Luis Cañada, nutrition expert, on healthy ice cream: "It's essential to look at the entire label, not just the main claim."

In the middle of summer, ice cream becomes one of the most sought-after options for cooling off, but it's also a field where marketing can be misleading. Packages promising "0% sugar" or "+ protein" are multiplying in supermarkets. Given this situation, Luis Cañada, a nutrition expert , warns: " It's essential to look at the entire label and not be swayed by the main claim ," remembering that what seems healthy isn't always actually healthy.

One of the clearest examples is protein ice cream . According to a study by FITstore, Casty ice cream, sold under the promise of being higher in protein, contains around 25% sugar . This is 31% more than a classic Magnum , which isn't even advertised as a "fit" option. This contrast demonstrates how packaging can lead consumers to rely on an alternative that, far from improving, is less balanced.

The situation is repeated with products bearing the "Zero" label. Often, what disappears in added sugars is replaced by polyols such as maltitol or sorbitol , which can make up more than 20% of the product's weight . The result is not necessarily healthier: the energy value is barely reduced, and they are often sold at a much higher price than their traditional versions. The "healthier" appearance ends up being just a marketing gimmick.

Cañada points out that consuming this type of ice cream occasionally does not pose a serious risk. The problem arises when consumed frequently and in large quantities, as these sweeteners can cause digestive discomfort and even a laxative effect . For the expert, the real danger lies in the false sense of security they generate. " These labels are decoys that distract from the real analysis of the ingredients and make a mediocre product more expensive ," he concludes.