The heat turns up and, without fail, my kids ask me for popsicles. But the artificial dyes and vast quantities of sugar so often found in such summer treats is a huge a turn-off. By making my own, not only can I control the ingredients, but I can also make them fairly nutritious and somewhat filling! These three recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free, and free of any artificial flavor or color! A win for mom and for my kids. Enjoy!
Lavender-Blueberry Popsicles
Why we Love this recipe?
Lavender may reduce bloating and help you feel calmer + the blueberries are packed with health-boosting antioxidants.
Makes 6, 3-ounce pops
1 cup coconut sugar
1 Tbsp dried culinary lavender
4 cups fresh blueberries
1. Whisk together ½ cup water and coconut sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until mixture begins to thicken, about 10 minutes. Add lavender and simmer until mixture has reduced by about half and looks thick and syrupy, about 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat and strain syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl. Discard lavender. Let syrup cook for 15 minutes. Transfer to a food processor, add blueberries, and process until very smooth.
2. Pour mixture into pop molds and freeze for 1 hour, then insert sticks and freeze until solid, at least 4 additional hours.
Per serving (1 pop): 200 calories, 0g fat, 2g fiber, 1g protein, 54g carb
Spicy Pineapple-Greens Popsicles
Why we Love this recipe?
Have you ever tasted a popsicle that's both sweet and spicy?! This "green" popsicle is a really fun way to eat your chlorophyll (via the arugula), along with bromelain, the enzyme in pineapple that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.
Makes 6, 3-ounce pops
Zest and juice of 1 lime
½ banana
1 cup arugula
1 cup fresh or frozen cubed pineapple
1 jalapeño, stemmed, seeded, and deveined. Be sure to remove all the seeds and white membrane from the jalapeño to keep the heat in check.
¾ cup coconut water
1/8 tsp salt
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
1. Blend together all ingredients in a blender until very smooth.
2. Pour mixture into pop molds and freeze for 1 hour, then insert sticks and freeze until solid at least 4 additional hours.
Per serving (1 pop): 32 calories, 0g fat, 1g fiber, 0g protein, 8g carb
Turmeric Golden Milk Popsicles
Why we Love this recipe?
The coconut! Yum! It’s so creamy and satiating, and filled with good fats that stabilize your blood sugar levels. Along with that, the turmeric and ginger add a unique flavor + inflammation fighting properties.
Note: If coconut milk is too rich for your taste buds, try mixing it with almond or cashew milk.
Makes 6, 3-ounce pops
2 cups full-fat coconut milk
3 Tbsp honey
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1. Blend together all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
2. Pour mixture into pop molds and freeze for 1 hour, then insert sticks and freeze until solid, at least 4 additional hours.
Per serving (1 pop): 183 calories, 16g fat, 0g fiber, 2g protein, 11g carb
Happy Holidays!
Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods
Recipes courtesy of Health.com
