HRM Parent Blog

The gorgeous weather over Canada Day weekend led to a popsicle fest around my house.  Supply couldn’t keep up with demand!

As summer brings warmer days - I encourage you to make your own popsicles.  It’s cheap and easy, and a great way to get small children involved in the kitchen. Commercial popsicles, and other frozen treats often contain less-than-healthy ingredients like artificial colours, high amounts of high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.   In addition, kids often donʼt have the same “thirst sensors” as adults and need to be encouraged to take in more liquids on hot summer days.  Homemade popsicles can help keep them hydrated and cool!

For all of these reasons, my urchins and I have started inventing new “healthier” flavours together.  Everyone is getting in on the action --  It’s become a bit of a competition!

All you need to get started is a popsicle mold or two (choose BPA-free plastic - I found mine at HomeSense), or even just some small disposable cups and some popsicle sticks.  Most smoothie recipes can be frozen into popsicles easily.  Even 100% fruit juice frozen in molds is a better option than most commercial popsicles.

Here are a couple of easy recipes to get you started. When the molds are empty, just whip up another batch and re-freeze.  

Blueberry Banana Pops
1 cup plain Greek Yoghurt
2 cups frozen or fresh blueberries (or strawberries!)
1 banana
1 cup 100% apple or orange juice
1 cup water
2 cups pre-washed baby spinach (really!)
1 tsp real vanilla extract
2 tsp agave or honey

Blend in blender until smooth, pour in popsicle molds and freeze at least 4 hours - enjoy!   For a "gourmet" popsicle - add some sliced fresh fruit to the mold!

Chocolate Almond Banana Pops
1 L carton of chocolate-flavoured almond milk (I like the 120 cal/cup Almond Breeze)
2 bananas

Blend and freeze in molds - YUM! 

Wendy McCallum, LLB, RHN, is passionate about providing busy parents with the tools & support they need to feed their families wholesome food, so everyone can play, learn, and feel better!  She is a mother of two terrific HRM kids, ages 6 & 7.  For information and recipe ideas, visit her website