Whether you grew up calling them iced lollies, fruit popsicles, or freeze pops, the idea is the same — a sweet, icy treat that drips down your fingers faster than you can lick it. For children, ice pops are more than just a cool snack. They’re summertime in a stick, an excuse to get sticky, and a simple delight that’s endlessly customisable.
These colourful little frozen treats are incredibly fun to make at home and can be as healthy or indulgent as you want them to be. One of the great things about homemade ice pops is that you can choose what goes into them — and what stays out. Whether you go for juicy chunks of fresh fruit or opt for kid-friendly artificial flavours with added vitamins and no nasties, there’s a world of flavour waiting in your freezer.
Let’s talk fruit. If you’ve got oranges, strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, or even watermelon, you’re halfway there. Blending up fruit and freezing it into a mould is a brilliant way to sneak in an extra serving of vitamins. And if your little ones are fussy eaters, ice pops can be the ultimate disguise. The bright colours and fruity flavours make them feel like a treat, even when they’re packed with goodness.
On the other hand, sometimes you just want a classic, brightly coloured ice lolly, the kind that makes children squeal with delight as they pick their favourite shade. Thankfully, there are now many options for artificial colouring and flavouring that are far healthier than they used to be. Natural colourings made from beetroot, spirulina, and turmeric provide that rainbow palette without any of the additives parents tend to avoid. Flavourings too can be derived from natural sources, giving you all the taste without the guilt.
It’s also fun to get creative with layers and swirls. Why not try an orange and strawberry two-tone lolly, or a purple and blue combo of blueberry and grape? Kids love watching the colours form as they freeze, and waiting for them to be ready can be an adventure in itself — a great way to teach patience with a tasty reward at the end.
Making ice pops can even be a brilliant family activity. Children can choose their flavours, mix the ingredients, and pour them into the moulds. It’s messy, yes, but in the best way. And when the freezer door opens a few hours later, the proud smiles are worth every sticky spill.
So, whether you’re embracing the natural fruit route or treating the kids to colourful fun with a healthier twist, ice pops are the perfect summertime staple. Simple, cheerful, and endlessly versatile, these frozen delights bring joy with every bite — and that’s exactly what childhood should taste like.
Making healthier fruit-based ice pops (or Fruit popsicles) is a fantastic way to offer kids a refreshing treat without all the added sugar and artificial ingredients found in many store-bought versions. Here are some simple, practical tips to help you create delicious and nutritious ice lollies at home:
1. Use Whole Fruits, Not Just Juice
Blending whole fruits (like bananas, berries, mangoes, or peaches) instead of just juice means you keep the fibre, which is essential for digestion and helps slow down sugar absorption. This results in a more filling and wholesome treat.
2. Add Natural Sweeteners Only If Needed
Ripe fruits are often sweet enough on their own, especially bananas, mangoes, or strawberries. But if you need a touch more sweetness, try adding a bit of:
- Honey (for children over 1 year)
- Maple syrup
- Medjool dates (blended into the fruit mixture)
Use sweeteners sparingly, just enough to bring out the flavours.
3. Include Vegetables for a Nutrient Boost
Sneak in some mild veggies without altering the taste too much. For example:
- Carrot blends well with orange and mango.
- Spinach pairs nicely with kiwi, pineapple, or apple.
They add vitamins and minerals while keeping the lollies naturally colourful.
4. Choose Coconut Water or Yogurt as a Base
Instead of sugary juices, try blending your fruit with:
- Coconut water – naturally hydrating and lightly sweet.
- Natural or Greek yogurt – adds creaminess and protein (plus probiotics for gut health).
This helps make the ice pops more balanced and satisfying.
5. Layer for Fun and Nutrition
Layer different fruit blends in the moulds for a rainbow effect. Kids love the colours, and it’s an easy way to sneak in variety. Freeze one layer at a time if you want clean stripes.
6. Go Organic When Possible
Especially for fruits with edible skins (like berries or apples), choosing organic can help reduce exposure to pesticides. Washing thoroughly also helps if organic isn’t an option.
7. Add Texture with Chopped Fruit
Include small chunks of fruit (like whole blueberries, chopped kiwi or strawberries) in the pops before freezing. It adds texture and a bit of surprise in every bite!
8. Avoid Artificial Additives
Skip the food colourings and flavourings unless they’re clearly labelled as natural. Most fruit offers vivid colours already — pink from strawberries, green from kiwi, orange from mango or peach, and purple from blueberries.
9. Make Small Batches
Popsicles are best eaten within a couple of weeks to maintain flavour and freshness. Making small batches also allows you to experiment with new combos and keep things interesting.
10. Let the Kids Join In
Getting children involved in the process gives them ownership and increases the chances they’ll enjoy the results. Let them pick fruits, pour mixtures, or arrange fruit chunks in the moulds.
With a few simple tricks, your homemade fruit popsicles can be both a healthful snack and a burst of sunshine — perfect for hot days or just a colourful afternoon treat.
Fruit Popsicles
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Popsicle moulds and sticks
Ingredients
- 1 large banana ripe halved
- 1 cup strawberries hulled
- 1 cup mango diced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup coconut water plain water
- 2 tsp honey or maple syrup
- berries or diced fruit for texture
Instructions
Prepare the Base(s)
- In your blender, combine half the banana with half the strawberries and ½ cup coconut water. Blend until smooth.1 large banana, 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup coconut water
- Transfer to a jug and rinse out the blender.
Second Layer
- Blend the remaining banana with the mango and ½ cup coconut water until silky. Pour into a second jug.1 large banana, 1 cup mango, 1 cup coconut water
Third Layer (Optional)
- If you’d like a third layer or swirl, blend the blueberries with a splash of coconut water.1 cup blueberries, 1 cup coconut water
Assemble
- Place a few extra fruit pieces (berries or diced mango) into each mould for fun texture.berries
- Pour the first fruit purée layer into the moulds, filling one-third of the way. Freeze for 30–45 minutes, until just set.
- Add the second layer and freeze another 30–45 minutes. If using the third layer, repeat.
- Freeze Solid
- Once fully assembled, insert sticks and freeze the popsicles for 4–6 hours, or overnight, until completely firm.
Unmould & Serve the Fruit Popsicles
- To release, briefly run the mould under warm water for 10–15 seconds. Gently pull out each stick and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Fruit Popsicles
Equipment
- Popsicle moulds and sticks
Ingredients
- 400 ml cold water
- 100 ml warm water
- 4 tbsp granulated sugar adjust to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for a creamy base
- ½ tsp flavouring extracts orange, strawberry, lemon, raspberry, blueberry, etc.
- 2 drops food colouring in matching hues
Instructions
Sweeten the Base
- In a jug, dissolve the sugar in 100 ml of warm water, stirring until fully dissolved.4 tbsp granulated sugar, 100 ml warm water
- Top up with the remaining 400 ml of cold water and stir in the vanilla extract.400 ml cold water, 1 tsp vanilla extract
Divide and Flavour
- Pour the sweetened base evenly into separate small containers, one for each colour/flavour you wish to make (e.g. four containers for four popsicle flavours).
- Into each container, stir in ½ tsp of your chosen extract.½ tsp flavouring extracts
Add Colour
- To each flavoured mixture add a few drops of food colouring until you reach the desired vibrancy (start with two drops, then increase if needed). Mix thoroughly so there are no streaks.2 drops food colouring
Fill the Moulds
- If you’d like layered lollies, pour one colour into each mould layer by layer, freezing for 30 minutes between layers so they set cleanly. For single-colour pops, fill each mould right to the top in one go.
Insert Sticks and Freeze
- Once filled (and layered if desired), insert the sticks and transfer the moulds to the freezer. Allow to freeze solid for 4–6 hours, or overnight for best results.
Unmould and Enjoy
- To release, briefly hold the mould under warm tap water for 10 seconds. Gently pull out each stick and serve immediately.