Are Ice Lollies Good for You? A Balanced Look

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Heart Association, excessive sugar consumption is linked to health risks like weight gain and heart disease. This makes us question if our favorite frozen treat, the ice lolly, is actually good for us. While commercially produced ice lollies are often high in sugar and artificial ingredients, healthier homemade versions can offer benefits like hydration and vitamins.

Quick Summary

Ice lollies are high in sugar and lack nutritional value, posing risks like weight gain and tooth decay, especially with frequent consumption. Homemade lollies from fruit and yogurt offer a nutritious, hydrating alternative with less sugar. It's about moderation and choosing better ingredients for a healthier treat.

Key Points

High Sugar Content: Most commercial ice lollies are primarily sugar and water, providing minimal nutritional value and contributing to high sugar intake.
Health Risks: Frequent consumption of high-sugar ice lollies can lead to dental decay, weight gain, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes.
Homemade is Healthier: Creating your own ice lollies with natural ingredients like fresh fruit and Greek yogurt allows you to control the sugar content and boost nutritional value.
Alternative Ingredients: Healthy alternatives can include fruit purees, yogurt, coconut milk, and even vegetables to increase vitamins, fiber, and protein.
Hydration Benefits: Ice lollies, especially those made with natural fruit juice or water, can help with hydration, particularly on hot days.
Moderation is Essential: When it comes to store-bought varieties, consuming them infrequently and mindfully is the best approach for a healthy diet.
Avoid Artificial Additives: Many store-bought brands contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives that can be avoided by making them at home.

The Nutritional Breakdown of a Standard Ice Lolly

Commercially produced ice lollies are primarily composed of flavored sugar water. While a single lolly may be low in calories and fat, its high sugar content is the main nutritional concern. This sugar provides a quick burst of energy but can lead to a subsequent crash, and regular consumption contributes to overall excessive sugar intake. Many popular brands contain significant amounts of sugar, with some exceeding half of a child's recommended daily limit in a single serving. Beyond sugar, they offer very little in the way of beneficial nutrients like fiber, protein, or vitamins. This means they are largely 'empty calories' that can displace more nutrient-dense foods in a person's diet. Artificial colors, flavorings, and preservatives are also common ingredients in many store-bought options, which some people prefer to avoid.

The Potential Health Risks of Frequent Consumption

Consistent and frequent consumption of high-sugar ice lollies can lead to several health issues.

Dental Damage

Sugar feeds the harmful bacteria in the mouth, which produces acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. The sucking action of eating a lolly also prolongs the contact time between sugar and teeth, increasing the risk of decay. Dentists often recommend limiting sugary treats and maintaining good oral hygiene.

Weight Gain and Chronic Conditions

Excessive sugar intake is a major contributor to weight gain, which increases the risk of chronic conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar consumption to help manage body weight and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Nutrient Deficiency

If ice lollies replace more nutritious foods in a person's diet, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies over time. A diet that lacks variety and diversity, opting instead for high-sugar snacks, will fail to provide the essential vitamins and minerals needed for overall health.

Digestive Problems

For some individuals, the high sugar content in frozen treats can cause digestive discomfort, such as bloating or cramps. Some people may also experience issues with artificial sweeteners and additives.

The Upside: When are Ice Lollies a Good Idea?

Despite the downsides, ice lollies can have some redeeming qualities, especially if you're mindful of your choices.

Hydration and Mood Boost

Being primarily water, ice lollies can contribute to daily fluid intake, which is especially helpful during hot weather or for those who struggle to drink enough water. In addition, enjoying a sweet treat occasionally can provide a psychological boost, triggering the release of endorphins. This can have a positive effect on mental well-being when enjoyed as a mindful treat.

Comparing Commercial vs. Homemade Ice Lollies


Feature	Commercial Ice Lollies	Homemade Ice Lollies
Key Ingredients	Sugar, water, artificial flavorings/colors, preservatives.	Fresh fruit, yogurt, coconut milk, natural sweeteners (e.g., honey).
Nutritional Value	High in sugar, low in vitamins, fiber, and protein.	Higher in vitamins, fiber, and protein (with yogurt).
Sugar Content	Often very high in added sugars, sometimes reaching a child's daily limit in one serving.	Controlled sugar content; uses natural fruit sweetness and minimal added sweeteners.
Control Over Additives	Contain artificial additives, thickeners, and preservatives.	Additive-free; contains only wholesome, natural ingredients.
Cost	Typically cheaper per unit, but can be more expensive over time with frequent purchases.	Higher initial cost for ingredients and molds, but more cost-effective for regular consumption.

How to Make Healthier Homemade Ice Lollies

Creating your own ice lollies is a simple and effective way to control ingredients and boost nutritional value.

Frozen Fruit Lollies: Blend ripe, soft fruit like berries, bananas, or mangoes with a splash of water or coconut water. Use the natural sweetness of the fruit and add a little honey or maple syrup only if necessary. This provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber without the need for artificial additives.
Yogurt-Based Lollies: Mix Greek yogurt with pureed fruit for a creamy, protein-packed treat. Greek yogurt is strained, resulting in a smooth texture with fewer ice crystals. This provides probiotics and calcium, offering a significant nutritional upgrade.
Vegetable-Infused Lollies: For a truly nutrient-dense option, sneak some vegetables into your lollies. Mild-tasting greens like spinach can be blended with sweet fruits, or you can use pureed carrots or beetroot. Kids will love the fun colors, and the fruit flavor masks the taste of the vegetables.

Conclusion: Moderation and Mindful Choices are Key

While store-bought ice lollies are generally not good for you due to high sugar and low nutritional value, they can be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat. However, the healthiest approach is to make your own at home, giving you complete control over the ingredients. By using natural ingredients like whole fruits, yogurt, and a minimal amount of natural sweeteners, you can create a delicious, hydrating, and nutritious frozen treat that is far superior to commercial alternatives. Making the switch to homemade ice lollies can support better overall health, reduce sugar intake, and still provide that refreshing, enjoyable summer experience. For inspiration on homemade recipes, resources like the BBC Good Food ice lolly recipes offer a variety of options.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main negative health effects include a high sugar intake, which can lead to dental decay, weight gain, and energy spikes followed by crashes. Excessive consumption can also crowd out more nutritious foods from your diet, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies.

You can make a healthier ice lolly by blending fresh or frozen whole fruits with plain Greek yogurt or coconut water. This provides natural sweetness and avoids the high levels of added sugar and artificial ingredients found in commercial versions.

While better than sugar-water lollies, they still contain high amounts of natural sugars. The natural sugars in fruit juice can still contribute to sugar intake, so moderation is key, especially for children.

Yes, ice lollies are primarily water and can help increase fluid intake, providing a refreshing way to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.

Traditional ice lollies are generally lower in calories and fat than ice cream, but often higher in sugar. Healthier choices exist in both categories, but homemade fruit-based ice lollies are typically the most nutritious option.

Look for options with minimal added sugars, no artificial colors or flavors, and whole fruit listed as the first ingredient. Some healthier brands may also use natural sweeteners in smaller amounts.

Yes, the high sugar content and the prolonged sucking action can promote bacterial growth and acid production in the mouth, significantly increasing the risk of tooth decay and cavities over time.

Use very ripe fruit, as it is naturally sweeter. You can also blend fruit with low-sugar options like plain Greek yogurt or unsweetened coconut milk. For extra sweetness, add a small amount of a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.