Everything's great about ice cream - except the fat and calories.

In search of tastier ice cream that's lower in fat and calories, Consumer Reports sampled ten light and fat-free ice creams, including ones from Haagen-Dazs, Breyers, and Edy's.

"The term 'light' means a food that has one-third fewer calories or half the fat of a regular version," said Consumer Reports' Erin Gudeux.

Sensory panelists had the tough task of taste-testing six vanilla and four chocolate ice creams. One fat-free ice cream disappointed. "Breyer's Free Fat-Free Double Churn Creamy was gummy," Gudeux said. "And as with most fat-free foods, it doesn't necessarily offer real calorie savings."

Haagen-Dazs Extra Rich Light Vanilla Bean and Dutch Chocolate were the clear winners. "Both Haagen-Dazs vanilla and chocolate ice creams rated very good and they have big flavor," Gudeux said. "But Haagen-Dazs will hit you harder in the wallet."

Compared to the other light ice creams tested, Haagen-Dazs has about twice the calories and fat and costs about twice as much.

A tasty runner-up was Breyer's Double Churn Light Creamy vanilla and chocolate ice creams. They cost a lot less and have far fewer calories.

(Copyright © 2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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