Is there anything better than cooling down with a popsicle on a hot summer day? We think not. But we’d rather not reach for those sickly sweet ones you find in your supermarket’s frozen foods section. “Store-bought brands are loaded with added sugar and lack fresh fruit, which is why I prefer to make pops at home,” says nutritionist and founder of Bestowed, Heather Bauer. And now you can, too: Bauer shared her four favorite homemade popsicles recipes, which are delicious, healthy and easy to make. Just pick up the ingredients and a popsicle mold like this BPA-free one, this stainless steel one, or simple 3-ounce plastic cups paired with popsicle sticks, and you’ll be saying, “See ya later, ice cream man!”
1Red White & Blue Pops or July 4th Pops
Fruit and cream is a tasty combination and can be done in a healthy way that will still tame your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
(Serves 6)
1 cup Stonyfield Plain Greek yogurt
1 cup blueberries and chopped strawberries, mixed
2 tablespoons Nektar Naturals honey crystals or organic honey
Directions:
Puree yogurt and fresh berries with honey in a food processor. Fill 3-ounce paper cups with mixture, insert popsicle sticks and place in the freezer for at least six hours. These are great to make in bulk and keep in your fridge for guests, kids or to satisfy a sweet craving.
2Green “Shrek” Pops
This protein- and vegetable-packed pop is a surprisingly delicious, guilt-free treat.
Ingredients:
(Serves 2)
1 scoop Tera’s Whey Organic Bourbon Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
½ cup unsweetened coconut milk or coconut water
2 cups baby kale or baby spinach
1½ cups chopped pineapple
1 ripe banana, frozen, broken into chunks
Ice
Directions:
Combine all ingredients, making sure to put the liquids in first. Blend on high until smooth, about 1 minute. Serve yourself a smoothie and then fill the rest into your popsicle mold. Allow 6 hours for pops to freeze.
3Greek Yogurt Orange “Creamsicle” Pops
A new, healthier twist on the Creamsicle of your childhood.
Ingredients:
(Serves 2)
1 cup Stonyfield Organic Nonfat Greek Yogurt
2 whole, peeled oranges, no pits
Zest of 1 orange, optional
1 tablespoon organic raw honey
½ cup frozen mango chunks
4 ice cubes
Directions:
Combine all ingredients, place in a pop mold and freeze for 6 hours.
4Margarita Pop
This adults-only pop is one cool way to kick off summertime happy hour. Cheers!
Ingredients:
(Serves 1)
1 ounce Patron
½ ounce Cointreau
Juice of ½ or 1 whole lime (to taste)
A splash of Sprite Zero
Directions:
Combine all ingredients and taste. If you like a little fresher lime flavor, go for more lime juice. If not, add more Sprite Zero. Place mixture in a pop mold, topping off with a slice of lime speared in place when you insert the popsicle stick. Freeze for 6 hours.
