I recently discovered a recipe for “Vanilla Pops” in Cece’s Highlights magazine. Usually these recipes are not even worth glancing at, but this one looked decently healthy (once manipulated a bit) and delicious. Popsicles are an obvious favorite when its hot outside but they can be eaten year round…and the BEST part is, they can be healthy AND keep your child busy for a good 20 minutes. And she’ll enjoy making them with you! Rather than the traditional sugar on a stick recipe, try these healthy alternatives.

All you’ll need to make the popsicles is dixie cups (or paper cups) and craft sticks/popsicle sticks. No fancy popsicle mold needed.

Vanilla Pops
1 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup plain goat yogurt
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla extract

Blend ingredients together in a blender. Fill each cup about 1 inch. freeze for 1 hour. Take them out from the freezer and place the popsicle stick in the middle of the cup. Freeze for another couple hours until completely frozen. Peel and enjoy.

Chocolate Pudding Pops
1 package (12 oz) of silken tofu
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder or carob powder
2 tbsps maple syrup
1/4 cup unsweented vanilla almond milk

Blend ingredients together in a blender. Fill each cup about 1 inch. freeze for 1 hour. Take them out from the freezer and place the popsicle stick in the middle of the cup. Freeze for another couple hours until completely frozen. Peel and enjoy.

Smoothie Pops
Blend up your most favorite smoothie recipe. I like to add hemp protein powder or almond butter for added protein.

1/2 cup fresh or frozen organic berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
1/2 banana
1 tbsp hemp protein powder or 1 tbsp almond butter
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 tbsp honey (optional- nice for the pops)

Blend ingredients together in a blender. Fill each cup about 1 inch. freeze for 1 hour. Take them out from the freezer and place the popsicle stick in the middle of the cup. Freeze for another couple hours until completely frozen. Peel and enjoy.

Orange Creamsicle
1/2 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup plain goat yogurt
1/2 cuop orange juice
1 tsp vanilla extract

Blend ingredients together in a blender. Fill each cup about 1 inch. freeze for 1 hour. Take them out from the freezer and place the popsicle stick in the middle of the cup. Freeze for another couple hours until completely frozen. Peel and enjoy.

Traditional Fruit Pop
This one is easy! Simply water down juice and freeze!

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.