Skip the ice cream truck and go straight for the healthier ice pops this summer! Remember: not all popsicles are created equal & healthy. Store-bought treats typically pack a significant amount of added sugar, artificial colours and preservatives. DIY popsicles instead require only five ingredients or less, meaning they are inexpensive, healthy and easy to make. They are also a fun way for children and adults to experiment in the kitchen together, and an effortless way to add more nutrients to your child’s diet without using refined sugar. You might get impatient waiting for your pops to freeze, but hold on in there as these treats are definitely worth the wait!
Apple & Coconut Yoghurt Popsicles
2 to 3 apples
½ cup of coconut milk
½ cup of coconut yoghurt
granola and/or kiwifruit
Light and delicious and not just for kids. Place 2 to 3 apples in the blender with ½ cup of coconut milk and coconut yoghurt. Blend until smooth. Stir in some sliced apples, granola or kiwi fruit and pour into a popsicle mould and add the sticks. Freeze for at least 6 hours, until solid. Yummm!
Mint & Watermelon Popsicles
3 cups diced watermelon pieces
1 tbsp mint leaves
1 1/2 cups coconut water
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp honey
In a blender, puree 2 1/2 cups diced watermelon pieces, 1 tbsp mint leaves, 1 1/2 cups coconut water, 1 tbsp lime juice and 1 tbsp honey. Cut extra watermelon slices into 1/4 inch cubes and evenly divide them between the popsicle moulds, then pour in the popsicle mixture and insert the popsicle sticks, if the sticks do not stay in place use a piece of tape to secure them. Freeze for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
Strawberry & Coconut Popsicles
3/4 cup coconut milk
3/4 cup coconut water
1/2 cup coconut cream
Juice of half a lime
5-8 fresh raspberries
This recipe is highly adaptable and customisable. If any of the fruit is not in season for your area change it out for one that is. Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process or blend until puréed, about 1-2 minutes. Pour mixture through a medium strainer to remove berry seeds. Pour strained mixture into popsicle moulds of choice. Freeze for at least 5 hours or overnight.
Breakfast Popsicles
1 cup greek yogurt
1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
2 tbsp honey
granola or oats
A delicious, healthy breakfast that is quick and easy to make and will keep you cool all day long. Simply mix 1 cup greek yogurt, 1/2 cup almond milk (or milk of choice) and 2 tbsp honey. Then pour all ingredients into your popsicle moulds, add in a few berries (or any fresh fruit you have at home), and top with a little granola or oats. Easy, right?
