Understanding the amount of carbs in foods you eat is essential when following a low-carb or keto diet. Pillsbury’s zero sugar frosting is a popular option for those limiting their carb intake, but it’s important to know exactly how many carbs are in it.
Pillsbury Zero Sugar Frosting Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for 2 tablespoons (28g) of Pillsbury Zero Sugar Chocolate Fudge Frosting:
| Calories | 25 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 2g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 65mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
As you can see, there are 2g of total carbohydrates per serving. This comes entirely from the minor natural sugars present in the ingredients.
Ingredients in Pillsbury Zero Sugar Frosting
Here are the main ingredients in Pillsbury Zero Sugar Chocolate Fudge Frosting:
- Water
- Palm kernel and palm oil
- Cocoa processed with alkali
- Contains 2% or less of: cellulose gel and gums (xanthan, cellulose, guar), salt, artificial flavor, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate (preservatives), red 40.
As you can see, there are no added sugars in the ingredients list. The natural sugars accounting for the 2g of carbs likely come from the cocoa and other minor ingredients.
Reasons for Low Carb Count
Here are some of the main reasons Pillsbury’s zero sugar frosting contains only 2g net carbs per serving:
- No added sugars – Ingredients like white sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup and other sweeteners are not used.
- Sugar substitutes – The frosting is sweetened with sucralose and acesulfame potassium, artificial sweeteners with no carbs.
- Low starch ingredients – Flour and other starchy ingredients are not used to thicken the frosting.
By avoiding ingredients like sugar and flour, Pillsbury is able to create a sweet, spreadable frosting with minimal effect on blood sugar and ketosis.
How Many Carbs in Other Flavors
In addition to chocolate fudge, Pillsbury makes zero sugar frosting in other flavors. Here are the nutrition facts for a 2 tablespoon serving of each:
| Flavor | Total Carbs |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Fudge | 2g |
| Vanilla | 2g |
| Cream Cheese | 3g |
| Lemon | 3g |
| Strawberry | 3g |
As you can see, the carb count is nearly identical across flavors. The lemon and strawberry contain 1 additional gram of carbs compared to chocolate and vanilla likely due to naturally occurring sugars in those fruit flavors.
Net Carbs
The Pillsbury zero sugar frostings contain no dietary fiber, so the total carbs and net carbs are the same. The net carb count per 2 tablespoon serving is:
- Chocolate Fudge: 2g net carbs
- Vanilla: 2g net carbs
- Cream Cheese: 3g net carbs
- Lemon: 3g net carbs
- Strawberry: 3g net carbs
Serving Size Matters
When checking carb counts, pay close attention to the serving size. The nutrition information provided is based on 2 tablespoon servings. If you use more frosting than that, the carbs will scale accordingly.
For example, if you used ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) of chocolate fudge frosting to frost a cake, that would double the carbs to 4g total/net carbs.
Use Precise Measurements When Tracking Carbs
When tracking your daily carb intake, be sure to carefully measure out servings of frosting instead of estimating. Using a tablespoon measure will ensure accuracy.
Even a couple extra teaspoons of frosting beyond 2 tablespoons can make a significant difference in the carbs. Precise measuring is key for knowing your true carb intake.
Tips for Low Carb Use
Here are some tips for enjoying Pillsbury zero sugar frosting as part of a low-carb or keto diet:
- Stick to 2 tablespoon servings
- Use it sparingly between layers of cake or on cupcakes
- Look for low-carb recipes that use small amounts of frosting
- Use it as a topping for low-carb muffins or fat bombs
- Mix in cocoa powder or peanut butter for flavor if desired
As long as you account for the carbs, a little bit of this frosting can add sweetness and moisture to low-carb baked goods and fat bombs.
Comparison to Regular Frosting
To see why the Pillsbury zero sugar frosting is a good low carb option, let’s compare 2 tablespoons to regular chocolate frosting:
| Frosting | Total Carbs |
|---|---|
| Pillsbury Zero Sugar Chocolate Fudge | 2g |
| Regular Chocolate Frosting | 21g |
As you can see, the regular frosting contains over 10 times more carbs per serving compared to the zero sugar version. This makes Pillsbury’s low-carb offering a smart choice.
Is It Keto-Friendly?
At only 2-3g net carbs per serving, Pillsbury’s zero sugar frosting can fit into a keto diet. It’s important however to account for those carbs in your daily total to remain in ketosis.
Using more than about 1 tablespoon may put you over your daily carb limit on keto’s typically 20-50g per day. But used sparingly, it’s a nice way to add flavor and sweetness.
The Bottom Line
Pillsbury Zero Sugar Frosting contains just 2-3g of net carbs per 2 tablespoon serving. By avoiding added sugars and using sugar substitutes, Pillsbury is able to create a sweet frosting that won’t spike blood sugar or knock you out of ketosis when used in moderation. Be sure to carefully measure servings and account for the carbs in your daily totals.
Conclusion
Knowing the carb counts for the foods you eat is key to maintaining a low-carb or keto diet. Pillsbury Zero Sugar Frosting can be a good option when consumed in small servings. Just make sure to accurately measure out 2 tablespoon servings and don’t go overboard. When used in moderation, it can let you satisfy a sweet tooth without the pile of carbs found in regular frosting. Use the carb counts listed to make informed choices and you can enjoy an occasional treat of frosting without sabotaging your diet goals.