What Makes a Popsicle Healthy?
Choosing a healthy popsicle can be surprisingly complex, with many brands making bold claims that hide less-than-ideal ingredients. The key to making an informed choice is to look past the colorful packaging and focus on the nutrition label and ingredient list. Here are the primary criteria that define a truly healthy frozen treat:
- Real Fruit First: The best popsicles list real fruit or fruit puree as the very first ingredient. This indicates that the flavor and nutrients are derived from natural sources rather than concentrated juices or flavorings.
- Minimal Added Sugar: Traditional popsicles are often just sugar water with artificial colors. Healthy alternatives should contain minimal added sugar, or use natural sweeteners sparingly to let the fruit's sweetness shine. Pay close attention to the ingredient list to spot added sugars, even in "no sugar added" varieties that may contain alternative sweeteners.
- No Artificial Additives: Artificial sweeteners (like sucralose), colors, and flavors should be avoided. These chemical additives offer no nutritional value and can have adverse effects on health.
- Simple Ingredient List: A healthy popsicle should have a short, easy-to-understand ingredient list. Avoid products with a long list of gums and thickeners, which are highly processed and can sometimes cause digestive issues.
Leading Healthy Popsicle Brands on the Market
While no store-bought option is perfect, several brands stand out for their commitment to cleaner ingredients. Here is an overview of the top contenders based on health-conscious criteria.
DeeBee's Organics SuperFruit Freezies
DeeBee's is frequently cited as one of the healthiest options available, particularly for kids. Their SuperFruit Freezies are sold in shelf-stable tubes and are frozen at home, which adds convenience. They pride themselves on a clean ingredient profile.
- Features: Made with 100% organic fruit juice and puree, no added sugar, no artificial colors or flavors.
- The Good: Extremely low sugar content (from fruit only) and a very clean ingredient list makes this a top choice.
- The Downside: Some find the flavor less intense than conventional brands, and they use juice concentrates rather than whole fruit.
GoodPop
GoodPop offers a range of frozen treats, with their freezer pops being a standout for health-conscious consumers. The brand is known for using certified organic ingredients and having transparent, eco-friendly practices.
- Features: Their freezer pops are made with 100% fruit juice, have no added sugar, and contain no artificial flavors or colors.
- The Good: High-quality organic ingredients and a commitment to clean food. Their 100% juice freezer pops are a great choice.
- The Downside: Some other product lines, like the fruit bars, contain some added cane sugar, so it's important to read the labels carefully.
Chloe's Fruit Pops
Founded by a mother searching for healthier treats, Chloe's offers a simple and focused product. Their fruit pops use a minimal list of natural ingredients, with flavors like mango and strawberry being particularly popular.
- Features: Minimal ingredients, real fruit puree, and no artificial colors or flavors.
- The Good: The use of real fruit puree offers a more authentic flavor and often a smoother texture than juice-based pops.
- The Downside: Some flavors have more sugar, and the fruit used is not always organic. Some varieties with "no added sugar" use non-nutritive sweeteners.
Outshine Fruit Bars
Widely available in most grocery stores, Outshine is a common option for those seeking a healthier choice over traditional sugar-filled popsicles. They are known for using real fruit or juice.
- Features: Made with real fruit or fruit juice and no artificial colors or flavors.
- The Good: Easy to find and offers a range of simple fruit flavors.
- The Downside: Many flavors contain a significant amount of added sugar. Their "no sugar added" versions use artificial sweeteners like sucralose, which many prefer to avoid.
Comparison Table
| Brand | Key Features | Added Sugar (per pop) | Organic? | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeeBee's Organics | Shelf-stable freezies, 100% fruit juice/puree | 0g (natural fruit sugars only) | Yes | Cleanest ingredients, no added sugar | Flavor can be mild, juice-based rather than whole fruit |
| GoodPop | Freezer pops and fruit bars | Varies (0g for freezer pops) | Yes | Organic, good ingredients, certified B-corp | Check labels carefully, as some products have added sugar |
| Chloe's Fruit Pops | Minimal ingredients, fruit puree base | Varies (12g or more) | No | Authentic real fruit flavor, simple ingredients | Can be higher in sugar, not organic, uses non-nutritive sweeteners in some varieties |
| Outshine | Fruit bars, widely available | Varies (10-15g or more) | No | Accessible, real fruit and juice base | High added sugar in regular versions, artificial sweeteners in "no sugar added" versions |
The Ultimate Healthiest Option: Homemade Popsicles
For ultimate control over ingredients, making your own popsicles at home is the best choice. It allows you to use whole fruits, control the sweetness, and experiment with flavors, while also avoiding all commercial additives.
Simple Homemade Fruit & Yogurt Pops
This recipe combines whole fruit and a creamy, protein-rich base for a satisfying and nutritious treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Splash of fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. For a more vibrant color, you can heat the berries with the honey first.
- Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and insert sticks.
- Freeze overnight, or until solid.
Homemade All-Fruit Pops
For a truly minimalist, dairy-free version, use only fruit and water or coconut water.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen mango chunks
- 1/2 cup coconut water
Instructions:
- Blend ingredients until smooth. Adjust liquid to desired consistency.
- Pour into molds and freeze completely.
Conclusion: Finding the Best Choice for Your Needs
The question of what is the healthiest popsicle brand has a few answers, depending on your priorities. If convenience is key, DeeBee's Organics and GoodPop (specifically their 100% juice freezer pops) offer the cleanest store-bought options with no added sugar. Other brands like Outshine provide better-than-traditional choices but still contain significant added sugar or artificial sweeteners, so reading labels is crucial. However, for maximum control over ingredients and nutrition, making homemade popsicles is the clear winner. By blending whole fruits with a touch of yogurt or natural sweetener, you can create a truly healthy, delicious frozen treat for your family.
For more information on making informed food choices, consider resources from authoritative sources like the American Heart Association.
What to Look for When Buying Healthy Popsicles
- Ingredient Order: Check that whole fruit or fruit puree is the first ingredient on the list.
- Added Sugar: Opt for brands with minimal or no added sugar, checking for terms like cane sugar, corn syrup, or concentrated juices.
- Artificial Additives: Avoid artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors listed as ingredients.
- Thickeners and Gums: Be mindful of highly processed thickeners, although some natural gums are sometimes used.
- Certifications: Look for USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified labels as indicators of cleaner ingredients.
FAQs
Question: Are Outshine fruit bars a healthy choice? Answer: Outshine is a better option than traditional sugary popsicles because they use real fruit, but many varieties contain added sugar. Their "no sugar added" versions contain artificial sweeteners, which many people prefer to avoid.
Question: Do DeeBee's Organics popsicles have added sugar? Answer: No, DeeBee's Organics SuperFruit Freezies have no added sugar. They are sweetened only with the natural fruit sugars from 100% fruit juice and puree.
Question: Why are homemade popsicles considered the healthiest option? Answer: Homemade popsicles are the healthiest because you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to use whole, ripe fruits and avoid all added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.
Question: How can I get kids to like healthier, less-sweet popsicles? Answer: You can gradually introduce healthier versions by mixing in fruits they already enjoy or trying creamy versions made with Greek yogurt. Using ripe, sweet fruit is also key, as freezing can slightly mute the sweetness.
Question: Are popsicles made with fruit juice concentrate as healthy as those with whole fruit? Answer: Popsicles made with whole fruit are generally healthier because they contain more fiber. Concentrates can still be high in natural sugars, and some brands dilute them enough to avoid listing them as added sugar.
Question: What should I look for on a popsicle label? Answer: Check the ingredient list to ensure real fruit is listed first. Look for minimal or no added sugar, and avoid artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors. A simple, short list is usually best.
Question: Where can I find brands like GoodPop and DeeBee's? Answer: These brands are often available at natural food grocery stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and sometimes larger retailers like Walmart, Target, or Kroger. They can also be ordered online.
