What Popsicles Are Dairy Free? A Guide to Frozen Treats

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

The dairy-free market is projected to reach $66 billion by 2027, making it easier than ever to find delicious alternatives like what popsicles are dairy free. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the freezer aisle and create your own tasty frozen treats with confidence.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive list of store-bought dairy-free popsicles, including brands like Chloe's and Outshine. It also provides easy-to-follow recipes for making your own creamy and fruity frozen pops at home.

Key Points

Check Labels Thoroughly: Always read the ingredient list and allergen warnings to ensure a popsicle is truly dairy-free, looking for terms like 'milk solids' or 'whey'.
Trust Certified Brands: Look for certifications like 'vegan' or 'dairy-free' on packaging from reliable brands such as Chloe's, Outshine, and So Delicious Dairy Free.
Creamy Alternatives Exist: For a creamy texture without dairy, opt for popsicles made with plant-based milks like coconut, almond, or oatmilk.
Homemade Offers Control: Make your own dairy-free popsicles using simple recipes with fresh fruit and natural sweeteners for complete ingredient control and endless flavor options.
Understand the Difference: Know the benefits of both commercial and homemade popsicles, from convenience to customization, to find the best fit for your needs.

Navigating the Dairy-Free Freezer Aisle

For those with a dairy allergy, lactose intolerance, or who simply follow a vegan diet, finding frozen treats can be a challenge. While many fruit-based popsicles seem safe, it's crucial to check labels carefully, as some products may contain hidden dairy ingredients or have cross-contamination warnings. The key to success is understanding what ingredients to look for and which brands have certified dairy-free options.

Identifying Dairy in Frozen Treats

When scanning ingredient lists, be on the lookout for common dairy ingredients. While some are obvious, others are less so. Common names for milk and milk-derived products include:

Milk solids
Milk powder
Whey or whey protein
Casein or caseinate
Lactose
Butter, butterfat, or buttermilk
Custard or yogurt

Additionally, check for allergen statements that clearly indicate if the product contains milk. For store-bought brands, looking for a vegan or dairy-free certification on the packaging is often the most reliable way to ensure a product is safe.

Popular Store-Bought Dairy-Free Popsicles

Fortunately, a growing number of brands are catering to the dairy-free community with delicious and certified safe options. Here are some of the most popular brands to look for in your local grocery store:

Outshine Fruit Bars: Famous for their simple, fruit-focused recipes, Outshine offers many varieties that are dairy-free, gluten-free, and contain no artificial colors or flavors.
Chloe's Pops: This brand specializes in vegan frozen pops, made from simple ingredients like fruit, water, and cane sugar. Their fruit and oatmilk pops are excellent options.
JonnyPops: Many of this brand's organic frozen fruit and water pops are dairy-free and made in a dedicated nut-free facility.
Mr. Freeze Jumbo Ice Pops: These classic freeze pops are clearly marked as being dairy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free, making them a safe choice for many.
GoodPop: This brand offers a range of organic freezer pops and dairy-free options, with a focus on clean, wholesome ingredients.
So Delicious Dairy Free: As the name suggests, this company focuses entirely on dairy-free alternatives, with a variety of frozen dessert bars made from coconut milk or cashew milk.
Luigi's Real Italian Ice: A classic frozen treat, most varieties of Luigi's Italian Ice are naturally dairy-free and free of many other allergens.

DIY Dairy-Free Popsicle Recipes

For complete control over ingredients and flavor, making your own popsicles at home is a fantastic option. All you need is a blender, some popsicle molds, and a few simple ingredients.

Creamy Coconut Mango Pops

Ingredients:

1 cup ripe mango puree
1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Taste and add more maple syrup if a sweeter flavor is desired.
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving a little room at the top for expansion.
Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, until solid.

Simple Strawberry Watermelon Pops

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
2 cups seedless watermelon, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Instructions:

Puree all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.
Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight.

Commercial vs. Homemade Dairy-Free Popsicles


Feature	Commercial Dairy-Free Popsicles	Homemade Dairy-Free Popsicles
Cost	Typically more expensive per unit.	More cost-effective, especially when buying in bulk.
Convenience	Ready to eat immediately from the store.	Requires prep time, blending, and freezing.
Ingredient Control	Reliant on the manufacturer's ingredient list and certifications.	Complete control over ingredients, sugar content, and flavor.
Flavor Variety	Limited to available market flavors.	Endless possibilities for flavor combinations.
Additives	May contain natural colors, flavors, or stabilizers.	Can be made with only fresh, whole ingredients.

The Delicious World of Dairy-Free Popsicles

With so many options available, there's no reason for anyone to miss out on the joy of a refreshing popsicle. Whether you prefer the convenience of grabbing a certified dairy-free brand like Chloe's or Outshine, or the creative freedom of whipping up your own batch with simple ingredients like fruit and coconut milk, a world of frozen treats awaits. By paying close attention to product labels and knowing your trusted brands, you can ensure a delicious and safe experience. Experiment with different fruits, sweeteners, and creamy bases to find your perfect dairy-free concoction. For further reading on navigating dietary restrictions, see this helpful guide on food labeling from Go Dairy Free.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all fruit-flavored popsicles are dairy-free. While many are made with just water, sugar, and fruit flavoring, some brands may include dairy-based ingredients or manufacture their products on shared equipment that could cause cross-contamination. It is always important to check the label.

Look for a specific 'dairy-free' or 'vegan' certification on the packaging. Additionally, scan the ingredient list for common dairy components such as milk, whey, casein, or lactose. An allergen statement will also indicate if it contains milk.

Yes, many of the standard 'ice pop' flavors from the Popsicle brand, like orange, cherry, and grape, do not contain dairy ingredients. However, it is essential to check the specific product label, as some varieties, like Fudgsicles or other creamy bars, do contain dairy.

To achieve a creamy texture in homemade popsicles, you can use full-fat canned coconut milk, cashew milk, almond milk, or a dairy-free yogurt. The high fat content in these alternatives helps prevent an icy consistency.

For those with severe milk allergies, it's safest to choose products that are explicitly labeled as 'vegan' or 'dairy-free' by a certifying organization. For ultimate safety, consider making homemade popsicles to ensure there is no risk of cross-contamination from shared facilities.

For creamy, dairy-free fudge pops, you can look for brands like So Delicious Dairy Free, which offers coconut or cashew-based frozen dessert bars. Some artisanal vegan brands may also specialize in chocolate-based popsicles.

No, being dairy-free does not automatically mean a popsicle is low in sugar. While some brands focus on natural sweeteners, many still contain added sugars. Always check the nutritional information if you are monitoring your sugar intake.