Dr. Becky Maes - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Becky Maes

Are Ice Cream Cones Bad For You?


Grade

D-


Short answer

While it most likely won't hurt having one ice cream cone once in a while, there aren't any nutritional benefits. Regular consumption, though, can lead a host of health risks.

Grade

D-

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

Ice cream cones are mostly a blend of sugar, wheat flour, and tapioca flour. Other than having 1% of the amount of iron recommended daily, there is no nutritional benefit to having an ice cream cone. A typical cone will net you around 10g of sugar (this is almost 50% of the recommended daily intake). To say the very least, consuming high amounts of sugar can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and an increased production of ghrelin - a hormone that tells our body we are still hungry - so you may be wanting a second serving. 

Wheat and tapioca are causes for concern as well. Wheat contains gluten, which studies have linked with an autoimmune disease called gluten ataxia, a disease that affects the cerebellum. Furthermore, like added sugars, wheat also causes a sharp spike in blood sugar levels, making it a possible contributor to diabetes. 

Tapioca naturally produces cyanide. While the manufacturing process most likely gets rid of the cyanide, there is still a risk, no matter how small, that eating tapioca or anything with tapioca in it could introduce cyanide into the body. 

The calories in one ice cream cone vary, but are negligible. Also, ice cream cones do not have cholesterol. Still, due to the relatively high sugar content, ice cream cones do pose a danger of increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, and other problems associated with intake of added sugars. Ice cream cones can be enjoyed ever once in a while without worry, but real problems can quickly arise when you are consuming multiple per day. 


Possible short-term side effects

  • blood sugar spike
  • induces overeating

Possible long-term side effects

  • diabetes
  • heart disease
  • cancer

Ingredients to be aware of



Healthier alternatives

  • skip the cone

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

Organic Ice Cream Cones

  • USDA Organic Certified
  • Convenient 12-pack
  • Non-GMO ingredients
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Zero trans fats
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-03-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-03-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023




Related
Random Page

Check These Out!