5 Healthy and Delicious Popsicle Recipes
Hot summer weather is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to think about cool summer foods. High on that list is a perennial favorite—the popsicle, a treat for children of all ages. But we’re not talking about store-bought, capital “P” Popsicles. As popular as those—and similar, mass-produced delights—are, they usually contain artificial flavors, preservatives, and high-fructose corn syrup.
But there’s a way around that pitfall: make your own healthy and nutritious popsicles! It’s easy, it’s fun, and the results are, in a word, tasty (do-it-yourself popsicles are generally less expensive, too). And making homemade popsicles is a great way for parents and children to have a good time together. There are plenty of recipes available that allow you to create these delicious treats (Maybe they should be called “treatsicles.”) Here are a few of our favorite popsicle recipes (click on the links for full recipes and instructions).
Pineapple Popsicles with Chia Seeds
Pineapple, coconut, and chia seeds lend a tropical turn to a summer delight.
Ingredients
- 13 1/2ounces unsweetened coconut milk, (full fat)
- 20ounces crushed pineapple in 100% juice, canned, (divided, see below)
- 1/2cup pineapple juice, drained from can of crushed pineapple
- 1/2cup crushed pineapple, from can of crushed pineapple, use remainder for layering popsicles
- 1 1/2tablespoons iO wildflower honey, iO agave syrup or iO pure maple syrup (to your liking)
- 1/4cup iO chia seeds
Recipe courtesy of Jessica Gavin
Vegan Fudge Pops
A thoroughly decadent and oh-so-cool popsicle that can help chill on a hot day.
Ingredients
- 1 large avocado, ripe
- 1 and ½ cups dairy-free milk (we use unsweetened almond milk)
- ½ cup iO pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
Recipe courtesy of Kristen Lindsay
Green Smoothie Popsicles
Vegetables in popsicles? Who knew? Spinach, parsley, fruit, honey, ginger and milk (dairy-free works, too) combine to make a tasty, healthy treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup iO milk
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- ¼ cup parsley
- 1 banana
- 2 kiwis
- 2 Tbsp. iO wild honey
- 1 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger
Recipe courtesy of Amanda’s Cookin’
Peach Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles
Strawberries & peaches are delicious by themselves, add yogurt for texture, protein, prebiotics and probiotics and you’ve got a powerful pop.*
Ingredients
- 3cupsstrawberries (fresh or iO frozen), pureed
- 3cupspeaches, peeled and sliced, pureed
- 2tablespoonsiO honey, divided
- 2/3cupvanilla Greek yogurt
Recipe courtesy of Jessica Gavin
Strawberry Balsamic Popsicles
Here’s a very appealing idea for a slightly more sophisticated pallet. Hey…popsicles are not just for the kids!
Ingredients
- 3 cups iO frozen strawberries
- 2 tsp iO balsamic vinegar
- 2-3 tsp iO wildflower honey or iO agave
Recipe courtesy of One Lovely Life
These recipes are just starters. Don’t be afraid to experiment on your own. Naturally sweetened fruit purees and juices such as orange, guava, grape, or lemon are always good ingredients and eliminate the need for adding sugar. Small pieces of strawberries, kiwi, watermelon, and other favorites can be added for texture. Opt for organic fruit whenever possible to get the full nutritional benefits they provide. Want a creamy popsicle? Yogurt and bananas will do the trick. The yogurt will also provide protein and probiotics*; banana puree offers a smooth consistency. Unsweetened coconut milk extends the tropical theme and adds subtle sweetness. Adding seeds or nuts makes a popsicle even more interesting.
Inspired Organics has a wide selection of tasty and nutritious ingredients to make your popsicles supercool and healthy. Check it out. It’s your summer, let’s make it pop!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
