Want to satisfy your sweet tooth, but need to preserve that tight tummy and cocktail money for spring break? If it's ice cream you crave, many choices can be found right here in Bloomington. I investigated the offerings of three of Bloomington's most popular ice cream parlors. At each of these stores, I focused on the price and nutritional content of vanilla ice cream. I also noted the availability of healthier choices such as frozen yogurt and low-carb options.
Cold Stone Creamery\nIf the closest you'll be to a vacation this spring break is your local tanning salon's super-discounted package, you might be able to afford the sweet selection at Cold Stone Creamery. The parlor's Vanilla Bean ice cream has 3.83 grams of fat per ounce and a "like-it" sized cup (6 ounces) will set you back a whopping $2.99. Cold Stone also offers a varying selection of "sinless" non-fat and low-fat frozen yogurts and sorbets for the same price. So if you won't settle for anything less than the ice cream voted to be the best in Bloomington for 2005 by readers of the Indiana Daily Student, you should be prepared to sacrifice a few nights out in your tropical paradise.
rating: most expensive
Jiffy Treet\nJiffy Treet's premium selection of ice cream might cost you a few extra miles on the treadmill, but you'll have plenty of spare change left after you indulge in its selection of homemade treats. This parlor's vanilla ice cream has 4.2 grams of fat per ounce, the highest fat content I found, but a small cup (four or five ounces) is only $1.49. Jiffy Treet also offers nonfat soft serves, frozen yogurts and even a low-carbohydrate option. This parlor is the best choice for penny pinchers in search of a wide selection.
rating: cheapest, highest in fat
White Mountain\nIf you're not willing to trade the hour-long wait for an elliptical at the Student Recreational Student Recreational Sports Center for a small cup of homemade ice cream, head to White Mountain to satisfy your cravings. A small serving (four ounces) of the parlor's vanilla ice cream has only 3.75 grams of fat per ounce and costs $1.60. White Mountain also offers the lower calorie option "Wow Cow" for the really serious spring break dieter. This option is the best for a guiltless selection of the real stuff.
rating: balance of price and nutrition
My investigation shows that you don't need to lose sleep over ruining your abs of steel or your margarita fund when you crave ice cream. A healthy choice can be found at all three of these Bloomington ice cream parlors.
