Green Living Blog: Homemade Popcicles

Green Living Blog: Homemade Popcicles

Summer is a great time for frozen treats. My daughter lives off of popsicles all summer long and I love frozen beverages like frappuccinos. Unfortunately popsicles from the grocery store come full of sugar and disposable packaging, and the iced caps from Tim Hortons or Starbucks aren't much better in their single use cups.

To avoid all that waste, but still enjoy the treats, we've taken to making our own. The key has been to get really good quality equipment that stands up to constant use. My favourites are: our Vitamix blender (expensive, but designed to last a lifetime), Tupperware popsicle moulds (have stood up to daily use with no signs of plastic fatigue) and a Cuppow travel lid (sturdy plastic disc that converts a mason jar to a travel mug).

Each morning I make Holden, our oldest, a breakfast smoothie. We use the Vitamix blender and reusable smoothie cups. After I've poured him his serving, I take any leftover smoothie and pour it into our reusable popsicle molds. His younger sister has those as her snack after we all get home from work/daycare etc. If you want to try it out, here's the recipe: 

1.5 cups water
2 Tbsp Shredded Coconut **
1Tbsp Chia
1 serving protein powder of choice (optional)
1 tsp powdered greens (or a handful of spinach)
1 banana
1 cup frozen strawberries 

Blend until smooth. Pour into moulds and freeze. 

** The Vitamix blends things reeeeaaaallly smooth. The water and shredded coconut become 'coconut milk' essentially. If you are using a different blender, I'd use 1.5 cups pre-made almond, coconut or dairy milk instead.

And for the grownups, here's how I make my blended iced coffee. 

1.5 cups strong brewed coffee, chilled. (I used decaf)
8 large ice cubes
½ cup cream of choice (I used coconut milk cream, but dairy is fine too)
1-2 Tbsp sweetener (I used maple syrup)

Blend until ice is slushy. Pour into two mason jars, and enjoy with a reusable straw. Use a Cuppow lid if you want to take it on the road. 

I hope you try one of these recipes, and tweak it to your liking. There is real satisfaction in making your own treats that taste good to you, are healthier than store bought versions AND don't make a  bunch of garbage. Enjoy your summer!