Who says you can’t have your ice cream and eat it too? If you’ve ever stared longingly at a pint of Ben & Jerry’s while checking the calorie count, you’re in the right place. The Ninja Creami has completely changed the game for at-home frozen desserts, making it ridiculously easy to whip up incredible treats. And the best part? You’re in total control. We’re talking about creamy, flavorful, and satisfying low calorie Ninja Creami recipes that won’t derail your health goals.
Honestly, it feels like a cheat code for dessert lovers. Forget those chalky, expensive “lite” ice creams from the store. We’re about to make everything from rich chocolate fudge to refreshing mango sorbet right in your kitchen. This guide is perfect for beginners, so don’t worry if you’re just unboxing your machine. Let’s get started.
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What Makes These Low Calorie Ninja Creami Recipes?
It’s not magic, but it’s close! The secret lies in a few smart swaps that cut down on the sugar and fat that you’d find in traditional ice cream, without sacrificing that creamy texture we all crave.
The Magic of Protein Powder & Milk Alternatives
The powerhouse behind many of these healthy recipes is protein powder. It does more than just boost the protein content; it acts as a stabilizer, helping create a super smooth and creamy ice cream base. A scoop of vanilla or chocolate whey protein can transform a simple pint into a decadent, high-protein dessert that keeps you full. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.
But what you mix it with matters, too. Instead of heavy cream or whole milk, we lean on lighter, dairy-free options.
A Quick Comparison of Milk Alternatives
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: The go-to for a reason. It’s incredibly low in calories (around 30-40 per cup) and has a neutral flavor that lets your other ingredients shine.
- Cashew Milk: A bit creamier than almond milk, it’s fantastic for creating a richer texture without a huge calorie jump.
- Fairlife Skim Milk: If you’re not dairy-free, this is a phenomenal choice. It’s lactose-free, ultra-filtered, and has more protein and less sugar than regular milk, making your ice cream extra smooth.
- Coconut Milk (Lite, from a carton): Don’t confuse this with the canned stuff! Lite coconut milk from a carton gives a subtle tropical flavor and a nice creaminess for around 50 calories a cup.
Choosing the Best Low-Calorie Sweeteners (Stevia, Monk Fruit, Erythritol)
Sugar is the main calorie culprit in most desserts. Luckily, we have some fantastic sugar-free alternatives that work beautifully in a Ninja Creami recipe.
Here’s the thing about these sweeteners: they all taste a little different, and some people are more sensitive to their aftertastes than others. The key is to find the one you like best.
Your Sweetener Cheat Sheet
| Sweetener | What It Is | Best For | Things to Note |
| Erythritol | A sugar alcohol with almost zero calories. | All-around use. It has a clean taste very similar to sugar and provides good bulk. | Can sometimes have a slight cooling sensation on the tongue. Popular brands include Swerve. |
| Monk Fruit | A natural sweetener extracted from monk fruit. | Blending with erythritol. Pure monk fruit is very potent, so it’s often mixed to balance it out. | Has zero aftertaste for most people and is a great natural option. Lakanto is a common brand. |
| Stevia | A natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant leaf. | Liquids and drops. A little goes a long way! | Some people find it has a slightly bitter or licorice-like aftertaste, especially if you use too much. |
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My advice? Start with an erythritol or monk fruit blend. They tend to be the most crowd-pleasing and are less likely to crystallize or cause texture issues. FDA
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Ninja Creami Ube Ice Cream
This Ninja Creami Ube Ice Cream will transport you back to the Hawaiian islands with subtle flavors of ube and tropical coconut. It is both low in calories, high in protein, and uses all-natural ingredients.
- Total Time: 24 hours 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 cup Low Fat Fairlife Milk
0.5 cup low fat cottage cheese
1.5 tbsp flavorless collagen
2 tbsp monk fruit sweetener
1 tbsp Ube Powder
0.25 tsp Ube Extract
1 tbsp agave
0.25 tsp coconut extract
Instructions
1. Blend all ingredients in a blender except the agave and coconut extract until the cottage cheese is completely blended.
2. Pour the entire mixture into the container and leave out for a few minutes for any foam to settle. Give the mixture a gentle stir and place in the freezer with the lid off for 24 hours.
3. Remove your ube mixture from the freezer, place the lid on, and run the sides under warm water for 30 seconds.
4. Then run on the ice cream setting.
5. When finished, add a tablespoon of agave and the coconut extract in the center. Then place the ice cream back and put it on the re-spin setting.
6. Scoop, add any optional toppings, and enjoy!
Notes
After the first spin on the ice cream setting, it is normal for the ice cream to look powdery. A re-spin will give it the perfect consistency.
Let your mixture rest for a few minutes to settle after blending before freezing.
Run the outside of the container under warm water for about 30 seconds before processing to avoid an icy mixture around the edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Freeze Time: 24 hours
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Ninja Creami Recipes
- Method: Frozen
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 pints
- Calories: 171
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 243mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
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Deal price: $299.95
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5 Must-Try Low Calorie Ninja Creami Recipes
Alright, let’s get to the fun part! These recipes are tried, true, and absolutely delicious. They prove that a healthy dessert doesn’t have to be boring.
The Viral Protein Ice Cream (Under 200 Calories)
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok, you’ve seen this one. It’s popular for a reason—it’s simple, packed with protein, and endlessly customizable. It’s the perfect guilt-free treat after a workout or a long day.
Ingredients & Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1 cup (240ml) Unsweetened Almond Milk (or your milk of choice)
- 1 scoop (30-35g) Vanilla or Chocolate Protein Powder (a whey/casein blend works best for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp (15g) Erythritol or Monk Fruit Sweetener (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Xanthan Gum or Guar Gum (optional, but it makes it so much creamier!)
- Pinch of Salt
Instructions:
- In your Ninja Creami pint container, add the almond milk, protein powder, sweetener, gum (if using), and salt.
- Use a small milk frother or immersion blender to mix everything until completely smooth. This is key to avoiding a grainy texture!
- Secure the lid and freeze the pint on a level surface for at least 24 hours.
- Once frozen solid, place the pint in the outer bowl, attach the lid, and lock it into your Ninja Creami machine.
- Press the “LITE ICE CREAM” button.
- It might look a bit crumbly after the first spin. Don’t panic! Just add a tablespoon of almond milk and press the “RE-SPIN” button. Repeat if needed until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
- Calories: 160-190 (depends on protein powder)
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 4g
Variations to Try:
- Mint Chip: Add 1/4 tsp of peppermint extract before freezing. After spinning, use the “MIX-IN” function to add a tablespoon of sugar-free chocolate chips. (Adds ~50 calories)
- Coffee Kick: Dissolve 1 tsp of instant espresso powder in the milk before blending. (Adds ~5 calories)
Creamy Chocolate Fudge Brownie (Dairy-Free Option)
This one is for the serious chocolate lovers. It’s rich, decadent, and tastes way more indulgent than it actually is. You won’t believe it’s a healthy recipe.
Ingredients & Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1 cup (240ml) Unsweetened Almond Milk or Fairlife Skim Milk
- 1 scoop (30g) Chocolate Protein Powder
- 2 tbsp (10g) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 tbsp (15g) Sugar-Free Chocolate Pudding Mix (the secret ingredient!)
- 1-2 tbsp Erythritol or Monk Fruit Sweetener, to taste
Instructions:
- Pour the milk into your Creami pint.
- Add the protein powder, cocoa powder, pudding mix, and sweetener.
- Blend with a frother for about 30-60 seconds until no clumps remain.
- Freeze for 24 hours on a flat surface.
- Process using the “LITE ICE CREAM” setting.
- You’ll likely need to re-spin once or twice with a splash of milk to get that perfect soft-serve consistency. For a mix-in, add a crumbled-up fiber brownie after spinning!
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
- Calories: 180-210
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 5g
Variations to Try:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter: Mix in 1 tbsp of powdered peanut butter (like PB2) before freezing. (Adds ~30 calories)
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add a dash of cinnamon and a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper before freezing for a spicy kick. (Adds <5 calories)
Refreshing Mango Sorbet (Just 3 Ingredients)
Sometimes you just want something light, fruity, and refreshing. This sorbet is perfect for a warm summer afternoon. No protein powder needed!
Ingredients & Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) Mango Chunks in Juice, not heavy syrup
- Juice of half a lime
- 1 tbsp Monk Fruit Sweetener or Erythritol (optional, only if your mango isn’t sweet enough)
Instructions:
- Pour the entire can of mangoes, including the juice, into your Creami pint.
- Squeeze in the lime juice and add the sweetener if you’re using it.
- Give it a quick stir. You don’t need to blend this one perfectly.
- Freeze for 24 hours.
- Process using the “SORBET” setting. It should come out perfectly smooth on the first spin!
Nutritional Information (Approximate, for the whole pint)
- Calories: ~200
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 0g
Variations to Try:
- Spicy Mango: Add a few dashes of Tajín seasoning before freezing for a delicious chili-lime flavor.
- Tropical Paradise: Use a can of pineapple chunks instead of mango for a piña colada vibe.
For more fruit-based ideas, you can check out our other creami recipes, like our strawberry sorbet or peach frozen yogurt.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Texture Every Time
You know what can be frustrating? When you’ve waited 24 hours for your delicious pint, and it comes out looking like a pile of dusty snow. Let’s fix that for good.
Getting Rid of Iciness: The “Re-spin” Secret
The “RE-SPIN” button is your best friend. Seriously. It’s rare for a low-calorie base to be perfect on the first spin. That powdery, icy texture is completely normal. U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
Here’s the simple fix:
- After the first spin, take a look at the texture. If it’s crumbly, don’t worry.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of your liquid base (like almond milk).
- Put it back in the machine and hit “RE-SPIN.”
- Check it again. 99% of the time, it will be magically transformed into a smooth, scoopable ice cream. If it’s still a tiny bit icy, one more re-spin will do the trick.
Low-Calorie Mix-in & Topping Ideas
The “MIX-IN” function is where you can get really creative. Just remember that mix-ins add calories, so choose wisely!
- For Crunch: Crushed-up protein bars (Quest and ONE bars work great), high-fiber cereal (like Catalina Crunch), or a tablespoon of mini sugar-free chocolate chips.
- For Gooeyness: A swirl of sugar-free caramel or chocolate syrup, or a spoonful of sugar-free jam.
- For Freshness: Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. They add great flavor and minimal calories.
- Keto-Friendly: A small handful of chopped nuts, seeds, or unsweetened coconut flakes can be a great addition. NIH
