Group · Sweet foods
Vanilla ice cream cone
The vanilla ice cream cone is a great classic of sweet pleasures, pairing an ice cream flavoured with vanilla with a crisp wafer cone. It is a treat loved by everyone, especially in summer, and comes in artisan, industrial or lighter versions. With around 290 kcal per 100 g, it provides 36.8 g of carbohydrate, 3.44 g of protein and 13.5 g of fat. The usual portion (one cone) is modest, which makes it a sensible occasional pleasure in a balanced diet. The milk used provides a little calcium and protein, but it is above all an indulgent sugary product, to be enjoyed for pleasure more than for its nutritional value.
Macronutrient breakdown
Nutrition table per 100 g
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Kilojoules | 1220 kJ |
| Protein | 3,5 g |
| Carbohydrate | 36,8 g |
| Fat | 13,5 g |
| Fibre | 0,1 g |
Micronutrients per 100 g
All measured nutrients, ranked by share of the daily reference intake.
- Vitamin B20,23 mg16 %
- Iodine22 µg15 %
- Phosphorus100 mg14 %
- Calcium109 mg14 %
- Potassium216 mg11 %
- Iron0,95 mg7 %
- Omega-6 LA0,61 g6 %
- Vitamin B50,35 mg6 %
See the other 12 nutrients
- Vitamin B120,13 µg5 %
- Vitamin B60,07 mg5 %
- Zinc0,5 mg5 %
- Magnesium17,5 mg5 %
- Vitamin B10,05 mg5 %
- Vitamin B98 µg4 %
- Total omega-30,08 g3 %
- Omega-3 ALA0,06 g3 %
- Selenium1,1 µg2 %
- Vitamin B30,21 mg1 %
- Vitamin C1 mg1 %
- Vitamin A0,42 µg0 %
Anses Ciqual 2025. Source: Anses, 2025, Ciqual food composition table
Tips
The vanilla ice cream cone is best enjoyed fresh, taken out of the freezer a few minutes before to bring out its full aroma. To limit the calories, go for a single scoop rather than a double, and choose a plain cone rather than one coated in chocolate or topped with pieces. A classic portion is around 60 to 80 g, which is reasonable given its moderate energy density.
- Varieties: artisan Bourbon vanilla ice cream, industrial versions, or a lighter sorbet. For a less rich alternative, look at frozen yoghurt or a reduced-sugar sorbet.
- Key nutrients: mostly carbohydrate (sugars), a little dairy protein, calcium and fat from the cream. Fibre is almost absent (0.1 g).
- Tasty pairings: a few fresh fruits, strawberries or raspberries, add vitamins and fibre while easing the feeling of richness.
As for the glycaemic index, the combination of sugar and cone can push blood sugar up quickly. For weight control, keep this treat in the occasional pleasures category and avoid going back for more scoops. If you are torn between several frozen treats, compare their nutrition facts with standard vanilla ice cream, which is often close in composition.
Tips for active people: the fast carbohydrate in ice cream can make a pleasant energy refill after an intense effort, when you want to replenish your glycogen stores. However, it is not an ideal everyday snack: for muscle recovery and protein intake, more structured options such as a protein snack will be more relevant. So keep the vanilla cone for pleasure, not for performance.
Storage: keep ice cream well inside the freezer, at a stable temperature, and avoid refreezing, which spoils the texture and creates crystals. A cone that has been started should be enjoyed straight away. You will find other comparable treats in the sugary foods family, and you can place its calories among other foods using the calorie table. In short: a fresh, indulgent pleasure, to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a varied and balanced diet.