How to Make Your Own Fruity Ice Lollies

It’s really simple to make your own ice lollies, without the artificial dyes and plastic packaging. Make a few in reusable lolly moulds, then just keep them in the freezer, for hot sunny days. Also better than wasteful lolly sticks, which are choking hazards.

These ice lollies (Abel & Cole) are easy to make. Just pour plant-based yoghurt into lolly moulds (add a swirl of jam for natural yoghurt) and freeze for two hours.

You can also just use fruit juice (avoid unpasteurised juice for children, pregnancy/nursing and weak immunity). Read more on food safety for people and pets.

What’s in Store-bought Ice Lollies?

You would imagine just fruit, but often there are artificial dyes (including ones that may make children hyperactive), and there’s no guarantee the fruit is organic. Some also contain refined sugars, which are not good for health and teeth (and vegans don’t want lollies with hidden milk solids).

All you do to make lollies is blend the ingredients and pour them into lolly moulds. Freeze, then just pop them out under hot water. Rinse the moulds (which have reusable handles) then use them again.

Here are some simple ideas to try:

Mango and Coconut: Blend fresh mango chunks with coconut milk for a creamy, tropical treat. Sweeten with a touch of agave, if wished.
Berry and Yogurt: Mash together strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries with plain yogurt. This makes a slightly tangy lolly, packed with probiotics.
Watermelon and Mint: Puree watermelon with a handful of fresh mint leaves.
Peach and Ginger: Blend ripe peaches with a little grated ginger.

Invest in a Reusable Lolly Mould

Most kitchen shops now sell these, mostly made from stainless steel. You can also buy silicone lolly moulds made from easy-to-recycle food-safe material that’s an alternative to plastic.

Where to Buy Natural Ice Lollies

If you prefer to buy natural ice-lollies (or run a shop or ice-cream vegan), a couple of good brands are:

Pip Organic makes organic ice lollies for children (and big children!), with a base of organic apple juice, blended with other fruits and a little organic guar (natural thickener). Choose from apple, berry or tropical.

There is also a ‘hidden veg’ option for children (and big children!) who won’t eat their vegetables. These taste like fruit, but hide a blend of organic spinach, carrot, purple carrot and butternut squash inside.

Lickalix also sell organic fruit lollies, in plastic-free packaging. Flavours include:

Strawberry Lemonade
Oh So Berry
Citrus Burst
Mango Raspberry Swirl
Simply Chocolate
Natural Cola

You can even now buy real fruit Rocket Lollies from Little Judes, which are free from colourings to stop your child bouncing off the walls!

Make Your Own Vegan Magnums

Magnums are the world’s most popular ice-cream snack, but they are expensive (and even the vegan versions are owned by Unilever, a brand many people choose to boycott on ethics).

Try this simple recipe for a vegan caramel magnum (Nadia’s Healthy Kitchen). It’s super-simple, and once mastered, you’ll never go back! Obviously omit nuts, if necessary.