As the heat of the summer arrives, so does the need for delicious popsicles! Not only are these frozen treats delicious to eat, but they can be a sneaky way to keep your kids eating healthy and hydrated too. We’ve got some fun recipes and easy freezing techniques – no special equipment needed!
Ice Molds
The great thing about popsicles is that even the simplest of recipes and freezing technique delivers a great result. You can purchase ice pop molds online, at a retailer, or a dollar store too. Or you can use items from around your house like small cups, empty yogurt cups, small plastic food storage containers – anything! Just steer clear of any glass containers. They lack flexibility and can break when frozen liquid expands.
For the sticks, obviously popsicle sticks work great. Plastic “cake pop” style sticks are often sold at grocery stores in bulk and are inexpensive. In a pinch, a small spoon works great too.
Recipes
Fun serving ideas, like popsicles, are a great way to get your kiddos to eat healthy and maybe even try something new!
Fruity
Blend up your favorite fruits in a blender, pour, freeze, and enjoy! Frozen or fresh fruit both work great. Use plain water, coconut water, or 100% juice to help blend ingredients. Great combinations:
- strawberry banana
- berry (any!) lemonade
- honeydew melon and mint
- cantaloupe and raspberry
- watermelon and mint
- banana and hazelnut spread
- kiwi and strawberry
- apple and blueberry
- pineapple and coconut milk
Sneaky Healthy
It’s a little known secret, but blending veggies in with fruit makes them virtually undetectable! Try mixing in a handful of spinach to any of the above recipes. Spinach is mild in flavor and breaks down easily making it ideal to sneak in. Carrots are another mild flavor that can easily be disguised in an ice pop.
Hydrating
If your little one isn’t a fan of liquids, the frozen version could be just what they need!
- watered down apple juice
- coconut water and pineapple juice
- electrolyte solutions like Gatorade, slightly watered down
- lemonade or limeade
- orange juice, coconut water, and pineapple juice
Fro Yo
Freezing containers of yogurt might be the simplest recipes yet! Just poke a stick through the top of the container, and freeze. That’s it! Or empty the container into smaller versions for quicker bites. Blend up yogurt with banana or berries before placing into popsicle molds.
Can’t decide which recipe to make? Create smaller batches of ingredients and fill an mold with more than one recipe! The stripes are sure to wow your kids and you’ll be able to find your favorite flavor.
