What is the best low sugar popsicle?

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Heart Association, most Americans consume far too much added sugar, making low-sugar treats a healthier alternative. Finding the best low sugar popsicle can be tricky with so many options promising health benefits that don't always hold up to scrutiny. This guide will help you navigate the freezer aisle to find the healthiest, most delicious options available.

Quick Summary

This article explores the best store-bought and homemade low-sugar popsicles, examining ingredient lists, nutritional value, and taste. It compares top brands like Deebee's and Goodpop, offers simple DIY recipes, and highlights the health benefits of choosing lower-sugar frozen treats.

Key Points

Deebee's Organic Freezies: A top contender for the best low sugar popsicle, featuring 100% fruit juice, purees, and no added sugar.
Goodpop Freezer Pops: Known for bold flavor from 100% fruit juice and natural coloring, with no added sugar.
Chloe's Fruit Pops: Offers minimal ingredient lists, often just fruit and water, with no-sugar-added options available.
Read Ingredient Lists: Look for whole fruit, 100% fruit juice, and natural sweeteners while avoiding artificial additives.
Homemade Popsicles: Offers complete control over ingredients and can be made with simple bases like yogurt or coconut water for a healthy, customizable treat.
Consider Texture: Yogurt bases provide a creamy texture, while fruit juice bases are icier. Use stabilizers like yogurt for a smoother mouthfeel.

Navigating the Freezer Aisle for Low-Sugar Popsicles

When browsing for a low-sugar popsicle, the variety of brands can be overwhelming. Many products market themselves as "healthy," but a quick look at the ingredients can reveal hidden sugars, artificial sweeteners, and unnecessary additives. The best low sugar popsicle is not just about the sugar count but also about the quality of ingredients. Look for products made from whole fruit and naturally sweetened, avoiding high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors.

Top Store-Bought Brands Analyzed

Deebee's Organic SuperFruit Freezies

Deebee's is consistently praised for its simple, organic, and clean ingredient list. Made with 100% fruit juice and purees, these freezies contain no added sugar and are free of artificial flavors and colors. They are a great choice for parents seeking a truly natural option for their kids. The main downside is that they are freezer pops rather than a traditional popsicle on a stick.

GoodPop Freezer Pops

Goodpop offers a range of no-added-sugar popsicles, using 100% fruit juice and natural colorants like spirulina and carrot juice. Like Deebee's, they are organic and come in squeeze-up pouches. They are noted for having a stronger, more flavorful taste than some competitors, which can appeal to those transitioning away from sugary treats.

Chloe's Fruit Pops

Chloe's has gained popularity for its minimalist ingredient list, often containing just fruit puree, water, and a touch of cane sugar or a monk fruit version with no sugar added. The mango flavor, for instance, uses only mango, lemon juice, water, and cane sugar. The taste is very fruit-forward and clean. While some flavors have a small amount of cane sugar, they are still significantly lower in sugar than many conventional options.

Outshine Fruit Bars

Outshine is a widely available brand offering fruit bars with less added sugar than many traditional popsicles. They use fruit puree and fruit juice, avoiding high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors. While not entirely sugar-free, they are a better-for-you option found in most grocery stores. Their “no sugar added” varieties sweetened with Stevia and erythritol are a good option for those managing diabetes.

The DIY Approach: Making Your Own Low-Sugar Popsicles

For ultimate control over ingredients, making homemade popsicles is the best route. It's a simple and rewarding process that allows you to experiment with flavors and textures. Here are some ideas:

Yogurt-Based Pops: Blend plain or Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and a natural sweetener like honey or stevia. This creates a creamy, protein-packed treat. Try mixing Greek yogurt with berries for a simple yet delicious combination.
Fruit and Coconut Water Pops: Combine fresh or pureed fruit with coconut water for a hydrating, naturally sweet popsicle. The coconut water base is naturally low in sugar and calories. Adding chunks of fruit like pineapple or kiwi can add texture and flavor.
Tea-Infused Pops: Brew your favorite herbal tea, like hibiscus or mint, let it cool, and pour it into molds. Add some fresh fruit for an extra boost of flavor. These are naturally low in calories and can be very refreshing.

Comparison Table: Store-Bought vs. Homemade Popsicles


Feature	Store-Bought Low-Sugar Popsicles	Homemade Low-Sugar Popsicles
Ingredients	Varies by brand; often contain stabilizers like gums and natural flavorings.	100% control over ingredients; can use whole fruits and natural sweeteners.
Convenience	Grab-and-go; found readily in most supermarkets.	Requires preparation time for blending, pouring, and freezing.
Cost	Typically more expensive per pop compared to DIY batches.	More cost-effective over time, especially for families.
Sugar Control	May contain some added sugars, though less than traditional varieties.	Can be completely sugar-free by using naturally sweet fruits or alternatives.
Texture	Often smoother and more consistent due to added gums and stabilizers.	Can be icier, though adding yogurt or coconut cream can improve creaminess.

Making Your Final Decision

Ultimately, the best low sugar popsicle depends on your personal preferences for convenience, control over ingredients, and taste. If you prioritize convenience and a consistent texture, brands like Deebee's and Goodpop offer excellent no-added-sugar options. If you prefer full control over what goes into your food, experimenting with homemade recipes using yogurt, fruit, and natural sweeteners is a simple and rewarding choice. The real key is to read the ingredient list, avoid artificial additives, and choose a treat that fits your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. With so many healthy and delicious options available, you can enjoy a cool, refreshing popsicle without the sugar rush.

Flavor Profile and Satisfaction

When transitioning from high-sugar treats, your palate might need time to adjust. Low-sugar popsicles tend to have a cleaner, more authentic fruit flavor. Embrace this natural sweetness by using very ripe fruits in homemade recipes, or choose brands that highlight fruit-forward profiles, like Chloe's or Goodpop. For a creamier, more decadent experience, try yogurt-based pops, which offer a satisfying richness. Whether store-bought or homemade, the best low sugar popsicle proves that healthy doesn't mean sacrificing deliciousness.

For more detailed recipes and brand comparisons, check out some of the resources cited in this article, and get ready to enjoy a guilt-free frozen treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

A low-sugar popsicle contains less sugar than traditional versions, but may still have some added or natural sugars from fruit. A sugar-free popsicle uses sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol and contains no sugar, which is ideal for those managing diabetes.

Not necessarily. Many 'no sugar added' popsicles still contain natural sugars from fruit juice concentrates. Additionally, some brands replace sugar with artificial sweeteners or fillers, which may not be a healthy choice for everyone.

Easy recipes include blending fruit with Greek yogurt and a natural sweetener like honey, or mixing fresh fruit with coconut water. You can also use herbal tea or unsweetened fruit juice as a base.

Yes, but with caution. Sugar-free popsicles sweetened with natural sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol are a great option for managing blood sugar levels. However, always check labels and consider homemade options for full control.

To achieve a creamier texture, use a base of Greek yogurt, coconut cream, or blend in a frozen banana or avocado. Using a high-speed blender can also help create a smoother consistency.

Yes, many yogurt-based popsicles, both homemade and store-bought (like Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars), offer added protein. DIY versions with Greek yogurt provide a simple way to increase protein content.

They can be a healthier alternative to high-calorie, sugary desserts, helping to reduce overall calorie and sugar intake. However, weight loss depends on your total diet and lifestyle, so moderation is still key.