What is in your popsicles?
Store-bought popsicles contain many chemicals that are harmful to your health and the health of your children and grandchildren. Here are just a few:
Sugar: When the ingredient list says “sugar” instead of “cane sugar” that means it’s from GMO sugar beets that are sprayed with the herbicide Roundup (glyphosate) which is linked to a slew of chronic illnesses and diseases.
Artificial flavors: These synthetic flavors are made from proprietary chemicals to make fake food taste real. This is not a single ingredient – each flavor may contain up to 100 ingredients, including synthetic chemicals, solvents, and preservatives such as BHA, propylene glycol, MSG, parabens, and more.
“Natural” flavors: These can contain chemicals, carrier solvents, and preservatives. And they could be made from just about anything other than petroleum.
Carrageenan: Known to cause digestive problems and intestinal inflammation. It’s also linked to cancer.
Cellulose gum: Cellulose additives are typically made from wood and have been linked to weight gain, inflammation, and digestive problems.
Artificial Colors: Whenever you see a color like Red 40, Red 3, Yellow 5, or Blue 1, these are derived from petroleum and linked to several health issues including allergies, cancer, and hyperactivity in children.
You can make popsicles at home with real food. Quick and easy!
Here are 3 of my favorites!
Raspberry Creamsicles
3 cups ripe raspberries
1 ½ cups organic coconut milk, unsweetened
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
2 Tbsp. organic lemon juice, fresh squeezed
1/2 tsp. real vanilla extract
Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds. Cover and insert sticks in the center. Place in the freezer 5+ hours or overnight.
Tropical Rocket Pops
1 cup chopped pineapple
1 banana
1 tsp. organic ginger, grated
½ cup organic coconut milk, unsweetened
1 Tbsp. raw honey
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend to combine.
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and place in the freezer for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Here’s a link for a cool product. Rocket popsicle molds:
Fudge Pops
⅔ cup pure maple syrup
½ cup unsweetened cocoa (I prefer the “special dark” variety)
2 tsp. real vanilla extract
1 cup + 1 Tbsp. organic plain yogurt
1¼ cups organic coconut milk, unsweetened
In a medium-sized bowl whisk together the syrup, cocoa powder, and vanilla until thoroughly combined and there are almost no clumps left. Slowly whisk in both the yogurt and milk. Pour into paper cups or popsicle molds, add a popsicle stick, and freeze. When you are ready to dig in, run a little bit of warm water on the outside of the molds to loosen them up so the popsicles come out easily. Enjoy!
Get your family in the kitchen and have fun making these popsicles. Send me an email and let me know how you like them.
Happy Summer!
Shawndi
