Do Popsicles Make You Gain Weight?

on August 2, 2023

Nothing is quite as cooling as indulging in a colourful, ice popsicle to beat the sweltering heat now that summer is in full swing. But as you enjoy these delicious delights, you might start to question, “Do popsicles make you gain weight?”

Popsicles’ effect on weight gain is influenced by a number of variables, including their contents, serving sizes, and general dietary patterns. When consumed in excess, popsicles that are heavy in added sugars and calories can lead to weight gain since they deliver mostly empty calories with little nutritious benefit.

Popsicles, when consumed in moderation and as part of a healthy diet, are unlikely to significantly increase weight. However, it’s crucial to take your nutrition and lifestyle as a whole into account. The excess calories from popsicles may eventually cause weight gain if you eat them together with a diet that is already high in calories or live a sedentary lifestyle.

If you’re managing your weight, choosing healthier options like popsicles made with genuine fruit, natural sweeteners, or ones labelled as low-calorie may be a better choice. Additionally, a well-balanced diet and regular exercise are important components of weight management.

What are some healthier popsicle alternatives for weight-conscious individuals?

There are various options to take into consideration that are fewer in calories and offer more nutritional value for people who are trying to lose weight and are looking for healthier popsicle substitutes. Here are a few concepts:

Fruit Popsicles: Make your own popsicles with fresh fruits like berries, watermelon, mango, or kiwi that have been pureed or mixed. If necessary, you can add a small amount of natural sweeteners like honey or agave, although the sweetness of the fruits themselves is frequently enough.

Yogurt Popsicles: To make rich, creamy popsicles that are high in protein, use Greek or low-fat yoghurt. For more flavour, use bits of fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey.
Popsicles made with coconut water: Natural electrolytes and little calories are found in coconut water. A delicious and hydrating treat is created when frozen fruit slices and coconut water are combined.
Herbal Tea Popsicles: Prepare fruit- or herb-infused herbal teas, such as mint or camomile, and then lightly sweeten with honey or stevia before freezing.

Vegetable Popsicles: Try making some inventive vegetable-based popsicles. Cucumber, lime, and mint, for instance, can be blended to create a hydrating and low-calorie choice.
Chia Seed Popsicles: For a delightful and high-fiber popsicle, combine chia seeds with your favourite fruits, almond or coconut milk, and chia seeds.
Frozen Smoothie Pops: For an easy-to-grab snack that is filled with nutrients, pour leftover smoothie combinations into popsicle moulds.

Watermelon Wedges: Freeze watermelon wedges or chunks for a quick, easy, and refreshing treat that tastes like a popsicle.

Avoiding extra sweeteners or added sugars is crucial when creating or selecting healthier popsicles. Pay close attention to ingredient labels and choose foods from the store or recipes that have little to no added sugar. Additionally, the ability to regulate the ingredients and portion sizes of handmade popsicles enables better personalisation to meet your nutritional choices and weight loss objectives.

Is it better to make homemade popsicles?

Making your own popsicles has a number of benefits, especially for those watching their weight and seeking out healthier options. The following are some benefits of producing homemade popsicles:

Control Over Ingredients: You have complete control over the ingredients while making popsicles at home. By avoiding the artificial additives, preservatives, and excessive sugars found in certain store-bought popsicles, you can use fresh and natural fruits, low-fat yoghurt, and other healthful components.
Customization: You can customise the flavours and sweetness levels of homemade popsicles to suit your palate preferences and dietary requirements. To make popsicles that suit your particular preferences, try with different fruits, herbs, and sweeteners.
Reduced Sugar Content: Store-bought popsicles frequently have excessive sugar content that can lead to weight gain and other health problems. You can produce a healthier choice by preparing your own popsicles and using natural sweeteners sparingly or relying on the inherent sweetness of fruits.

Portion Control: You can regulate portion sizes while making popsicles at home, which is essential for weight management. To prevent overindulgence, you can choose to prepare single-serving popsicles or use smaller moulds.
Nutritional Value: Since you have the opportunity to add ingredients like fresh fruits, vegetables, and even nuts or seeds, which contain vitamins, minerals, and fibre, to your homemade popsicles, they may be more nutrient-dense.
Cost-Effective:When compared to expensive or speciality shop brands, making popsicles at home can ultimately be more affordable.

Fun and Creative: Making homemade popsicles together as a family can be enjoyable. With a variety of flavours and designs at your disposal, it may be a fun and nutritious summer hobby.

Store-bought popsicles can still be enjoyed in moderation even if homemade popsicles have several advantages. Just keep in mind to read labels, select products with few added sugars, and monitor portion sizes. Whether homemade or purchased from a store, eating in moderation and with awareness are essential for including popsicles in a healthy diet and weight management plan.

Are there sugar free popsicles?

Popsicles without sugar are indeed sold in stores. Popsicles without added sugar are made with the intention of having little to no added sugar. To obtain the sweet taste, they frequently employ natural sweeteners or sugar substitutes rather than actual sugar.

The following are the most typical sugar alternatives found in sugar-free popsicles:

Artificial Sweeteners: Aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, and acesulfame potassium are a few examples. These sweeteners offer the sweet taste without significantly affecting blood sugar levels and have relatively few calories.
Stevia: Stevia is a natural sweetener made from the stevia plant’s leaves. It is a well-liked substitute for sugar-free items because it contains no calories and does not cause blood sugar levels to rise.

Erythritol: A sugar alcohol called erythritol adds sweetness without adding many calories or changing blood sugar levels.

It’s critical to read the product labels while looking for sugar-free popsicles to determine the sweeteners used and whether any hidden sugars or high-calorie additives are present. While most sugar-free popsicles should have minimal to no added sugars, some may still include trace levels of fruit’s naturally occuring sugars.

You might also think about producing your own sugar-free popsicles at home using fresh fruits, stevia, or other natural sweeteners if you’re worried about artificial sweeteners or want more natural options. You have total control over the components and can alter the flavours anyway you choose in this method.