How to Make Authentic Pinoy Halo Halo at Home

Savor the vibrant flavors of the Philippines’ most iconic dessert without derailing your Weight Watchers goals! This Pinoy Halo-Halo reimagines the classic layered treat with smart swaps, fresh ingredients, and portion control, delivering all the sweetness and crunch you crave at just 4-5 WW SmartPoints per serving. Perfect for beating the heat or celebrating summer, this guilt-free version keeps the tradition alive while fitting seamlessly into your wellness journey.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• WW-Friendly Tropical Bliss: Enjoy layers of shaved ice, juicy fruits, and creamy goodness—without the sugar overload!
• Quick & Customizable: Use pantry staples or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
• Low-Point Swaps: Sugar-free sweets, light milk, and fresh fruit slash points.
• Family Fun: Let everyone build their own bowl for a festive activity.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prep ingredients ahead for instant dessert magic.

Ingredients

Base Layers:

• 4 cups shaved ice (plain or sugar-free)
• 1/2 cup sugar-free nata de coco (coconut gel)
• 1/2 cup sugar-free kaong (sugar palm fruit)
• 1/2 cup fresh or unsweetened canned jackfruit (sliced)
• 1/2 cup cooked red mung beans (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup fresh ripe banana (sliced, no added sugar)

Creamy Toppings:

• 1/2 cup light evaporated milk (or unsweetened almond milk for 0 points)
• 1/4 cup sugar-free ube halaya (purple yam jam) or 1 tsp ube extract mixed with fat-free Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup fat-free leche flan (see recipe below)
• 2 tbsp sugar-free pinipig (toasted rice crisps)

Optional Add-Ons (adjust points):

• 1/4 cup sugar-free sago (tapioca pearls)
• 1/4 cup fresh mango cubes
• 1 tbsp sugar-free vanilla ice cream (+1 point)

Instructions

Prep Ingredients

1. Cook red mung beans: Simmer 1/4 cup dried beans in water until tender (about 30 minutes). Drain and cool.
2. Make fat-free leche flan: Whisk 4 egg whites, 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 tsp vanilla, and 2 tbsp sugar substitute. Pour into ramekins, steam for 15 minutes, and chill.

Layer Your Halo-Halo

1. Start with shaved ice: Fill each glass or bowl 1/3 full with shaved ice.
2. Add fruits and beans: Layer banana, jackfruit, red beans, nata de coco, and kaong.
3. Top with ice: Add another layer of shaved ice.

Finish with Toppings

1. Drizzle with light evaporated milk.
2. Add a spoonful of sugar-free ube halaya or ube yogurt.
3. Crumble fat-free leche flan on top.
4. Sprinkle pinipig and optional sago or mango.

Serve & Enjoy

1. Mix gently with a spoon and dig in! Add a small scoop of sugar-free ice cream for extra indulgence.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, without optional ice cream)

• Calories: ~120
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sugar: 6g (naturally occurring from fruit)
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 4g
• WW SmartPoints: 4 (with almond milk) or 5 (with light evaporated milk).

Tips for Success

1. Sugar-Free Shortcuts: Use store-bought sugar-free nata de coco and kaong to save time.
2. Boost Protein: Add 1/4 cup fat-free Greek yogurt as a layer.
3. Kid-Friendly: Skip beans and add more fruit like berries or melon.
4. Vegan Option: Use coconut milk and agar-based leche flan.

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers

• Fresh Fruit & Veggies: Bananas, jackfruit, and beans add fiber and natural sweetness.
• Light Dairy: Evaporated milk and egg-white flan cut fat without sacrificing creaminess.
• Portion Control: Smaller servings keep points low while satisfying cravings.

Serving Ideas

• Party Perfect: Set up a DIY Halo-Halo bar with toppings in small bowls.
• Post-Workout Treat: Refuel with the protein-packed leche flan and banana.
• Summer Refreshment: Serve in coconut shells for a tropical vibe.

This Pinoy Halo-Halo brings the joy of Filipino merienda to your table—guilt-free! With its rainbow of textures, from chewy nata de coco to crispy pinipig and creamy ube, every spoonful is a celebration of flavor. Whether you’re nostalgic for home or exploring Filipino cuisine for the first time, this dessert proves that tradition and wellness can go hand in hand.