritating for some reason...maybe out of place on an ice cream bar.
Both of them are expensive and I buy them rarely & watch for sales.
24 per box at $9.99 from the Schwan man ONLY 50 calories with 5 grams of fiber!
http://www.schwans.com/products/productDetail.aspx?id=53019& amp;c1=9403
TRIM CREATIONS® Chocolate Fudge Sticks
Calories from Fat 0 Calories 50 --> % Daily Value * Total Fat 0 g 0 % Saturated Fat 0 g 0 % Trans Fat 0 g<!-- start optional data row --> <!-- end optional data row --> <!-- start optional data row --> <!-- end optional data row --> Cholesterol 0 mg 0 % Sodium 45 mg 2 % <!-- start optional data row --> Total Carbohydrate 14 g 5 % Dietary Fiber 5 g 19 % <!-- start optional data row --> <!-- end optional data row --> <!-- start optional data row --> <!-- end optional data row --> Sugars 4 g
<!-- start optional data row --> <!-- end optional data row --> <!-- start optional data row --> <!-- end optional data row --> Protein 3 g
Vitamin A 0 % Vitamin C 0 % Calcium 10 % Iron
Original Post by: preachercliff24 per box at $9.99 from the Schwan man ONLY 50 calories with 5 grams of fiber!
http://www.schwans.com/products/productDetail.aspx?id=53019& amp;c1=9403
TRIM CREATIONS® Chocolate Fudge Sticks
Calories from Fat 0 Calories 50 --> % Daily Value * Total Fat 0 g 0 % Saturated Fat 0 g 0 % Trans Fat 0 g
<!-- start optional data row --> <!-- end optional data row --> <!-- start optional data row --> <!-- end optional data row --> Cholesterol 0 mg 0 % Sodium 45 mg 2 % <!-- start optional data row --> Total Carbohydrate 14 g 5 % Dietary Fiber 5 g 19 % <!-- start optional data row --> <!-- end optional data row --> <!-- start optional data row --> <!-- end optional data row --> Sugars 4 g
<!-- start optional data row --> <!-- end optional data row --> <!-- start optional data row --> <!-- end optional data row --> Protein 3 g
Vitamin A 0 % Vitamin C 0 % Calcium 10 % Iron
One has to wonder...if it has no fat and no sugar...what is it MADE of? Hmmmmm.....
I have tried assorted Skinny Cow products and have enjoyed all of them so far. They leave you feeling satisfied and not craving more. They are coming out with more products all the time so I can have a summer treat without all the guilt!
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I just bought the Skinny Cow Low-Fat Mint Ice Cream bars for desserts this week, and I have to agree with you. I was COMPLETELY surprised at how good they were. Rich and creamy, I really felt like I was treating myself to their full-fat counterparts. I even passed them off to my boyfriend who was equally surprised.