Popsicles, ice-lollies, paletas, and ice pops are some of the most beloved treats of summer. But if you’re watching your sugar intake, many of those boxed varieties won’t make the dietary cut. Instead, opt for healthy and equally refreshing at-home popsicle recipes.
The five popsicles recipes below all work off of one basic method. Coconut water will give your popsicles sweet tropical flavor while providing loads of naturally occurring electrolytes. Not to mention, coconut water also contains potassium, sodium, magnesium, and natural occurring sugar—making the pops perfect for rehydrating after a day of running around in the sun and heat. The varying fruit and natural sweeteners (honey, maple syrup and juice) is where you’ll get your sweetness and flavor.
Base Recipe:
What you’ll need: (makes 8 popsicles, depending on mold used)
- 4 cups coconut water
- 2 cups fruit combination [see fruit combinations below]
- Popsicle mold and sticks
How to Make the Pops:
- In a blender, blend coconut water with chosen fruit until smooth. You can choose to leave some fruit chunks in this mixture if you’d like.
- Pour the mixture into the popsicle mold. If your mold has slots for sticks, you can insert these before freezing, if not, freeze for about 2 hours, until slightly hard and then put the popsicle stick in the middle, continue freezing until firm. Overnight is suggested.
Fruit Combinations:
Coconut Strawberry Banana: 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries + ½ large banana + ¼ cup maple syrup
Coconut Mango (left): 1 cup mango + 4 dates, pitted + ¼ cup fresh orange juice
Pineapple Mango (right): 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple + 1 cup mango + ¼ cup shredded coconut
Coconut Blueberry: 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries + ¼ cup honey
Coconut Banana: 2 whole bananas + dash of cinnamon + ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Tip: If you’re bringing these to a picnic or BBQ, individually wrap each popsicle in clear wrap and then lay flat in a large freezer bag with ice surrounding them. This will help keep the popsicles cold while keeping them from losing their shape.
McKel Hill, MS, RD, LDN is the creator of Nutrition Stripped, a plant-based, whole foods and gluten-free food blog specializing in nourishing recipes and nutrition services. You can keep up with her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
