Healthy Homemade Otter Pops

Try this healthy, real-fruit version of the super-popular Otter Pop that kids love to eat on hot summer days.

Why Make Your Own Otter Pops

One day earlier this summer I was at the store with my 4-year-old. She spotted a box of Otter Pops, and had never had one so she kept asking me about them. I decided to buy some as a hot summer day treat… little did I know I had opened Pandora’s box!

I don’t know if it was because she had never otter pops before, or if it was because they were so refreshing to her on a hot day, but she became obsessed! Every time she went outside she thought she needed an otter pop.

As a health-conscious parent, I don’t love this. Store-bought otter pops are basically just sugar and water… not exactly something we want our kids indulging in every single day. I started doing a little looking and found a company that makes otter pop packaging, called Zipzicles! So I ordered some, and we decided to make our own healthy otter pops.

What Containers Are Good for Homemade Otter Pops?

Zipsicles are a refillable otter pop container that’s BPA-free, and also recyclable!  It’s basically a Zip-top bag that comes in a tall, skinny shape. It’s perfect because it’s so customizable. You can make whatever kind of healthy Otter Pop you want! They have tons of yummy and healthy recipes on their website. We made two different kinds (recipes at the bottom of the post!) and they both turned out great.

How to Make Healthy Otter Pops

To make these, all you need to do is combine your ingredients in a blender. Then use a funnel or some kind of narrow pitcher to pour your mixture into each bag, and freeze! We did find it was possible to fill the pouches straight from the blender using a steady hand. But if you want a zero-spills experience, a small funnel helps.

Here are some filling guidelines:

Each Zipzicle™ ice-pop bag holds 1/3 cup of liquid. Make one, or make a dozen.

• 1 c filling = 3 Zipzicle™ ice-pops
• 2 c filling = 6 Zipzicle™ ice-pops
• 3 c filling = 9 Zipzicle™ ice-pops
• 4 c filling = 12 Zipzicle™ ice-pops

Find them on Amazon, here.

Is it worth it to make your own?

YES! True, homemade pops will cost a little more money than the store-bought sugar-water kind. But when you make your own healthy otter pops you reduce sugar intake, add fruit and veggies into your kids diet, and help your kids stay hydrated on a hot day.

Here are some tips for making the best pops:

1. Use ripe, in season fruit and they will be naturally a lot sweeter.
2. Make a fruit or veggie smoothie and pour the leftovers into these Otter Pop molds for a quick treat!
3. If you want a creamier texture, add a banana, coconut milk, or Greek yogurt.
4. Add lemon juice, lime juice or blended raspberries to make a more tart Otter Pop.
5. If you have a fruit that is not very sweet, use honey or maple syrup to sweeten.