Summers were made for eating popsicles. Yet the push-pops from my childhood might not be the healthiest option, as tasty as they were. So I’ve created a few super simple healthy popsicle recipes with 100% real ingredients that are actually really good. Vegan popsicles are showin’ up for your summer plans.

vegan popsicles
Table of Contents
  1. Healthy Popsicle Recipes
  2. Homemade vs store bought popsicles
  3. FAQs
  4. Healthy Popsicle Recipe Recipe

Healthy Popsicle Recipes

If you’re looking for some kid-friendly, parent-approved popsicles then I’ve got 5 great recipes for you. These healthy popsicles taste just as good (if not better) than store bought, and they’ve got real ingredients as well as colors too.

creamy strawberry popsicles in a pile over ice.
Creamy Strawberry Popsicles
5 from 2 votes
These fun strawberry popsicles might just be too cute to eat! The creamy, sweet vanilla base is swirled with tart strawberry puree. The texture is soft and pudding-like, reminiscent of ice cream truck favorites of our childhoods.
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Green Smoothie Popsicle
5 from 2 votes
Thanks to the nutrients found in pineapple and coconut, this pina colada popsicle recipe can hardly be categorized as a treat! Coconut is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. And pineapple is chock full of Vitamin C.
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fresh watermelon popsicles sitting on ice with fresh strawberries and watermelon slices.
Watermelon Popsicles
4.6 from 158 votes
Two simple ingredients is all it takes to make watermelon popsicles sweet enough to fall in love. Ask your kids to join in making this refreshing summer treat.
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Healthy Homemade Popsicles
5 from 1 vote
Making homemade popsicles can be easy, healthy and convenient. These recipes all use plant-based natural ingredients to nourish your body. Pick which colors you'd like to make from the recipe below. 
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Elderberry Popsicles for Sore Throats
5 from 6 votes
We’ve taken our natural remedies a step further by adding black elderberry syrup to a soothing, vitamin C-rich mixture to make tasty popsicles for sore throats. Make these ahead of time so they are ready to grab at the first day of a sore throat.
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Healthy popsicles for glowing skin

The lime-y pops below are affectionately called ‘spa pops’ for how much they hydrate your skin. Healthy fat from the avocados as well as coconut milk work to hydrate the skin. The lime and spinach work their vitamin C magic, while the maple syrup adds just a touch of sweetness to the mix.

Adults and kids alike will love snacking on healthy popsicles like these (they are even toddler-approved!). Don’t be afraid to swap the lime out with lemon, or use light canned coconut milk over full-fat… though full-fat coconut milk provides the ultimate cream factor.

Homemade vs store bought popsicles

I grew up on freeze pops, so I know how good they are. Yet now that I read my food labels, I realize they really aren’t benefiting my body at all. These homemade, healthy popsicles use only real, pronounceable ingredients, all from plants. They are naturally and brightly colored using just food, no need for chemical food coloring here!

If you aren’t sure about adding spinach to your popsicles, then start small! Try 1/2 cup first, then increase the amount each time you make these, because they’ll disappear fast. Try using a high-powered blender like a Vitamix to ensure the smoothest, creamiest mixture possible. Then make sure not to skimp on the chill time! Allow a few hours for the popsicles to firm up in the freezer before enjoying.

healthy popsicle recipes

FAQs

Are popsicles good for my diet?

Yes! Well… they can be. The popsicle recipe above is incredibly refreshing and made the cut for my Seasonal Cleanse. If you choose to buy popsicles, def read the labels. Actual healthy popsicles should be made with only real ingredients, no artificial dyes, colors, or ‘natural flavors.’

Are there healthy ice pops?

The best store-bought pops I’ve found are Chloe’s Pops. Yet if you wanna go the homemade route, then check out my fun and simple recipes!

What are the healthiest popsicles?

Your body will thank you for choosing the popsicles above for a snack. They’ve got some great healthy fat, are low in sugar, and taste amazing… the perfect pop of lime!

key lime pops
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Creamy Lime Popsicles

This healthy popsicle recipe is creamy and refreshing on a hot summer day. Slightly sweet with loads of tangy fresh lime juice and plenty of creaminess from the avocado and coconut milk, it’s hard to believe these are a part of our our Seasonal Cleanse Cleanse …. but they totally are!
Prep: 10 minutes
Freezer Time: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours 10 minutes
Author: Jen Hansard
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Plant-Based
Serves: 6 popsicles

Ingredients  

  • 1 avocado weighs about 8 ounces
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 1 can coconut milk 14-oz light or full-fat
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • Puree the ingredients in a blender until very smooth.
  • Pour into popsicle molds or paper cups with wooden popsicle sticks.
  • Freeze until firm, at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Nutrition

Calories: 130kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 60mg, Potassium: 218mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 523IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 18mg, Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Show me!Mention @SimpleGreenSmoothies or tag #SimpleGreenSmoothies!

About the Author

Jen Hansard

I went from exhausted mama to running across the Grand Canyon, riding & hiking to the top of the tallest waterfall in North America with my kids. How? I fell in love with the smoothies and plant-based meals you can find on my blog.

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  1. 5 stars
    It has been miserably hot in Florida this past month, so thank you for the new popsicle recipes! My daughter and I have been choosing a new recipe each time our molds are emptied from the last batch, and working our way through this list.