Shoppers looking specifically for low fat
Compare total fat and saturates per 100g. A calorie-based filter answers a different question, so check the nutrition panel even when a dessert has a lighter-sounding name.
Who should check which details?
Shoppers comparing calories
Check whether the figure applies per 100ml, per serving or per tub. Use the same measure when comparing products, and check fat separately if it also matters to you.
Frozen-yoghurt shoppers
If you prefer frozen yoghurt or kefir-style desserts, compare the exact product’s nutrition panel before deciding whether it meets a low-fat requirement.
What matters when choosing?
Decide whether fat or calories are your main consideration, then compare the relevant figures on a consistent basis and check the exact product label.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fat and saturates | Compare both values per 100g for the exact flavour. M&S lists 1.1g fat and 0.7g saturates per 100g for its Low Fat Birthday Cake Ice Cream. | If low fat is my main requirement, I want a direct fat comparison, not a calorie filter in its place. |
| Calories | Check whether energy is stated per 100ml, per serving or per tub. Tesco’s under-150-calories-per-100ml category is a calorie filter, not a low-fat designation. | I’m comparing calories for the amount I expect to eat, while checking fat separately if that matters too. |
| Frozen yoghurt | Check the fat, saturates and sugars on the exact pack. Waitrose lists frozen-yoghurt and frozen-kefir products, but the category name does not give their nutrition values. | I prefer a yoghurt-style dessert and am willing to compare individual products before choosing one. |
| Ingredients and handling | Read the current ingredient and allergen statements, along with the pack’s frozen-storage instructions. | For an allergy or another ingredient restriction, I need to check the exact product rather than rely on its category or flavour name. |
Which shortcuts can mislead?
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Taking a calorie filter to mean low fat
Tesco’s calorie-filtered range is organised per 100ml; fat and saturates are separate nutrition measures.
If fat is your priority, check both fat values for the exact flavour and compare products on the same per-100g basis.
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Assuming frozen yoghurt is low fat
Waitrose lists frozen-yoghurt products, but the product type alone does not establish their fat content.
Check the exact pack’s fat, saturates and sugars before choosing frozen yoghurt for a low-fat requirement.
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Reading only the low-fat wording
M&S reports 18.1g sugars per 100g for its Low Fat Birthday Cake Ice Cream. A low-fat description does not describe every part of the nutrition panel.
Read the current nutrition, ingredient and allergen information for the product you intend to buy.
Relevant brands and ranges
M&S
M&S lists Low Fat Birthday Cake Ice Cream within its ice-cream tubs range.
- Its product information gives 1.1g fat and 0.7g saturates per 100g for this ice cream.
- The same product lists 18.1g sugars per 100g; check the full label for your other requirements.
Tesco
Tesco groups some frozen desserts by calories, including an under-150-calories-per-100ml category.
- That category lists Halo Top Golden Blondie as a calorie-focused option.
- The category filter does not establish whether an individual dessert meets a low-fat requirement.
Waitrose
Waitrose lists frozen-yoghurt and frozen-kefir products for shoppers considering that style of dessert.
- Its frozen-yoghurt category includes Waitrose Greek Style Honey Ripple Frozen Yogurt and Yeo Valley Organic Strawberry Frozen Kefir.
- Check the nutrition panel of the exact product before treating it as a low-fat option.
Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs describes a traditional ice-cream recipe beginning with cream, milk, sugar, eggs and water.
- Its own ingredient description may help shoppers decide whether that style appeals to them.
- Brand positioning is not a substitute for checking the fat values of a particular flavour.
Joybuy calorie-focused frozen desserts
These Joybuy options are calorie-positioned frozen desserts. If low fat is your requirement, compare the current fat and saturates values for each product rather than treating its calorie wording as a low-fat claim.
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Halo Top Golden Blondie Ice Cream 460ml
A calorie-focused ice cream for shoppers comparing frozen treats; Tesco lists this flavour in its under-150-calories-per-100ml category. Check the current pack’s fat and saturates if low fat is your priority.
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XO ICE Low Calories Mango and Coconut Gelato, Plant Based, 473ml
A plant-based mango and coconut gelato with calorie-focused wording. Compare fat and saturates on the current pack before choosing it for a low-fat requirement.
Questions before you buy
Is low calorie the same as low fat for frozen desserts?
No. Tesco’s under-150-calories-per-100ml category describes energy, not fat content. If low fat is your requirement, compare total fat and saturates for the exact product.
Which listed ice cream has an explicit low-fat description?
M&S lists Low Fat Birthday Cake Ice Cream and reports 1.1g fat and 0.7g saturates per 100g. It also reports 18.1g sugars per 100g, so check the full panel against your requirements.
Is frozen yoghurt automatically low fat?
No. Frozen yoghurt describes the type of dessert, not its fat values. Waitrose lists frozen-yoghurt products, but you should check the nutrition panel for the exact flavour and pack.
What should I check besides the nutrition figures?
Read the exact product’s current ingredient and allergen statements and follow its frozen-storage instructions. A low-fat description does not settle ingredient suitability or handling requirements.
How can I check before visiting a shop for a particular dessert?
Search for the exact product at your local store if the retailer offers a stock checker. Sainsbury’s cautions that a stock indication cannot guarantee the item will still be available when you arrive.