Gear guide
Best ice cream makers for protein ice cream
Picked from Amazon listings, not hands-on tests. How we pick
Top picks at a glance
Compare all picks
Closest match for the job
Ninja Creami XL Deluxe Gen 2 NC601: CreamiFit plus XL tubs
It is the only listing here with a dedicated Dairy-Free program.
See price on AmazonSee it on Amazon
Most for the money on paper
Ninja Creami 7-in-1 NC301: Lite program and re-spin
Gelato is one of seven one-touch programs.
See price on AmazonSee it on Amazon
Most complete listing
Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl NC701: 2-in-1 CreamiFit program
A dedicated Swirled Frozen Yogurt program is listed among six soft serve programs.
See price on AmazonSee it on Amazon
High-protein, low-sugar ice cream bases freeze rock hard. Sugar and fat are what keep normal ice cream soft, so a protein shake poured into a churning machine tends to come out icy. Machines that shave a fully frozen block, like the Ninja Creami and the BLACK+DECKER Perfect Pint, handle these bases better, because they break the frozen base into a fine texture and can re-spin it until it is creamy. What separates the picks below is whether the listing names a dedicated protein program (Ninja's CreamiFit), whether it offers re-spin, the tub size and whether you also want soft serve. This guide ranks six machines on how well each listing supports protein and low-sugar bases, with refurbished and lower-cost options at the end.
Compare the picks
- Ninja Creami XL Deluxe Gen 2 NC601: CreamiFit plus XL tubs
- Type
- Creami
- Protein program
- CreamiFit
- Programs
- 11
- Capacity
- 24 oz XL tub
- Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl NC701: 2-in-1 CreamiFit program
- Type
- Creami
- Protein program
- 2-in-1 CreamiFit
- Programs
- 13 (6 soft serve)
- Capacity
- Not stated on this listing
Ninja Creami XL Deluxe NC501: re-spin and 24 oz tubs- Type
- Creami
- Protein program
- None named
- Programs
- 11
- Capacity
- 24 oz XL tub
- Ninja Creami 7-in-1 NC301: Lite program and re-spin
- Type
- Creami
- Protein program
- Lite Ice Cream (no protein program)
- Programs
- 7
- Capacity
- Original pint
Ninja Swirl by Creami (Renewed): CreamiFit, 13 programs- Type
- Creami (refurbished)
- Protein program
- CreamiFit
- Programs
- 13 (6 soft serve)
- Capacity
- 16 oz pints (2 included)
BLACK+DECKER Perfect Pint: built for protein recipes- Type
- Pint processor (Creami-style)
- Protein program
- Not stated (sold for protein recipes)
- Programs
- Not stated
- Capacity
- Not stated
| Pick | Type | Protein program | Programs | Capacity | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Creami XL Deluxe Gen 2 NC601: CreamiFit plus XL tubs | Creami | CreamiFit | 11 | 24 oz XL tub | - | Amazon |
| Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl NC701: 2-in-1 CreamiFit program | Creami | 2-in-1 CreamiFit | 13 (6 soft serve) | Not stated on this listing | - | Amazon |
| Ninja Creami XL Deluxe NC501: re-spin and 24 oz tubs | Creami | None named | 11 | 24 oz XL tub | - | Amazon |
| Ninja Creami 7-in-1 NC301: Lite program and re-spin | Creami | Lite Ice Cream (no protein program) | 7 | Original pint | - | Amazon |
| Ninja Swirl by Creami (Renewed): CreamiFit, 13 programs | Creami (refurbished) | CreamiFit | 13 (6 soft serve) | 16 oz pints (2 included) | - | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER Perfect Pint: built for protein recipes | Pint processor (Creami-style) | Not stated (sold for protein recipes) | Not stated | Not stated | - | Amazon |
Facts are taken from each Amazon listing. Prices are checked daily and shown with their date.
The picks in detail
Pick 1 · Ninja
Ninja Creami XL Deluxe Gen 2 NC601: CreamiFit plus XL tubs
See price on AmazonThe second-generation XL Deluxe Creami adds a dedicated Dairy-Free program to its 11 one-touch settings. The best fit for anyone making plant-based pints every week.
What the listing offers
- It is the only listing here with a dedicated Dairy-Free program.
- Re-Spin after processing gives an even creamier result, useful when a low-fat oat or almond base comes out crumbly.
- 24 oz XL tubs hold 50% more than the original Creami pint, per the listing.
Limits to know
- Every base must be frozen in the tub ahead of time.
- The listing does not explain how the Dairy-Free program differs from the standard Ice Cream program.
Pick 2 · Ninja
Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl NC701: 2-in-1 CreamiFit program
See price on AmazonA Creami with 13 programs including Swirled Frozen Yogurt, which dispenses froyo as a soft serve swirl. The pick for shop-style froyo cups at home.
What the listing offers
- A dedicated Swirled Frozen Yogurt program is listed among six soft serve programs.
- It can dispense a swirl, which is how most people expect froyo to look.
- The listing supports low sugar, lower calorie and high-protein bases.
Limits to know
- The froyo base must be frozen ahead in the tub.
- Tub capacity is not stated on this listing.
Pick 3 · Ninja
Ninja Creami XL Deluxe NC501: re-spin and 24 oz tubs
See price on AmazonThe first-generation XL Deluxe Creami with 11 programs including frozen yogurt and two 24 oz tubs. Suits froyo fans who prefer a scoopable texture and like prepping pints ahead.
What the listing offers
- Frozen yogurt is one of the 11 one-touch programs listed.
- Two 24 oz XL tubs hold 50% more than the original Creami pint.
- Re-Spin runs a second cycle for a softer, creamier finish on a crumbly froyo base.
Limits to know
- Each tub needs a fully frozen base before processing.
- No soft serve dispensing; froyo comes out scooped.
Pick 4 · Ninja
Ninja Creami 7-in-1 NC301: Lite program and re-spin
See price on AmazonThe entry Creami with a Gelato program and Re-spin. A low-cost way to make single pints of gelato-style dessert at home.
What the listing offers
- Gelato is one of seven one-touch programs.
- Re-spin processes a second time for a softer texture.
- Lowest price among the gelato-capable machines here.
Limits to know
- Bases need 24 hours in the freezer, per the listing.
- Pint-size batches are small for a dinner party.
Pick 5 · Ninja
Ninja Swirl by Creami (Renewed): CreamiFit, 13 programs
See price on AmazonA renewed Swirl by Creami with the CreamiFit program, 13 programs and two 16 oz pints. Worth a look if you accept refurbished to get CreamiFit and soft serve.
What the listing offers
- CreamiFit program engineered for lower-calorie, high-protein treats.
- Includes a soft serve handle and two 16 oz Swirl pints.
- Six soft serve programs, including Swirled Frozen Yogurt.
Limits to know
- Renewed unit; check the listing's current renewed warranty terms.
- Costs about the same as some new Creami models.
Pick 6 · BLACK+DECKER
BLACK+DECKER Perfect Pint: built for protein recipes
See price on AmazonA Creami-style pint maker with Re-Spin Technology, listed for high-protein, keto and dairy-free desserts. Suits buyers who want the freeze-and-spin method from another brand.
What the listing offers
- The listing names protein, keto and dairy-free desserts as core uses.
- Re-Spin Technology is meant to avoid icy or grainy textures.
- It makes ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt and milkshakes, per the listing.
Limits to know
- The listing does not state the number of programs or wattage.
- Like the Creami, every pint must be frozen before spinning.
Read before you buy
- Why is my Ninja Creami ice cream powdery (and how to fix it)Powdery or crumbly Ninja Creami pint? Learn why it happens (too cold, too lean, too little sugar) and how to fix it with a re-spin and a splash of milk.
- Why is my Ninja Creami ice cream icyIcy Ninja Creami pints come from water-heavy bases and slow freezing. Learn how fat, sugar, protein and a small stabilizer dose fix the texture.
- Ninja Creami vs KitchenAid ice cream attachmentNinja Creami vs KitchenAid ice cream attachment for stand mixer owners: freeze bowl vs freeze pint, batch size, texture, space and which to buy.
- Ninja Creami vs Creami Deluxe: is the bigger pint worth itNinja Creami vs Creami Deluxe: 16 oz vs 24 oz tubs, 7 vs 11 programs, dual processing, Gen 2 changes and whether your old pints fit the Deluxe.
- Ninja Creami vs Cuisinart FastFreeze and Freeze WandNinja Creami vs Cuisinart FastFreeze and Freeze Wand: how Creami look-alikes compare on texture, pint size and hard bases, plus the Black+Decker Perfect Pint.
More gear: Recipes by program
Scoop & Churn chooses every product independently from what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission from the links above. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.