Understanding Vegan Popsicles
Determining whether a popsicle is vegan requires careful examination of its ingredients. Many traditional frozen fruit bars are naturally dairy-free and egg-free, but some hidden animal-derived ingredients can appear in flavorings, colors, or stabilizers.
Common Ingredients to Watch For
- Glycerin: This ingredient, if not specified as 'vegetable glycerin', could be sourced from animal fat.
- Natural Flavors: The source of 'natural flavors' can sometimes be ambiguous and derived from animals. A certified vegan product is the safest bet.
- Colorings: Certain food colorings, such as Carmine (E120), are derived from insects and are not vegan. Look for natural colorings or those specified as vegan-friendly.
- Gelatin: A gelling agent made from animal collagen, gelatin is not vegan and is used in some ice pops to prevent fast melting.
Unexpectedly Vegan Options
Several major brands offer popsicles that are 'accidentally vegan' because their standard recipe doesn't contain animal products. However, it is crucial to always double-check the ingredient list, as formulations can change or different flavors may vary.
Brands with Vegan Options
- Popsicle: While not all Popsicle® brand products are certified vegan, some simple fruit-flavored options like the classic Orange, Cherry, and Grape pops may be vegan-friendly. The company advises checking the box, but ingredients like glycerin and 'natural flavors' warrant caution. Note that character pops are not vegan.
- Outshine: A well-known brand for its frozen fruit bars, Outshine offers many fruit-based flavors that are vegan. They are widely available and a popular choice in many grocery stores.
- Mr. Freeze: All Mr. Freeze products, including their Jumbo and Super Freeze Pops, are explicitly stated as suitable for vegetarians and vegans. They contain natural colors and flavors, making them a safe and reliable option.
- DeeBee's Organics: This brand specializes in organic fruit freezies that are vegan and free from many allergens. Their products are a good choice for those seeking a clean ingredient list.
- Minute Maid Frozen Juice Bars: These classic juice bars have long been considered 'accidentally vegan' and are frequently found on PETA's vegan food lists.
Specialty and Artisan Vegan Brands
For those seeking premium or uniquely flavored vegan popsicles, several brands focus exclusively on plant-based products.
- GoodPop: A certified B Corporation, GoodPop offers a wide array of vegan options, including fruit pops and creamy dairy-free varieties made with coconut milk. They explicitly state on their website that their Fruit Pop and Dairy-Free products are vegan-friendly.
- Chloe's: This brand uses simple, clean ingredients like fruit, water, and cane sugar to create its vegan pops. They also offer dairy-free pops made with oat milk.
- Savannah Square Pops: For a gourmet option, this brand offers various vegan ice pops made with whole fruits and high-quality ingredients. They are available for shipping and in specialty stores.
- King of Pops: This company offers several dairy-free and fruit-based options, and their website provides clear allergen information.
Comparison Table of Popular Vegan Popsicles
To help you decide, here's a comparison of some of the most readily available vegan-friendly popsicle brands.
| Brand | Vegan Options | Key Ingredients | Certification | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outshine | Many fruit bars (e.g., Strawberry, Mango, Watermelon) | Fruit puree, sugar, water | None explicitly stated, but fruit bars are widely vegan | Widespread (Target, Kroger) | Easy to find in most grocery stores. |
| GoodPop | Fruit Pops, Dairy-Free varieties | Fruit, water, sugar, coconut milk | Certified B Corp; explicit vegan labeling | Retailers like Target, some supermarkets | Specializes in clean, organic ingredients. |
| Popsicle (Classic) | Orange, Cherry, Grape | Water, high fructose corn syrup, sugar, citric acid | Not vegan-certified, check ingredients | Widespread | 'Accidentally vegan' but verify ingredients for hidden animal products. |
| Chloe's | Various fruit and oat milk pops | Fruit, water, cane sugar, oat milk | Some are certified vegan (check box) | Whole Foods, some specialty retailers | Focus on simple, clean ingredients. |
| Mr. Freeze | All products | Water, sugar, fruit concentrates | None stated, but products are vegan-friendly | Major retailers | Classic freezer pops, low in calories. |
| DeeBee's Organics | SuperFruit Freezies | Organic fruit juices | Certified Organic | Various retailers and online | No added sugar varieties available. |
How to Make Your Own Vegan Popsicles
For complete control over ingredients and flavors, homemade popsicles are an excellent option. This is particularly useful if you have strict dietary requirements or want to avoid all refined sugars and additives. You can find many recipes online using simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Fruit Puree Pops: Blend fresh or frozen fruit with a little water or fruit juice. For example, combine pureed strawberries and orange juice for a 'sunrise' pop.
- Creamy Pops: Use full-fat coconut milk or another plant-based milk alternative as a base. Popular flavor combinations include mango-coconut or chocolate fudge with avocado.
- Chia Seed Pops: Create a thicker texture by mixing chia seeds with coconut milk and fruit, which also adds a nutritional boost.
Conclusion
Finding vegan popsicles is easier than ever, with options ranging from accidentally vegan classics to explicitly certified plant-based brands. Always reading the ingredient label is key, especially for popular brands where vegan status can vary by flavor. For peace of mind, opt for brands like GoodPop or Chloe's, which specialize in dairy-free products. Whether you choose a simple fruit bar or a creamy coconut-based creation, a refreshing vegan popsicle is a treat well within reach.
Visit Goldbelly for a selection of gourmet vegan popsicles from brands like Savannah Square Pops
