Halo-Halo
Desserts • Philippines
About Halo-Halo
Shaved ice dessert with sweetened beans, fruits, leche flan, ube, and evaporated milk
How to Make Halo-Halo (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Halo-Halo, meaning 'mix-mix' in Filipino, is a beloved traditional dessert from the Philippines. This vibrant treat is a refreshing medley of crushed ice, sweetened fruits, root crops, and beans, layered with creamy milk and often topped with a scoop of ube (purple yam) or leche flan. The unique combination of textures and flavors makes Halo-Halo a staple during the hot summer months and a festive favorite for gatherings and celebrations. Originating from the post-war era, Halo-Halo has evolved into a symbol of Filipino ingenuity and hospitality, showcasing the country’s abundant produce. Its delightful mix of local ingredients like saba bananas, jackfruit, and sweet beans captures the essence of Filipino cuisine: colorful, diverse, and always satisfying! Halo-Halo’s sweet, creamy, and slightly earthy flavors, paired with the coolness of ice, make it the ultimate tropical dessert. Enjoying this dish is a joyful, interactive experience, as everyone customizes their glass to their own taste.
Ingredients(for 1 tall glass (approx. 350ml) per serving)
- 2 cups Crushed ice (finely shaved)
- 1/2 cup Sweetened red mung beans (munggo)
- 1/2 cup Sweetened jackfruit (langka, sliced)
- 1/2 cup Sweetened saba bananas (cooked in syrup)
- 1/4 cup Sweetened macapuno (coconut sport strings)
- 1/4 cup Cooked purple yam (ube halaya)
- 1/4 cup Sweetened red kidney beans - optional
- 1/2 cup Evaporated milk (low-fat)
- 2 slices Leche flan (homemade or store-bought) - optional
- 1/4 cup Fresh fruits (mango or melon) (cubed) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Prepare all sweetened fruits and beans. Drain excess syrup to reduce sugar and calories. Slice jackfruit, saba bananas, and macapuno into bite-sized pieces.
5 minutes
Use homemade sweetened beans or fruits for better control over sugar content.
- 2
In a tall glass, layer 2 tablespoons each of sweetened beans, jackfruit, saba bananas, and macapuno at the bottom.
3 minutes
Vary the order of ingredients for a colorful presentation.
- 3
Add a layer of crushed ice, filling the glass to about 2/3 full.
2 minutes
Pack the ice gently to keep layers defined but not too tightly to avoid melting.
- 4
Pour 1/4 cup of low-fat evaporated milk over the ice in each glass.
1 minute
Chill the evaporated milk beforehand for extra refreshment.
Why This Dish is Healthy
By focusing on fresh and homemade ingredients, this Halo-Halo is a guilt-free indulgence. The combination of fruits, beans, and coconut provides natural sweetness, fiber, and important micronutrients. Choosing low-fat milk and minimizing syrup makes this dessert suitable for calorie-conscious and heart-healthy diets, without sacrificing the authentic experience.
This healthy Halo-Halo recipe features a variety of fruits and beans, providing dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants. Using low-fat evaporated milk and reducing added syrup lowers saturated fat and added sugars. Ube and jackfruit are rich in phytonutrients, while the crushed ice base keeps the dessert low in overall calories compared to baked sweets.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use finely shaved ice for the perfect Halo-Halo texture.
- 💡Tip 2: Prepare all toppings in advance for quick assembly.
- 💡Tip 3: Adjust sweetness by rinsing syrup-packed ingredients under cold water.
Storage & Serving
Ingredients can be prepared ahead and stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble only when ready to serve to preserve texture and freshness.
Best served: Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 155.0 kcal |
| Protein | 3.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32.0 g |
| Total Fat | 2.0 g |
| Fiber | 2.0 g |
