Healthy Popsicles That Make Summer Sweeter

Consider the humble popsicle. A nostalgic symbol of sticky fingers, grass-stained knees, and that sweet relief on a blazing summer day.

But here’s the scoop—popsicles aren’t just for kids anymore. Adults deserve a little frozen fun too. And thanks to some savvy brands and simple ingredients, there are healthier options that ditch the artificial colors, added sugars, and “wait, what is that ingredient?” kind of ingredients.

A client recently asked me if there were healthier popsicles out there—ones that actually taste like fruit because… well, they’re made from real fruit. The good news? Yes, yes, and more yes. Whether you’re looking to refresh a sweaty toddler or reward yourself after a power walk or a gardening session, these freezer pop options are just the thing.

What to Look for in a Healthier Popsicle:        

• No added sugars – Fruit is sweet enough on its own.
• No artificial dyes – You don’t need a popsicle that glows brighter than your future.
• Made with real fruit or 100% fruit juice – Recognizable ingredients are always a win. 
• No artificial sweeteners – Skip the sneaky stuff like sucralose or aspartame. They may be calorie-free, but they can mess with your taste buds—and your gut.
• Low calorie (but satisfying) – Especially nice for mindful snackers who want to cool off without a sugar crash.

Better-for-You Brands That Actually Taste Good:

Here are a few popsicle and freezer pop options that pass the “real food” test:

• GoodPop – Made with organic fruit and no added sugars. Flavors like Strawberry Lemonade or Cherry Limeade feel just right for all ages.
• DeeBee’s Organics SuperFruit Freezies – These are freezer pops in a tube, made from 100% organic fruit juice and no added sugar. Great for lunchboxes and poolside happy hours.
• JonnyPops – Creamy or fruity options made with simple ingredients like bananas, strawberries, and real cream (watch for added sugars in some flavors—but they’re generally much cleaner than conventional brands).
• Outshine Fruit Bars – These are widely available and use fruit and juice as the base. They do contain 12 grams of added sugar but are a better choice than some. Avoid the “no sugar added” variety of these bars as they contain acesulfame potassium (sold under the brands Sunett and Sweet One) and other artificial sweeteners.

While whole fruits are always the gold standard, a popsicle now and then is a fun way to cool off—and these options are a whole lot better than the neon sugar bombs of summers past.

Want to DIY Your Pops? Here’s a Simple Formula:

Blend your favorite fruit (like mango, berries, watermelon, or banana), add a splash of lime or lemon juice, and pour into molds. Freeze and enjoy! Add a little Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a creamier version that feels like dessert.

Because Adults Deserve Popsicles Too 

Let’s face it—adulting is hard. Taxes, laundry, assembling patio furniture… you deserve a popsicle. Whether you’re sitting on the porch swing or hiding from your kids or grandkids behind the fridge door (we see you), a real-fruit freezer pop can be a bright spot in your day.

So go ahead—channel your inner child, grab a popsicle, and make summer just a little cooler.

Much love,
Health Coach Carol

“Popsicles are the frozen memories of childhood summers.” – Unknown