We never need much of an excuse to eat a snowball. And when the ‘feels like’ temperature is in the triple digits, it just feels like it’s the right thing to do.

Spoiler alert: Most snowballs are – like king cake and other New Orleans traditions – the type of thing that’s best as an occasional indulgence. They’re typically loaded with sugar (some 60-plus grams of added sugar), and many have artificial food dyes and flavors.

Sugar-free snowballs are available at many, if not most, snowball stands. These are a decent alternative, but most are artificially sweetened with aspartame (Equal) or sucralose (Splenda), and often still have artificial colors.

Here’s the rundown on three snowball stands serving up better-for-you icy treats that you’ve got to try. All are women-owned, offering handmade, small batch, artisan snowballs. 

1. Imperial Woodpecker | 3511 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

All-natural, house-made flavors like Strawberry-Basil, Pineapple-Cilantro, Watermelon-Jalapeno, sweetened with natural cane sugar and natural fruit juices. Sugar-free flavors like grape and wedding cake are also available.

3. Chance in Hell | 4205 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70117

All handmade, small-batch and seasonal. Made with real fruit, sweetened with cane sugar (not high fructose corn syrup), with no artificial colors or flavors.

3. Nectar + Ice | 3304 Green Acres Rd Unit B, Metairie, LA 70003

With options specifically designed for vegans, halal diners and those with food allergies, Nectar + Ice offers a monk fruit-sweetened snowball with less than a teaspoon-ish of added sugar (from agave) per serving. And the ‘icing’ on these beautiful, good-for-you treats: every snowball is topped with a beautiful little edible flower.

Editor’s note: Registered dietitian Molly Kimball offers brand-name products as a consumer guide; she does not solicit product samples nor is she paid to recommend items. A version of this article originally appeared on WGNO's FUELED Wellness + Nutrition.