Just before my daughter came to visit this summer, she informed me that she was cutting food dyes out of her 4-year-old’s diet. “Please plan accordingly.” In preparation for this visit I had of course stocked up on large quantities of Jell-O, sprinkles and colored sugar. All were instantly obsolete.
She also shared that she had found some healthy popsicles that were very popular in her house and described them to me as containing Greek yogurt and fruit. I knew instantly that I could make my own version: smoothie popsicles.
What ingredients are needed to make smoothie popsicles?
I love a good smoothie, so usually have the ingredients needed. But if you’ve ever made smoothies, you will know that the ingredients are extremely flexible, allowing you to customize the smoothie (and the popsicles) to your own preference.
Here is my basic formula:
Fruit: I like to start with frozen fruit as it is easy to keep around. Fresh fruit also works well, or a combination of the two. Think frozen berries with half a banana. Yum.
Liquid: I like to use juice for the sweetness it provides. Almond milk also works really well, I prefer vanilla flavored but unsweetened. If you prefer dairy milk, that would also work.
Protein powder: A scoop of vanilla protein powder adds creaminess and also makes the smoothie more satisfying. Until now your mix is all simple carbs, but by getting some protein in there it helps up the “health” factor of your smoothie/popsicles.
You can also add other ingredients per your preference: yogurt (Greek or regular), any liquid (I once used green tea for a smoothie), or different additives such as flaxseed, avocado or nut butters. If it tastes good in a smoothie, it’ll make a great smoothie popsicle!
How to make smoothie popsicles
2 steps needed: Mix everything in a blender, pour into molds. Then let them freeze, so maybe that’s 3 steps? Either way, super simple.
Before you pour, do a little taste test of what you just whipped up. Smoothies are delicious and should taste great both before AND after freezing. So, take a little Quality Control step and adjust as needed before pouring into the molds.
What kind of popsicle mold is needed?
There are lots of popsicle molds available, the one I use is Zoku brand. But you can also freeze in plastic cups or even ice cube trays – you’d just need to find some sticks to freeze in them to give little hands something to hold onto.
To unmold, hold the plastic mold under warm water from the tap for a minute. The popsicle will then slide right out.
Additional flavor ideas
Need more inspiration? Here are a few ideas for you to try out:
Strawberry smoothie popsicle: Use fresh or frozen strawberries. Add half a banana for a strawberry-banana flavor.
Blueberry smoothie popsicle: just like the strawberries, but I specifically like to use a grape juice if available to really bring out the purple-blue color. So fun!
Green smoothie popsicle: make a spinach smoothie, per my green smoothie recipe. Or keep it simple, with spinach, pineapple juice, and protein powder. YUM
Peanut Butter-Banana smoothie popsicle: Banana is the fruit for this smoothie, and milk instead of juice for sure. A flavor burst of peanut butter. You could even use chocolate protein powder instead of vanilla. It almost sounds like something Elvis would like; don’t you think?
You’ll want to make these super easy popsicles again and again!
Smoothie Popsicles
Ingredients
- 2 cups fruit fresh or frozen (mixed berries or sweet cherries)
- ¾ cup fruit juice
- 1 scoop protein powder vanilla flavored
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high until smooth.
- Pour liquid into popsicle mold, add sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Recipe FAQs
I use whey protein, but everyone has their own preferences. The Cleveland Clinic provides some good guidelines for how to chose, based upon your priorities. Just keep in mind that one scoop of protein powder is a very small amount, especially when divided among 6 popsicles.
More summer treat ideas
- In addition to popsicles, kids love these banana pops.
- If you need something in adult beverage form, try a Creamsicle cocktail!
Lilian
With what can i replace protein powder as we dont have it in the country
Sula
If you're trying to add protein without protein powder, Greek yogurt is a good substitute. For a dairy-free option, try tofu. Only add a little at a time, as you want to add enough protein without altering the taste. Nut butters, like peanut butter, will also add some good protein- probably best with banana flavor, not sure berries would work with this. Also, for satiety purposes an avocado adds a ton. The taste is neutral and it adds a real creaminess to the smoothie. I haven't (yet!) tried freezing this combination but it should work - The key to smoothies is finding the combination that you like. I hope you try it soon!
Lilian
We don
Gabriela Herrera
This is a perfect pick me up at 2pm everyday of the week. I love the addition of the protein powder as well it will keep you full for a while.
Sula
I know what you mean - right about mid-afternoon I need a little something too. Yes, adding protein powder keeps me from the cookie jar! LOL
Kalin
Love this idea of using fruit and fruit juice! We always made popsicles growing up using soda, and they definitely weren’t healthy like these haha.
Sula
I know what you mean, the popsicles from my youth were definitely less healthy LOL