Understanding What Makes an Ice Lolly Healthy
Not all frozen treats are created equal. While a cold, refreshing lolly is a perfect antidote to a hot day, many commercial options are laden with added sugars, artificial flavorings, and unnecessary additives. A healthy ice lolly prioritizes natural ingredients, keeps sugar and fat content low, and offers some nutritional value, like vitamins from real fruit.
Key factors to consider
When evaluating a store-bought ice lolly, or planning to make your own, keep these factors in mind:
- Sugar Content: Look for options with low added sugar. Some lollies rely on fruit juice concentrate, which still contains a significant amount of sugar, so check the label carefully. The best options use natural fruit sweetness and minimal, if any, additional sweeteners.
- Ingredients: A short, simple list of ingredients is often a good sign. Prioritize lollies made with real fruit, fruit juice, or yogurt over those with corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial colors and flavors.
- Additives and Artificial Sweeteners: Be cautious of artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame, which some brands use to create 'no sugar added' products. Some of these additives have been linked to health concerns, and natural sweetness is always preferable.
- Nutritional Value: While most lollies are treats, some can offer small nutritional benefits. Dairy-based lollies like Mini Milks provide calcium, while fruit-based ones can provide vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
Healthiest Store-Bought Ice Lollies
Finding genuinely healthy ice lollies in the supermarket can be tricky, but several brands offer better options than others. Reading the ingredients list is crucial.
Fruit-based options
- Outshine Fruit Bars: These often list fruit before cane sugar, and some flavors have lower sugar counts. Look for their 'No Sugar Added' line, which relies solely on the fruit's natural sweetness.
- Solero Exotic: Praised for containing real fruit purée and juice, the Solero is a decent middle-of-the-road choice for a fruity treat with a moderate calorie count.
Dairy-based options
- Mini Milks: A long-standing favorite, these tiny treats are low in calories and sugar. One lolly provides just 30 calories and some calcium, making them one of the most nutritionally beneficial choices available in a standard supermarket freezer.
- Jude's Mini Milks: A newer contender, these are known for their very low sugar content compared to other milk lollies.
Table of Popular Ice Lollies (Nutrition per lolly)
| Ice Lolly (Approx. size) | Calories | Sugar (g) | Key Ingredients | Health Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jude's Mini Milk (2.8g) | ~21 | 2.8 | Fresh milk, real fruit (for flavour) | Very low sugar, small portion, provides calcium |
| Wall's Mini Milk (23g) | 30 | 4.1 | Fresh milk, sugar | Low calorie and sugar, provides calcium |
| Twister Mini (6.5g sugar version) | ~38 | 6.5 | Pineapple, lime, strawberry flavours, ice cream | Better option than the larger version, but still significant sugar for its size |
| Solero Exotic (98 kcal) | 98 | 17 | Fruit purée and juice, vanilla ice cream | Contains real fruit, but sugar content is relatively high |
| Calippo Orange (104 kcal) | 104 | 20 | Orange juice concentrate, sugar, flavourings | High in sugar, with little fibre or protein |
DIY: Homemade Healthier Ice Lollies
By far, the healthiest ice lollies are the ones you make at home. This gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to use fresh, whole fruits and avoid added sugars and artificial ingredients.
Easy and nutritious ice lolly recipes
1. Simple Berry and Yogurt Lollies
These offer probiotics from Greek yogurt and antioxidants from berries, with no added refined sugar.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Method:
- Blend the berries, yogurt, and sweetener (if using) until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into ice lolly molds and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight.
2. Tropical Pineapple and Mango Pops
Blend frozen pineapple and mango for a naturally sweet, low-calorie treat.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1/2 cup coconut water (or milk)
- Method:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
- Fill molds and freeze until solid.
3. Avocado Chocolate Fudge Pops
For a creamy, dairy-free, and nutrient-dense option, avocado is an excellent base.
- Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 tbsp raw cacao powder
- A splash of coconut milk
- Method:
- Blend all ingredients until you have a smooth, rich mousse consistency.
- Pour into molds and freeze until firm.
Making the Best Choice for You
Ultimately, the healthiest ice lolly is the one that best fits your dietary needs and preferences. While homemade versions are superior for ingredient control, moderation is key for any treat. If opting for a shop-bought variety, always read the label to check for sugar content and artificial additives. Low-sugar, fruit-based or simple dairy-based options generally represent a better choice.
For more information on making healthy dietary choices, consult reliable sources like the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Their guidelines offer valuable insights into identifying healthier frozen treats.
Conclusion
When asking what are the healthiest ice lollies, the clearest answer is a homemade creation using whole, natural ingredients. Blending fresh fruit and yogurt or coconut milk at home ensures you control sugar levels and avoid artificial additives. If you prefer the convenience of store-bought options, choose wisely by checking labels for low sugar and natural ingredients, with options like Mini Milks and certain fruit bars being better choices than sugar-heavy alternatives. By being mindful of your choices, you can enjoy a cool, refreshing treat without compromising your nutritional goals.
Additional Tips for a Healthier Ice Lolly Experience
- Use Water, Not Juice: To reduce sugar in homemade fruit lollies, replace some or all of the fruit juice with water.
- Consider Adding Greens: For a nutritional boost, blend a handful of mild greens like spinach or chard into your fruit and yogurt mixes.
- Don't Over-Sweeten: Keep in mind that freezing reduces the perception of sweetness. Taste your mix before freezing and err on the side of less sweetener.
- Watch Portion Sizes: If consuming a higher-sugar or higher-calorie store-bought lolly, opt for a 'mini' version to control your intake.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your frozen treats are both delicious and healthy.
