Yogurt popsicles are a frozen snack or dessert typically made with fruit, yogurt, and a sweetener like honey. They are a low-calorie and healthier alternative to store-bought frozen popsicles that often contain a lot of sugar. As most recipes for yogurt popsicles are simple to make, preparing these treats is an activity families can do together. The possible flavor combinations of yogurt and fruit are limited only by what is available locally.
Most commercially available frozen popsicles contain fruit juice, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavors and colors. People who wish to limit their sugar intake can purchase commercially produced sugar-free brands but may still be concerned about artificial ingredients. Making yogurt popsicles at home can alleviate these concerns while allowing for experimentation with flavor combinations.
A typical recipe for yogurt popsicles includes ripe bananas, frozen berries, and yogurt. The bananas will give the popsicle mixture a rich, firm, and creamy texture. They, along with the yogurt, form the base mixture of this frozen snack. The yogurt should be low- or non-fat and is usually plain but can be a flavor that complements the other fruit used in the recipe. A flavored yogurt may add sugar and calories.
The flavor and color of yogurt popsicles are often imparted by the fruit used with the bananas. Frozen berries like strawberries and blueberries are common choices. Raspberries also impart a strong flavor but contain seeds that can get stuck in teeth. These snacks can be made with any frozen fruit, depending on personal preference.
These popsicles are simple to make with a food processor. All ingredients are blended together until smooth. Bananas must be peeled and sliced before blending. If desired, a little bit of honey or another sweetener like agave nectar can be added to the mixture.
Once the mixture has been blended until smooth, it can be poured into a popsicle mold or divided between paper cups. The yogurt popsicles should be left in the freezer for about 10 minutes before inserting a popsicle stick into the center of each one. It will likely take at least an additional three hours before the popsicles are sufficiently frozen to eat.
Individuals with certain dietary preferences and needs may not be able to eat yogurt popsicles without modifying the recipe. A person with a dairy allergy or who is lactose intolerant will likely want to avoid dairy yogurt and use a nondairy version instead. Vegans generally do not eat honey because they are an animal byproduct, but this ingredient can be substituted for agave nectar or eliminated altogether. Those with allergies to specific fruits will want to create flavor combinations that avoid the allergen.
The nutritional content of yogurt popsicles depends on the fruits and other ingredients used. If non-fat plain yogurt is used, the caloric content will be quite low depending on if and how much sweetener is added. The vitamins and minerals will vary depending on what fruit is included. In general, yogurt popsicles are a healthier, lower-calorie alternative to the often sugary commercially available popsicles.