Homemade Fruit Ice Pops: A Refreshing Summer Treat that Everyone Can Enjoy

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream… and popsicles, and just about anything that is frozen and will cool us down. That seems to be the theme throughout our house this summer. Everyone is looking for something “cold” to eat, especially when we are out and about.

Just about everyone enjoys a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day, but sometimes it is nice to have healthier options on hand. Our family recently gave these Homemade Fruit Ice Pops a try and they have become a summertime staple ever since. Unlike the frozen flavored ice sticks that you can buy at the grocery store, these homemade pops are free of artificial colors and additives, and are full of some of summer’s most prized (and healthy) flavors. They require minimal time to prepare and are a great way to use up some of your overly-ripe produce. They are also a fun way to get your children into the kitchen and more involved with helping prepare health food options for the entire family. And, just in case you are ever in the mood for an adults-only treat that is equally refreshing and fun to eat, I have included some fun add-in options. Stay cool, and enjoy!

*Here is the link to the Zipzicle ice pop pouches that our family has been using : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N795KR4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Homemade Fruit Ice Pops

Tips: 

• Use a funnel or turkey baster to fill plastic tubes
• Leave about 1 inch between your juice and the top of the tube and pinch out the air before sealing, which allows filling to expand as it freezes without bursting the plastic
• Place pops in a container upright to freeze (I use a large plastic cup)

 

Berry Lemonade Pops:

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups fresh blackberries or quartered strawberries

½ cup water or apple juice

1 TBSP lemon juice

Directions:

Puree berries and water or juice until smooth. Stir in lemon juice. Pour into pouches and freeze.

ADULTS ONLY: Stir in 2 TBSP vodka before pouring into pouches.

Peach Mango Pops:

Ingredients:

1 mango, peeled and sliced

2 peaches, peeled and chopped

Directions:

Puree peaches and mango until smooth. Add water if needed to thin out slightly. Pour into pouches and freeze.

ADULTS ONLY: Stir in 2 TBSP Tequila before pouring into pouches.

Blueberry Coconut Pops:

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

¼ cup orange juice

¾ cup coconut milk

Directions:

Simmer berries and juice 5 minutes. Blend berry mixture with coconut milk until smooth. Pour into pouches and freeze.

ADULTS ONLY: Stir in 2 TBSP dark rum before pouring into pouches.

Melon Lime Pops:

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh cantaloupe, chopped

¼ cup fresh lime juice

1-2 TBSP pure maple syrup to taste

Directions:

Puree melon and juice until smooth Add syrup to taste and stir. Pour into pouches and freeze.

Sarah Young is a wife, mother of three, Certified Health Education Specialist, and healthy living advocate. She has a background in Dietetics and a B.S. in Health, Fitness, and Recreational Resources with a concentration in Health Promotion. She is also a writer for several local and online publications, an ambassador for the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation, and a health contributor for ABC 7 News/WJLA. In her spare time, she enjoys running, hiking, gardening, and spending time with her family and their dog, Maple.