North Americans eat more than $2 billion worth of ice cream every summer, the busiest time of the year for this sweet treat.

If you love ice cream, but not the calories and fat that come with it, there are some lighter alternatives.

At La Casa Gelato Parlour in Vancouver, 218 flavours means everyone can find a flavour they like.

Over the years they've tried about 600 concoctions.

"That's me I'm never satisfied I don't know what it is,'' said owner Vince Misceo.

They get ideas for new flavours from customers who come to the shop from  all over the world.

" We had a flavour from Peru, Chilimoya. We had it for two years and we have people coming in and say Vince where is the Chilimoya and I say we can't get it no more."

Gelatto is a lighter version of ice cream. But what about ice creams labeled light or fat free you find in the grocery store.

"The term 'light' means a food that has one-third fewer calories or half the fat of a regular version," said Erin Gudeux of Consumer Reports.

Sensory panelists had the tough task of taste-testing six Vanilla and four Chocolate ice creams. One fat-free ice cream disappointed.

"Breyer's Free Fat-Free Double Churn Creamy was gummy. And as with most fat-free foods, it doesn't necessarily offer real calorie savings," said Gudeux.

Haagen-dazs extra rich light vanilla bean and dutch chocolate were the clear winners.

"Both Haagen-Dazs vanilla and chocolate ice creams rated very good and they have big flavor. But Haagen-Dazs will hit you harder in the wallet," said Gudeux.

Compared to the other light ice creams tested, Haagen-dazs has about twice the calories and fat and costs about twice as much.

Back at La Casa, one question remains -- what the strangest lavour Vince has ever come up with?

"Chocolate fudge with smoked salmon and I guess people... just because of the idea of smoked salmon.... I sold, I think, two cones and I told my daughter this has got to get out of here, it doesn't sell so good."

The most successful unusual flavours are Wasabi, Dandelion Roots and Durian. But of course -- if you want it, they still have vanilla.

If you looking for a low fat frozen treat, gellato or sorbet have less fat and calories than even light ice cream.

With a report by CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen