This post contains affiliate links.

The most prominent items in my freezer during summer are frozen fruit and healthy popsicles. With the brutal Oklahoma heat, having a stash of popsicles in the freezer is basically a survival strategy.

I’ve rounded up my favorite healthy popsicles recipes along with go-to clean-ish popsicle brands.

Healthy popsicles on a board with lime and avocado

Best Healthy Popsicle Recipes

It’s really very simple and affordable to make healthy popsicles that avoid added sugars, artificial flavors, food dyes and gums. It’s become my go-to way to use up frozen fruit scraps. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick spin in the blender, the freezer does most of the work. Try these homemade recipes to see how refreshing and flavorful they can be.

creamy strawberry popsicles in a pile over ice.

Creamy Strawberry Popsicles

These strawberry popsicles stand out because of their creamy texture of an ice cream bar while staying completely dairy-free. Instead of relying on heavy cream or artificial ingredients, they're made with cashews, fresh strawberries, and vanilla for a naturally rich flavor.
Get Recipe
Green smoothie popsicle missing a bite.

Green Smoothie Popsicle

If you're trying to sneak a few more greens into your day, these green smoothie popsicles are the answer. Blended with fruit and nutrient-rich ingredients, they're naturally sweet, refreshing, and packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Get Recipe
fresh watermelon popsicles sitting on ice with fresh strawberries and watermelon slices.

Watermelon Popsicles

When the weather is hot and humid, these watermelon popsicles are exactly what I reach for. They're light, fruity, and bursting with fresh watermelon flavor in every bite. Unlike heavier frozen desserts, these healthy popsicles feel refreshing while satisfying your sweet cravings.
Get Recipe
Lime popsicles on a table with lime slices and avocado.

Creamy Lime Popsicles

If you're a fan of anything citrusy, these creamy lime popsicles are about to become a freezer favorite. They’re made with fresh lime for that bold, zesty flavor, blended into a creamy base that softens the tartness beautifully.
Get Recipe
coconut popsicles on plate with extra popsicles in the background

Best Store-Bought Healthy Popsicles

While I love homemade popsicles, I also understand the convenience of grabbing a box from the store. Not all frozen popsicles are created equal, though. Some are packed with added sugars, artificial dyes, and ingredients I prefer to avoid. These are my favorite store-bought healthy popsicles made with simpler ingredients, real fruit, and fewer artificial additives.

  • 365 Fruit Bars: Made with whole fruit as the first ingredient, these bars are one of the simplest and most wholesome options in the freezer aisle.
  • Aldi Frozen Fruit Bars: Made with real fruit and free from artificial dyes, these are a solid budget-friendly option, though they do contain some added sugar.
  • GoodPop: A solid clean-ingredient pick with no dyes or added sugar, and they use fruit juice for natural sweetness.
  • Johnny Pops: These pops are free from artificial dyes and come in a range of flavors. Some are lower in sugar than others, so it’s worth checking the label.
  • Outshine Fruit Pops: Probably the easiest to find and budget-friendly. They contain some added sugar but are made with real fruit and no artificial dyes.

Healthy Popsicle Tips

  • Look for real fruit: When buying store-bought popsicles, look for options made with real fruit and simple ingredients.
  • Use ripe fruit: Naturally sweet fruits like mango, pineapple, blueberries, and raspberries add plenty of flavor without needing extra sweeteners.
  • Run popsicle molds under warm water: If your homemade popsicles won’t release, a few seconds under warm water usually does the trick.
Popsicle sticks in a popsicle mold

Best Homemade Popsicle Molds

If you’ve ever tried making homemade fruit popsicles and ended up wrestling with a mold that just won’t cooperate, you know it can either make or break the whole experience. Here are the ones I like to use:

If you make any of these healthy popsicles, I’d love to hear how they turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.

Common Questions

Are healthy popsicles actually good for you?

Yes, healthy popsicles can absolutely be a better-for-you option, especially when they’re made with whole ingredients like real fruit, coconut milk, or yogurt. Instead of artificial flavors and dyes, you’re getting vitamins, minerals, and natural sweetness from real food. Of course, they’re still a treat, but one you can feel a lot better about enjoying regularly.

What are healthy popsicles made of?

Most healthy popsicle recipes start with simple, real ingredients like blended fruit, fruit juice, coconut water, or non-dairy milk. Some recipes also include yogurt, nut butter, or even leafy green vegetables like spinach for an extra nutrient boost.

Do healthy popsicles still contain sugar?

They can, but it usually comes naturally from fruit instead of refined sugar. That’s the big difference. Fruit already brings plenty of sweetness on its own, so most homemade versions don’t need much (or any) added sugar. If you do add natural sweeteners, it’s typically something lighter like honey or maple syrup, and totally adjustable to your taste.

How long do homemade healthy popsicles last in the freezer?

If stored properly in an airtight container or well-sealed mold, they’ll last about 2–3 months in the freezer. After that, they’re still safe to eat, but the texture and flavor may start to decline a bit. For the best texture, freeze popsicles overnight before serving.

You Might Also Like…

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Hi. I clicked on the link for the blender, but I didn’t find anything. Can you help?

    Reply

    1. Hi Jan! That deal is no longer available. Sorry 🙁

  2. 5 stars
    Great recipe!!! My partner and I made these yesterday, they froze overnight…had one today after our lunch smoothie (strawberry banana healthy smoothie), this is SO good! It will hold me over until dinner…OMG! Best recipe ever. I’m going to make a different kind each week during Summer….easy healthy snacks without all the sugar from the store bought ones….I feel so FULL!!!

    Thanks again!

    Reply

  3. 5 stars
    Fine way of telling, and pleasant piece of writing to obtain information on the topic of
    my presentation topic, which i am going to present in university.

    Reply

  5. 5 stars
    Loving the information on this internet site, you have done outstanding job on the posts.

    Reply

  7. 5 stars
    Thanks for finally talking about >Healthy Popsicle Recipe for Glowing Skin | Simple Green Smoothies <Liked it!

    Reply

  8. Me and my kiddos Love this recipe for popsicles or smoothies! What is the difference between using the CANNED coconut milk vs. the regular stuff in the box/refrigerated? Thanks!

    Reply

    1. 5 stars
      Hey Stephanie,

      The canned full fat coconut milk is much richer and creamier than the regular coconut milk you could buy in the cold section or the box. It makes for a delicious added flavor to any smoothie or popsicle!!

  9. 5 stars
    What’s up colleagues, good post and pleasant arguments
    commented at this place, I am actually enjoying by these.

    Reply

    1. Hey Dreams,

      So happy you enjoyed the recipe and article!

  11. Hi Jane,

    Sick of coconut? Say it isn’t so!! Hahaha, just kidding. Swap in another plant-based milk you love! Some great options are almond milk, hemp milk – and my creamy favorite – cashew milk!

    Reply

  12. Quick question. I’m 56 years old and have cystic acne. I’m not very fond of popsicles so could I reap the same “glowing skin” benefits by just drinking the smoothie without freezing it?

    Reply