What are the best sugar-free and low-sugar popsicles for summer. How do different brands compare in taste and nutrition. Which popsicles offer the most authentic fruit flavors without added sugars. Where can you find the healthiest popsicle options for guilt-free indulgence.

Exploring the World of Sugar-Free and Low-Sugar Popsicles

As summer approaches, the desire for cool, refreshing treats intensifies. For those watching their sugar intake or managing health conditions, finding delicious popsicles that don’t compromise on taste can be challenging. Fortunately, the market now offers a variety of sugar-free and low-sugar popsicles that promise to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.

Do sugar-free popsicles actually taste good? Surprisingly, many brands have mastered the art of creating flavorful frozen treats without relying on excessive sugar. Unlike some artificially sweetened beverages that can taste off-putting, sugar-free popsicles often deliver a more natural and enjoyable flavor profile.

Top Picks: The Best Sugar-Free and Low-Sugar Popsicles

Outshine No Sugar Added Variety Pack

Outshine has emerged as a frontrunner in the low-sugar popsicle market. Their No Sugar Added Black Cherry, Strawberry Kiwi & Mixed Berry variety pack offers a delightful assortment of flavors with only 2 grams of sugar per bar. What sets these popsicles apart?

• Smooth, toothsome texture
• Not icy, despite the absence of corn syrup
• Authentic fruit flavors, especially the Black Cherry

Are Outshine popsicles suitable for those on a strict sugar-free diet? While not entirely sugar-free, their extremely low sugar content makes them a great option for those moderately restricting their sugar intake.

Goodpop Watermelon Agave: A Low-Sugar Fruit Sensation

For those seeking a more indulgent yet still relatively low-sugar option, Goodpop’s Watermelon Agave bars offer a delightful compromise. With 9 grams of sugar per bar, they contain significantly less sugar than traditional fruit popsicles while delivering an authentic frozen juice experience.

How do Goodpop popsicles compare to homemade fruit bars? Many tasters liken the experience to enjoying homemade popsicles crafted from frozen juice concentrate, evoking nostalgic summer memories.

The Reigning Champion: Popsicle Sugar Free Tropicals

In a surprising twist, the best overall option comes from a classic brand. Popsicle’s Sugar Free Tropicals variety pack has earned top marks for its exceptional flavor and truly sugar-free formulation. What makes these popsicles stand out?

1. Zero grams of sugar
2. Only 15 calories per bar
3. Tropical flavors that mask any artificial sweetener taste
4. Standout Caribbean Punch flavor with prominent guava notes

Can you enjoy multiple sugar-free popsicles without guilt? With their low calorie count and absence of sugar, these Popsicle brand treats allow for guilt-free indulgence, even on the hottest summer days.

Understanding the Nutritional Profile of Healthy Popsicles

When searching for healthier popsicle options, it’s essential to look beyond just sugar content. What other factors should you consider when choosing a nutritious frozen treat?

• Real fruit as the first ingredient
• Minimal added sugars
• Absence of gums or thickeners
• No artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or colors

Why is it important to check the ingredient list on popsicles? Many commercially available fruit popsicles have lengthy ingredient lists that may include unnecessary additives. Opting for popsicles with simpler, more natural ingredients can lead to a healthier and more satisfying treat.

The Role of Fruit in Healthy Popsicles

Ideally, fruit should be the star of the show in any fruit-based popsicle. How can you ensure you’re getting a popsicle with significant fruit content?

• Look for “fruit” or specific fruit names as the first ingredient
• Check for a high percentage of fruit content on the label
• Be wary of “fruit flavors” which may not contain real fruit

Does a higher fruit content always mean a healthier popsicle? While fruit-forward popsicles often offer more nutrients and natural sweetness, it’s still important to consider the overall sugar content and presence of other additives.

Navigating Sugar Alternatives in Popsicles

Many sugar-free and low-sugar popsicles rely on alternative sweeteners to achieve their desired taste. What are some common sugar substitutes found in these healthier popsicles?

• Stevia
• Erythritol
• Monk fruit extract
• Sugar alcohols

Are all sugar alternatives created equal in popsicles? Different sweeteners can affect taste and texture in various ways. Some may leave an aftertaste, while others blend seamlessly with fruit flavors. Personal preference and tolerance play a significant role in determining which sugar alternatives work best for individual consumers.

DIY Low-Sugar Popsicles: A Homemade Alternative

For those who want complete control over their popsicle ingredients, making them at home can be a rewarding option. How can you create delicious, low-sugar popsicles in your own kitchen?

1. Choose ripe, naturally sweet fruits
2. Blend fruits with water or unsweetened plant-based milk
3. Add natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit if desired
4. Experiment with herb and spice additions for unique flavors
5. Freeze in popsicle molds or small cups with sticks

What are the benefits of making your own low-sugar popsicles? Homemade popsicles allow for complete customization of flavors and ingredients, ensuring you get exactly the taste and nutritional profile you desire. Plus, it can be a fun summer activity for families and children.

The Impact of Low-Sugar Popsicles on Health and Wellness

Choosing sugar-free or low-sugar popsicles can have several positive effects on overall health and wellness. How can these healthier frozen treats benefit you?

• Better blood sugar control
• Reduced calorie intake
• Improved dental health
• Potential weight management benefits

Can sugar-free popsicles be part of a balanced diet? When consumed in moderation, these treats can certainly fit into a healthy eating plan. They offer a way to enjoy a sweet, cooling snack without derailing nutritional goals or causing significant spikes in blood sugar levels.

Considering Individual Dietary Needs

While sugar-free and low-sugar popsicles can be a great option for many, it’s important to consider individual dietary needs and restrictions. Are these popsicles suitable for everyone?

• Diabetics should consult with their healthcare provider about incorporating sugar-free treats
• Those with sensitivities to sugar alcohols may need to choose options carefully
• Individuals following specific diets (e.g., keto, paleo) should check ingredient lists for compatibility

How can you determine if a particular brand of low-sugar popsicles is right for you? Reading labels carefully, understanding your own dietary needs, and potentially consulting with a nutritionist or healthcare provider can help you make informed choices about which popsicles best fit your lifestyle and health goals.

The Future of Healthy Popsicles: Trends and Innovations

As consumer demand for healthier frozen treats continues to grow, the popsicle market is evolving to meet these needs. What trends can we expect to see in the world of sugar-free and low-sugar popsicles?

• Increased use of natural, plant-based sweeteners
• More diverse and exotic fruit flavors
• Incorporation of functional ingredients like probiotics or added fiber
• Sustainable packaging solutions

How might these innovations impact the taste and nutritional value of future popsicles? As technology and food science advance, we may see even more delicious and health-conscious options that closely mimic the taste and texture of traditional sugar-laden popsicles while offering enhanced nutritional benefits.

The Rise of Functional Popsicles

Beyond simply reducing sugar content, some brands are exploring ways to make popsicles more nutritionally beneficial. What kinds of functional popsicles might we see in the future?

• Protein-enriched popsicles for post-workout recovery
• Vitamin-fortified options for immune support
• Popsicles with added herbs or botanicals for specific health benefits
• Probiotic-infused frozen treats for gut health

Could popsicles become more than just a treat and serve as a vehicle for nutrition? While popsicles should not replace a balanced diet, the integration of functional ingredients could potentially offer consumers a way to enjoy a refreshing snack while also supporting their health goals.

Making Informed Choices: Tips for Selecting the Best Low-Sugar Popsicles

With the variety of options available, choosing the right low-sugar or sugar-free popsicle can seem overwhelming. How can you ensure you’re selecting the best option for your needs and preferences?

1. Read ingredient lists carefully
2. Compare sugar content and serving sizes across brands
3. Consider your personal taste preferences and sweetener tolerances
4. Look for popsicles with real fruit ingredients
5. Be aware of calorie content, especially if watching weight

Is it worth trying multiple brands to find your favorite? Absolutely. Taste preferences can vary widely, and what one person finds delicious, another may dislike. Experimenting with different brands and flavors can help you discover the perfect low-sugar popsicle for your palate.

Balancing Nutrition and Indulgence

While focusing on healthier popsicle options is commendable, it’s also important to remember that treats can have a place in a balanced lifestyle. How can you approach popsicle consumption with a balanced mindset?

• Enjoy popsicles in moderation as part of a varied diet
• Use them as a tool to satisfy sweet cravings without derailing health goals
• Consider alternating between homemade and store-bought options
• Remember that even healthier treats should be consumed mindfully

Can indulging in the occasional full-sugar popsicle be part of a healthy diet? For most people, enjoying a traditional popsicle now and then won’t significantly impact overall health. The key is moderation and being mindful of overall dietary patterns.

Storing and Serving Sugar-Free and Low-Sugar Popsicles

Proper storage and serving can enhance your enjoyment of these healthier frozen treats. How can you ensure your popsicles maintain their best quality?

• Store at a consistent freezer temperature to prevent ice crystallization
• Keep popsicles in their original packaging or airtight containers
• Avoid frequent temperature fluctuations by minimizing freezer door openings
• Consider using insulated popsicle sleeves for slower melting during consumption

Does the texture of sugar-free popsicles differ from regular ones when melting? Some sugar-free popsicles may melt slightly differently due to their ingredient composition. Enjoying them relatively quickly once removed from the freezer can help maintain the best texture experience.

Creative Serving Ideas

While popsicles are delightful on their own, there are creative ways to elevate your low-sugar popsicle experience. What are some fun serving suggestions for these healthier treats?

• Float a fruit-based popsicle in sparkling water for a low-calorie, refreshing drink
• Use them as colorful garnishes for summer mocktails
• Crush and sprinkle over Greek yogurt for a crunchy, fruity topping
• Blend with almond milk for a quick, low-sugar smoothie

Can these serving ideas make low-sugar popsicles more appealing to children? Absolutely. Creative presentations can make healthier options more exciting and enticing, potentially helping children develop a preference for less sugary treats.

Embracing a Cooler, Healthier Summer with Low-Sugar Popsicles

As we’ve explored, the world of sugar-free and low-sugar popsicles offers a wide array of options for those seeking healthier frozen treats. From store-bought varieties that rival their full-sugar counterparts in taste to homemade creations that allow for complete customization, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy a refreshing popsicle without excessive sugar.

By understanding what to look for in healthier popsicles, considering individual dietary needs, and staying informed about new trends and innovations in the market, consumers can make choices that align with their health goals while still indulging in the simple pleasure of a cold popsicle on a hot summer day.

Whether you’re managing a health condition, watching your weight, or simply aiming to reduce your sugar intake, the evolving landscape of low-sugar popsicles ensures that you don’t have to miss out on one of summer’s most iconic treats. With mindful selection and enjoyment, these healthier alternatives can become a delightful part of a balanced approach to nutrition and wellness.

Best Sugar Free Popsicles (and Low Sugar Popsicles, Too)

By Gwynedd Stuart | May 18, 2023

Credit: Merc / Target / Instacart / Vons

The best sugar free popsicles and no sugar added popsicles are just as fruity and refreshing as the kind that stained your mouth and gave you a sugar high when you were a kid. While so many low sugar and no sugar beverages can taste overwhelmingly like artificial sweeteners (unless we’re talking about the best seltzer), I’m pleased to report that popsicles do a way better job of not tasting weird.

For this taste test, we rounded up both no sugar added (so, some sugar) popsicles, as well as sugar free popsicles. Spoiler: Our favorite of them all is actually totally sugar free. This is excellent news for people who have to cut sugar out of their diets for health reasons and people who are just casually watching their carbs. It’s heating up outside. Summer is on its way. These are the best sugar free popsicles and low sugar popsicles to stock your freezer with all season long.

(And if you’re looking for the best popsicles with real sugar, we ranked those, too.)

Best for Biters

Outshine No Sugar Added Black Cherry, Strawberry Kiwi & Mixed Berry

Target

I’m no food scientist, but I’d always assumed that corn syrup gave popsicles their toothsome bite. Yes, I’m a popsicle biter—sue me! These Outshine No Sugar Added popsicles don’t contain corn syrup, but they still have that nice, smooth bite—they’re not icy at all! We tried two Outshine variety packs: Black Cherry, Strawberry Kiwi & Mixed Berry, as well as Strawberry, Tangerine & Raspberry. Overall, the former is the better choice. I generally love an orange popsicle, but the Tangerine tasted a little funny and carroty to me. And you just gotta have Black Cherry as an option—it’s so sweet, juicy, and delicious. While these do contain sugar, they’re very low sugar—only 2 grams per bar!

Credit: Merc / Target

Rating:

9/10

Sporks

Best Fruit Juice Flavor

Goodpop Watermelon Agave

Instacart

Okay, at 9 grams a bar, these Goodpop Watermelon Agave bars are higher in sugar than many of the other no sugar added popsicles we tried. But they’re still a far cry from other popsicles. For instance, Helados Mexico Watermelon fruit bars contain 23 grams of sugar per bar! So, these aren’t exactly sugar free, but they’re still very low. All of Good Pop’s bars taste like frozen juice. Like, your mom brought home a can of Minute Maid concentrate and some popsicle molds and you guys made your own juice bars on a day during summer vacation. They’re all pretty good— we tried Cherry n’ Lemonade and their Orange, Cherry, Grape variety pack—but the Watermelon Agave is the best. Watermelon just works so well as a frozen fruit bar and these low sugar popsicles are a great example of that.

Credit: Merc / Instacart

Rating:

9.5/10

Sporks

Best of the Best

Popsicle Sugar Free Tropicals

I frequently ask my colleague Jordan Myrick to try things I especially love and this was one of the products that made them do a little dance. These sugar free Capital P Popsicles are icier than Outshine bars—not ideal for biters—but the flavors just taste so darn good! In this variety pack you get Hawaiian Pineapple, Tropical Orange, and Caribbean Punch. All of them are great, but the Caribbean Punch is the best by far. Lots of guava. A vacation on a stick. The biggest feat is that these don’t taste like artificial sweeteners. And at 15 cals and, I repeat, zero grams of sugar, you can house as many as you want on a sweaty day. Turns out the best low sugar popsicles are actually sugar free popsicles.

Credit: Merc / Vons

Rating:

10/10

Sporks

Other products we tried: Popsicle Sugar Free Orange, Cherry, Grape; Fudgsicle No Sugar Added; Outshine No Sugar Added Strawberry, Tangerine & Raspberry; Goodpop Orange, Cherry, Grape; Goodpop Cherry n’ Lemonade; Budget Saver Monster Pops

About the Author

Gwynedd Stuart

Gwynedd Stuart, Sporked’s managing editor, is an L.A.-based writer and editor who spends way, way too much time at the grocery store. She’s never met an Old El Paso taco or mozzarella stick she didn’t like.

Choosing Healthy Popsicles – Feed Them Wisely

Popsicles are a favorite summer treat with many brands offering healthy looking fruit options. However, how healthy are popsicles? And what are the healthiest popsicle brands?

This comprehensive guide details what to look for and what to avoid when choosing frozen fruit pops.

The healthiest popsicles have:

• Real fruit as the first ingredient
• Minimal added sugar
• No gums or thickeners
• No artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or colors

Ideally, fruit should be the first ingredient in a fruit pop.  However, most commercially available fruit popsicles tend to have long ingredient lists.  

What to look for when choosing a healthy popsicle

1. Fruit is the first ingredient in healthy popsicles

Fruit should be the first ingredient in healthy fruit popsicles. Whole fruit is a nutrient dense and naturally sweet snack.

How do you know if a fruit flavored popsicle contains real fruit?  Read the ingredient list.  Fruit, sometimes in the form of a puree, should be the first ingredient.

You can also look for fiber on the Nutrition Facts label.   Real, whole fruit contains fiber. In general, the more fiber a popsicle contains, the more whole fruit in the treat.

However, some popsicle brands contain added fiber, so fiber is not always a good proxy for the amount of whole fruit a popsicle contains.

Recommendation: Only buy popsicles where fruit is the first ingredient.

2. Healthy popsicles have minimal added sugar

A little added sugar is okay in a healthy diet. However, the typical American eats almost a half cup of added sugar each day and this excess sugar consumption is making us overweight and chronically ill.

Corn syrup, tapioca syrup, and cane sugar are all forms of added sugar that are common ingredients in fruit popsicles. 

Apple and pear juice concentrate sound healthy, right?  Think again!  The FDA considers fruit juice concentrates to be a form of added sugar. (1)  

However, companies don’t have to list fruit juice concentrates as added sugar if they include enough water to dilute the concentrate to juice.

Recommendation:  When choosing a frozen treat, look for one with minimal added sugar. Most fruit popsicles contain 12 grams or more of added sugar. That is a tablespoon of sugar and almost half of the daily recommended amount of added sugar for a child.

3. Healthy Popsicles Avoid Gums and Other Thickeners

Frozen treats often contain gums and other thickeners to prevent ice crystal formation and improve texture.

Gums and thickeners are highly processed and can sometimes cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Typical gums and other thickeners in fruit popsicles include guar gum, xanthan gum, locust bean gum (also called carob bean gum), cellulose gum, cellulose gel, soluble corn fiber, and modified corn starch.

Guar Gum.  Guar gum is a polysaccharide (polymer of sugar) made from the seeds of the guar plant. It is a soluble fiber that our bodies can not digest. However, gut bacteria can ferment guar gum.  (2)

Xanthan Gum. Like guar gum, Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide made when bacterial ferment glucose and other sugars. Xanthan gum is a soluble fiber that our bodies can not digest. (3)

Locust Bean Gum.  Locust Bean Gum a polysaccharide extracted from the seeds of the Carob Tree. Also called carob bean gum, locust Bean Gum is a soluble dietary fiber that our bodies can not digest. (4)

Soluble Corn Fiber. Also called resistant maltodextrin, soluble corn fiver is a non-digestible soluble fiber made from corn starch. It thickens foods and is a sugar replacement in low sugar foods. (5)

Avoid these gums and thickeners

Cellulose Gum and Cellulose Gel.  Also called carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), cellulose gum is polysaccharide manufactured from cellulose, found in the cellular walls of plants.

The FDA considers CMS a “generally regarded as safe” food additive. However, growing research links CMC to inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowl disease. (6)

Modified Corn Starch. Our bodies rapidly digest starch into sugar. As such, all forms of food starch are high Glycemic Index (GI).  Eating predominantly high-GI foods is associated with chronic disease and strongly associated with heart disease. (7,8)

Recommendation: Avoid cellulose gum, cellulose gel, CMC and modified corn starch.

While it is best to avoid foods containing gums and other thickeners, small amounts of guar gum, xanthan gum, and locust bean gum are probably fine unless you experience gastrointestinal discomfort or are following a specific diet.

4. Healthy Popsicles Avoid Artificial Sweeteners

Most no-sugar-added popsicles use artificial sweeteners to achieve low calorie levels. However, these frozen fruit treats are still not a healthy choice even though they contain minimal or no added sugar.

Typical artificial sweeteners in fruit popsicles include sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium.

Sucralose. Brand name Splenda®. Sucralose is a non-caloric sweetener about 600 times sweeter than table sugar. (9)

Aspartame. Brand names Nutrasweet®, Equal®, and Sugar Twin®. Aspartame is a non-caloric sweetener about 200 times sweeter than table sugar. (9)

Acesulfame Potassium. Brand names Sweet One® and Sunnet®. Acesulfame potassium, also called Ace-K, is a non-caloric sweetener about 200 times sweeter than table sugar. (9)

It is best to avoid artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners still affect our bodies, even though they are essentially calorie free and do not contain any added sugar.

Artificial sweeteners can negatively impact our perception of how foods taste. Vegetables often taste excessively bitter and naturally sweet foods may not taste sweet enough. (8)

More importantly, artificial sweeteners can change microbiome composition, increase appetite, and affect insulin secretion. (10) These changes can result in increased calorie consumption and weight gain.

Are Non-Nutritive Sweeteners Healthy?

Some popsicle brands include natural non-caloric sweeteners. Typical plant derived non-nutritive sweeteners in popsicles include stevia leaf extract, monk fruit extract, and allulose.

Stevia Leaf Extract. Stevia is a non-caloric sweetener made from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. The FDA recognizes stevia extracts to be Generally Regarded to Be Safe (GRAS) and permits extracts with at least 95% purity to be used in food. Stevia leaf extract is 200 to 400 times sweeter than table sugar. (9,11)

Monk Fruit Extract. Monk Fruit Extract is a non-caloric sweetener made from the Siraitia grosvenorii plant, native to Southern China. The FDA recognizes monk fruit extract to be Generally Regarded to Be Safe (GRAS). Monk fruit extract is 100 to 250 times sweeter than table sugar. (9)

Allulose. Allulose is a low-calorie sweetener found naturally in some fruit. It has a molecular structure similar to fructose but does not metabolize like sugar. Though considered a carbohydrate, the FDA does not require listing allulose as a sugar on nutrition labels. (12)

Are these naturally non and low-calorie sweeteners healthy? Like artificial sweeteners, most are significantly sweeter than table sugar and likely will affect our taste, making bitter foods like vegetables less palatable.

Also, how these sweeteners affect our microbiome is just now being studied. An initial study indicates stevia extract interferes with gut bacteria communication. (13) Further research is definitely needed.

Recommendation: Avoid foods with artificial sweeteners and only eat natural nutritive sweeteners in moderation.

5. Healthy Popsicles Avoid Artificial Colors and Preservatives

Most popular popsicle brands are now made with natural colors (often from fruit or vegetable juice) and natural preservatives.

In fact, all of the frozen fruit pops we evaluated are free of artificial colors and preservatives!

However, some brands still contain artificial colors and preservatives. So read the ingredient list carefully to avoid these unnecessary ingredients.

Our evaluation of healthy Freezer Pops provides detailed information on artificial colors and artificial preservatives.

Which popular frozen fruit bars are healthy?

We evaluated popular strawberry frozen fruit popsicles based on the following criteria. (14-22)

Criteria used to evaluate Strawberry Popsicles

All information below is for 1 serving, which varies in size. To compare between brands, added sugar is listed in total grams, teaspoons (red spoons), and percent of frozen treat.

Types of added sugar are red.  Types of non-nutritive sweeteners are in red italics.  Thickeners and gums are in italics. Artificial sweeteners are bold.

Examples of healthy popsicles

Unfortunately, none of the frozen strawberry fruit bars we evaluated can be considered truly healthy. All popsicles contain some form of sweetener in addition to fruit.

However, to be realistic, popsicles should have a little added sugar. They are a treat. I have tried to make homemade strawberry fruit bars without added sugar. They were an epic failure, even when made with the sweetest just-picked strawberries.

The healthiest popsicle brands

Realistically, no store-bought popsicles should be eaten daily as a part of a healthy diet. However, a few strawberry fruit bars are perfectly okay for the occasional treat.

The following popsicles are the healthiest store-bought brands. Popsicles are listed in order of least amount of added sugar and other additives to most.

Modern Pop Strawberry Lemonade

Modern Pop Strawberry Lemonade Ingredients: Strawberries, water, organic agave, organic lemon juice

Reasons to consider Modern Pop Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles:

• Strawberries are the first ingredient
• Added sugar makes up only 10% of the fruit pop, the lowest amount of added sugar in all popsicles evaluated
• Free of highly-processed gums and thickeners

Chloe’s Strawberry Pops

Chloe’s Strawberry Pops Ingredients: Strawberry purée (strawberries, lemon juice), water, cane sugar

Reasons to consider Chloe’s Strawberry Popsicles:

• Strawberries are the first ingredient
• Free of highly-processed gums and thickeners

Reasons why you may want to think twice about buying Chloe’s Strawberry Popsicles:

• Each popsicle contains 12 grams (a tablespoon) of added sugar, almost half of the AHA’s daily recommended intake for children.

goodpop Strawberry Fruit Bars

goodpop Strawberry Fruit Bars Ingredients: Strawberries, water, organic cane sugar, organic guar gum

Reasons to consider goodpop Strawberry Fruit Bars:

• Strawberries are the first ingredient

Reasons why you may want to think twice about buying goodpop Strawberry Fruit Bars:

• Each popsicle contains 12 grams (a tablespoon) of added sugar
• Contains guar gum, a highly-processed gums and thickeners

Outshine Strawberry Fruit Bars

Outshine Strawberry Fruit Bars Ingredients: Strawberries, water, cane sugar, citric acid, guar gum, carob bean gum, ascorbic acid, strawberry juice from concentrate (water, strawberry juice concentrate), natural flavor, beet juice color, turmeric oleoresin color

Reasons to consider Outshine Strawberry Fruit Bars:

• Strawberries are the first ingredient

Reasons why you may want to think twice about buying Outshine Strawberry Fruit Bars:

• Each popsicle contains 12 grams (a tablespoon) of added sugar
• Contains guar gum and carob bean gum, highly-processed gums and thickeners

Popsicles to avoid:

Several store-bought popsicles are not healthy options.   They often contain too much added sugar or other additives that are best avoided in a healthy diet.

However, not all popsicles categorized as “avoid” are equal. Some popsicle brands are free of additives, but contain too much added sugar. Other popsicles are free of added sugars but contain highly processed thickeners and other undesirable ingredients.

The following strawberry fruit bars should be avoided or eaten only after thoughtful consideration.  These popsicles are listed in order from least to most undesirable ingredients.

Popsicle Strawberry Fruit Pops

Popsicle Strawberry Fruit Pops Ingredients: water, strawberries, cane sugar, ascorbic acid, natural flavor

Reasons to consider Popsicle Strawberry Fruit Pops:

• Free of highly-processed gums and thickeners
• Low amount of added sugar, though added sugar makes up 16% of the popsicle by weight

Reasons to think twice before buying Popsicle Strawberry Fruit Pops:

• Strawberries are not the first ingredient

Chloe’s No Sugar Added Strawberry Pops

Chloe’s No Sugar Added Strawberry Pops Ingredients: White grape juice from concentrate (water, white grape juice concentrate), strawberry puree, allulose, natural flavors, lemon juice concentrate, monk fruit juice concentrate

Reasons to consider Chloe’s No Sugar Added Strawberry Pops:

• Low amount of total sugars. However, contains fruit juice as first ingredient instead of fruit
• Free of highly-processed gums and thickeners

Reasons to think twice before buying Chloe’s No Sugar Added Strawberry Pops:

• Strawberries are not the first ingredient
• Misleading claim of 0% added sugar. When diluted with water, grape juice concentrate is not labeled as added sugar
• Sweetened with non-nutritive sweeteners allulose and monk fruit juice concentrate

Outshine Organic Fruit Bars Strawberry

Outshine Organic Fruit Bars Strawberry Ingredients: water, organic strawberries, organic cane sugar, citric acid, organic fruit and vegetable color, organic guar gum, organic carob bean gum, ascorbic acid, natural flavor

Reasons to think twice about buying Outshine Organic Fruit Bars Strawberry:

• Strawberries are not the first ingredient
• 20% of each popsicle is sugar
• Contains guar gum and carob bean gum, highly-processed gums and thickeners

Enlightened Strawberry + Chill Fruit Infusions

Enlightened Strawberry + Chill Fruit Infusions Ingredients: Water, strawberries, non-GMO soluble corn fiber, tapioca syrup, vegetable glycerin, lemon juice concentrate, natural flavors, elderberry juice for color, cane sugar, guar gum, carob bean gum, monk fruit extract, xanthan gum, botanical chill blend (lavender, chamomile, lemon balm)

Reasons to think twice about buying Enlightened Strawberry + Chill Fruit Infusions:

• Strawberries are not the first ingredient
• Contains soluble corn fiber, guar gum, carob bean gum and xanthan gum
• Contains glycerin, a sugar alcohol. Also called glycerol, glycerin is 75% as sweet as sugar. Glycerin does not count as “added sugar” on the FDA label requirements
• Sweetened with non-nutritive sweetener monk fruit extract

Halo Top Strawberry Fruit Pops

Halo Top Strawberry Fruit Pops Ingredients: Water, soluble corn fiber, strawberries, sugar, strawberry puree, strawberry juice concentrate, citric acid, salt, malic acid, stevia leaf extract, cellulose gel, cellulose gum, carob bean gum, guar gum, beet extract for color, annatto extract for color

Reasons to think twice about buying Halo Top Strawberry Fruit Pops:

• Strawberries are not the first ingredient
• Contains soluble corn fiber, cellulose gel, cellulose gum, carob bean gum and guar gum
• Sweetened with non-nutritive sweetener stevia leaf extract

Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Strawberry Fruit Bars

Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Strawberry Fruit Bars Ingredients: Strawberries, water, cane sugar, guar gum, carob bean gum, citric acid

Reasons to avoid Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Strawberry Fruit Bars:

• Each popsicle contains 20 grams of added sugar, 100% of the AHA’s daily recommended maximum intake of added sugar for children
• Contains guar gum and carob bean gum, highly-processed gums and thickeners

Kroger Strawberry Fruit Bars

Kroger Strawberry Fruit Bars Ingredients: Water, strawberries, strawberry puree, sugar, cellulose gum, modified corn starch, natural flavor, citric acid, guar gum, locust bean gum, ascorbic acid, beet juice extract and turmeric (for color)

Reasons to avoid Kroger Strawberry Fruit Bars:

• Each popsicle contains 19 grams of added sugar, almost 100% of the AHA’s daily recommended maximum intake of added sugar for children
• Contains cellulose guar gum and locust bean gum, highly-processed gums and thickeners
• Thickened with modified food starch. Starches rapidly convert to glucose during digestion

Popsicle Simply Strawberry

Popsicle Simply Strawberry Ingredients: Water, cane sugar, citric acid, beet juice, guar gum, natural flavor, ascorbic acid, annato extract and tumeric oleoresin (for color)

Reasons to avoid Popsicle Simply Strawberry:

• This popsicle is simply sugar water with flavoring. It contains no fruit!
• Contains guar gum, a highly-processed thickeners

Outshine No Sugar Added Strawberry

Outshine No Sugar Added Strawberry Ingredients: Water, strawberries, sorbitol, maltodextrin*, glycerin, grape juice from concentrate*, polydextrose, citric acid, ascorbic acid, guar gum, sucralose, strawberry juice from concentrate, carob bean gum, natural flavor, acesulfame potassium, beet juice color, turmeric oleoresin color

Reasons to avoid Outshine No Sugar Added Strawberry:

• Misleading claim of 0% added sugar. When diluted with water, grape juice concentrate is not labeled added sugar
• Sweetened with artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium
• Contains guar gum and carob bean gum, highly-processed gums and thickeners
• Sweetened with sorbitol and glycerin, types of sugar alcohol. Neither count as “added sugar” on the FDA label requirements. Sorbitol can cause digestive distress
• Sweetened maltodextrin, a polysaccharide that turns into sugar when digested.

Popsicle Red Classics Strawberry

Popsicle Red Classics Strawberry Ingredients: Water, glycerin, maltodextrin, citric acid, vegetable juice, guar gum, natural and artificial flavor, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, ascorbic acid, tumeric oleoresin, cherry juice concentrate, locust bean gum

Reasons to avoid Popsicle Red Classics Strawberry:

• Sweetened with artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium
• Sweetened with glycerin, a sugar alcohol
• Contains maltodextrin, a polysaccharide that turns into sugar when digested
• Contains locust bean gum, a highly-processed gums and thickeners

Conclusions about choosing a healthy popsicle

When it comes to finding a healthy-ish strawberry fruit bar, simple ingredients are best.   Look for a popsicle with minimal sweetener that avoids highly processed ingredients.

If you have the time, you can always make your own homemade strawberry popsicles.

Check out these other product evaluations:

• Which freezer pops are healthy?
• Choosing a healthy almond milk
• Are plant-based burgers healthy?
• Is oat milk healthy?
• Choosing healthy crackers and snacks
• What popular breakfast cereals are healthy?

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References:

1. Definition of Added Sugar, FDA Federal Register, May 2016, § 101.9(c)(6)(iii) (link)
2. Re-evaluation of guar gum as a food additive, EFSA Website, (link)
3. Evaluation of xanthan gum as a food additive, EFSA Website, (link)
4. Re-evaluation of locust bean gum as a Food Additive, EFSA Website, (link)
5. Resistant maltodextrin related health claims, EFSA Website (link)
6. The Role of Carrageenan and Carboxymethylcellulose in the Development of Intestinal Inflammation, Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2017, 5: 96 (link)
7. Whole Grains and Fiber, American Heart Association Website (link)
8. Always Hungry? Conquer Cravings, Retrain Your Fat Cells & Lose Weight Permanently, David Ludwig, MD, PhD (link)
9. Additional Information about High-Intensity Sweeteners Permitted for Use in Food in the United States, FDA Website (link)
10. The Association Between Artificial Sweeteners and Obesity, Current Gastroenterology Reports, December 2017, 19:64 (link)
11. Safety of a proposed amendment of the specifications for steviol glycosides (E 960) as a food additive: to expand the list of steviol glycosides to all those identified in the leaves of Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni, EFSA Website (link)
12. The Declaration of Allulose and Calories from Allulose on Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels: Guidance for Industry, FDA Website (link)
13. Is the sugar substitute stevia bad for our health? Medical News Today Website (link)
14. Modern Pop Website (link)
15. Chloe’s Fruit Website (link)
16. goodpops Website (link)
17. Outshine Snacks Website (link)
18. Popsicle Website (link)
19. Enlightened Website (link)
20. Halo Top Website (link)
21. Whole Foods Market Website (link)
22. Kroger Website (link)

Ice Cream Sugar – Rambler/Female

FitSeven

099192+03:00″> January 10, 2019, 11:43

Why do people like ice cream so much?

© FitSeven

Scientific research has long identified the ideal composition of foods that people find the most delicious and make them buy again and again: 25-40% of calories for sugar and 20-25% for fat. Ice cream has a similar composition. The cooling cool taste and high caffeine content (in chocolate ice cream) also play a role.

Video of the Day

While most people are aware of the high calorie and high sugar content of ice cream, in their minds they prefer to shift the focus to “the benefits of milk in the composition” or to “the content of real fruit.” However, it is extremely important to remember that ice cream is just frozen fat and sugar, and not a healthy product at all.

Point of Delight is all about how food companies are learning how to enjoy food by making us buy and eat more.

How many calories are in one cup of ice cream?

Since ice cream is a type of ice cream with a high content of milk fat (usually due to inclusion in the composition of whole milk or cream), its average calorie content is about 220-250 calories per 100 g, and the fat content varies from 12 to 20% . The standard weight of a cup is 80g, but there are cups of 65g or even 120g.

Approximately 95% of the weight of ice cream in a cup is the ice cream itself, and 5% is the waffle. Wafer, in turn, is made from sugar, flour, milk powder and water. Since the weight of each waffle cup does not exceed 5 g, its calorie content is no more than 20 kcal. A much larger contribution to the calorie content is made by additives in the form of caramel or chocolate pieces.

Calorie table of ice cream types:

Type of ice cream

Fat content

Calorie content per 100 g

Calorie content and typical serving size

Sorbet

0 -10%

60-140 kcal

36-84 kcal

ball, 60 g

Creamy

8-10%

220-240 kcal

130-145 kcal

ball, 60 g

Ice cream classic 9000 3

12-14%

220-250 kcal

175-200 kcal

cup, 80 g

Fat ice cream

15-20%

230-270 kcal

185-220 kcal

9 0002 cup, 80 g

Chocolate sundae

12-25%

220-300 kcal

175-240 kcal

briquette, 80 g

Creme brulee

15-20%

230-250 kcal

230-250 kcal

briquette, 100 g

Eskimo

20-27%

270-300 kcal

190-210 kcal

stick, 70 g

Sundae with nuts

20-30%

270-350 kcal

215-280 kcal

briquette, 80 g

What is ice cream made of?

The main ingredients in ice cream are sugar, products of multi-stage milk processing and milk fats. The most commonly used additional ingredients are flavors (ranging from chocolate chips and natural fruits to synthetic vanilla and banana flavors), texture stabilizers and, in some cases, vegetable fats.

Vegetable fats are used both to make ice cream cheaper (palm fat) and to create a more airy texture (coconut oil). The main problem with these fats is that they undergo aggressive chemical transformations, as a result of which trans fats, which are unhealthy, often appear in their composition.

Sorbet – can it be considered dietary?

Although some people consider sorbet to be a dietary option for ice cream, this opinion is fundamentally wrong. While the animal fats in the sorbet have indeed been replaced with low-calorie chemical stabilizers, the key ingredient in these ice creams is still sugar. And in some cases, sugar can be replaced with more harmful fructose syrup.

Sorbet is a typical calorie bomb of fast carbohydrates – after eating such ice cream, blood glucose levels first rise sharply, then fall sharply. Such changes provoke a “fake” feeling of hunger in a person, forcing them to actively look for another high-calorie snack. And the more sorbet a person eats, the more he will feel hunger.

Fat-free ice cream

After removing fat from ice cream, the manufacturer faces the problem of restoring the airy and soft texture of the product. Dyes, preservatives, gelatin, processed gluten, starch and carrageenan algae extracts come to the rescue, which have gelling properties and allow turning frozen sugar syrup into a product that is pleasant for the buyer.

However, let us remind you once again that sorbet, fruit ice or any other fat-free ice cream is more harmful than usual variations due to huge doses of sugar. Don’t be fooled by the pretty buzzwords – although this ice cream will be made from fresh yogurt, it doesn’t completely rule out the fact that harmful sugar will be the main ingredient in its composition.

Which juice contains one and a half times more sugar than Coca-Cola? Is freshly squeezed orange juice really good for health?

Is there dietary ice cream?

On the one hand, fat-free ice cream and sorbet are practically pure sugar. On the other hand, sugar-free ice cream contains a whole list of different sweeteners. If a manufacturer tries to create ice cream with reduced levels of sugar and fat at the same time, he, in fact, will have to create the taste and structure of the product almost from scratch.

Even if such ice cream will have a low calorie content and will not contain pure sugars, it is still impossible to talk about the “benefit” of such a product for health. The worst thing about diet ice cream is that people tend to consume it in really large amounts without feeling full or remorseful.

Recipe for homemade ice cream

The main problem of homemade ice cream is not the difficulty of making it – the recipe for classic ice cream is extremely simple. All you need to do is to thoroughly mix whole milk, cream, sugar, starch and flavors, then heat, cool and freeze. The problem is that it is simply impossible to make a small portion of homemade ice cream.

As a result, everything will end with the fact that you will eat ice cream from a bucket with a tablespoon – in this case, the calorie content of such a dessert will easily exceed a thousand kilocalories. It is extremely important to treat ice cream as a delicacy that can be consumed in extremely rare cases and in really small quantities – and not as a healthy protein product.

The main ingredient in most ice creams is sugar or fructose syrup. In fact, fast carbohydrates account for about 20-25% of the weight of any ice cream, which often exceeds the total fat content. The high sugar content is the main problem of ice cream – when it is used, the level of glucose in the blood changes extremely quickly.

Food, Health

What is vegan ice cream / Why is it useful and how to make dessert at home – an article from the “What to eat” section on Food.ru

Ice cream is a favorite treat for many, but the traditional dairy version of the dessert is not for everyone. Not only vegans refuse it, but also supporters of proper nutrition, because there is a lot of sugar in ice cream. What to do if you don’t want to deprive yourself of goodies? Plant-based ice cream comes to the rescue. We figure out what vegan ice cream is made of, what is useful and how to quickly prepare it at home.

The history of vegan ice cream

The trend for vegan and vegetarian ice cream is a recent trend, but it has been around for over a hundred years. The first vegetable delicacy recipe was invented in 1899 by American Almeda Lambert and published in the vegan section of the book Nut Cooking Guide. Dessert was a frozen nut cream with added sugar and vanilla.

Soy ice cream was invented at the beginning of the 20th century. Arao Itano, a teacher at the University of Massachusetts, was the first to describe the idea of ​​such a dessert in 1918.

Four years later, the first patent for soy ice cream was filed. And in 1930, Jethro Kloss created the first real soy treat infused with honey, chocolate, strawberries and vanilla.

By the middle of the last century, the product entered the market and was successfully sold in the USA. Soy ice cream was positioned as a healthy dessert with a high protein content. Over time, other options for vegetarian delicacies have appeared. Dessert made with almond and coconut milk is popular, often based on oatmeal, green buckwheat, pea protein, avocado and even rice. Matcha, a powder made from green tea leaves, is rapidly gaining popularity.

Benefits of vegetable ice cream

Vegan sweets are a great alternative to the classic dessert, they will be useful not only for vegans, and here’s why:

1. No dairy products. Dairy allergies and lactose intolerance are quite common in today’s world. For people with lactose intolerance, vegetable ice cream is a great alternative that won’t hurt your body.

2. Natural ingredients. Often the reason for choosing a vegan dessert instead of the usual one is the desire to adhere to a healthy diet. The composition of vegetable ice cream, as a rule, is extremely transparent and does not contain artificial colors, flavor enhancers and preservatives.

3. Low sugar. It is worth noting that not all plant-based ice cream boasts a low sugar content, but there are plenty of such options. There are vegetarian sweets without added sugar – a great dessert for any diet.

We should also mention the benefits of plant products for the environment. This point is important for vegans, and manufacturers of vegan products are responsible for environmental issues: they choose the most harmless packaging and production methods.

By the way, the process of producing plant products is much safer for the environment, because livestock accounts for almost 15% of greenhouse gas emissions.

3 ideas for homemade vegan ice cream

In today’s world, plant-based ice cream is not hard to find in the store, but homemade dessert is guaranteed to be tasty and healthy. We offer you to pay attention to simple recipes for goodies.

1. Banana cream

Banana ice cream is one of the easiest and fastest recipes to make. Dessert is a frozen banana cream. To prepare the base, you will need ripe bananas, they need to be beaten with a blender until smooth. If the fruit is not ripe enough, you can add a little cold coconut milk to the bananas.

You can experiment with this base, for example, add cocoa powder, nut butter or strawberries to the dessert.

2. Berries without sugar

Another simple recipe based on banana cream – it will give the dessert the right consistency. Ideal proportion: 3 parts cream to part berries.

Experiment with the rest of the ingredients:

• Any frozen berries are suitable for the filling – take those whose taste you like. From raspberries or strawberries you get a sweet dessert that does not need additional sweeteners, from currants – more sour.

• Vanilla will perfectly complement the taste of the dessert. If sweetness is not enough, you can use stevia.

• A small amount of coconut or almond milk will give the dessert a creamy taste.