As the sun beats down and the days grow long, few treats evoke summer nostalgia quite like a popsicle. The icy sweetness, the drip down your hand, the burst of flavor—it’s a simple pleasure that transcends generations. But for those of us keeping an eye on health, the classic popsicle can feel more like a guilty indulgence than a refreshing snack. Laden with sugar, artificial colors, and mysterious additives, many mainstream brands don’t align with a mindful eating approach. The good news? You don’t have to ditch popsicles entirely—or spend hours blending fruit in your kitchen—to enjoy a healthier version. A growing number of brands are stepping up, offering low-sugar, natural options that deliver on taste without compromising your wellness goals.

In this article, we’ll dive into the healthiest popsicle brands you can buy, focusing on those with minimal sugar and real, natural ingredients. Whether you’re a parent seeking better snacks for your kids, a health enthusiast, or just someone who loves a cold treat, these options will keep you cool and satisfied. Let’s explore what makes a popsicle “healthy,” spotlight the top brands, and offer tips for choosing the best ones at your local store.

What Makes a Popsicle Healthy?

Before we get to the brands, let’s define what “healthy” means in the popsicle world. The FDA doesn’t regulate “low-sugar” claims the way it does for fat or sodium, so we’re left to interpret the term relative to typical offerings. Traditional popsicles—like the iconic red, white, and blue rocket pops—often pack 20–25 grams of added sugar per serving, with little to no nutritional value. A healthier alternative should ideally:

• Minimize Added Sugar: Aim for 10 grams or less per pop, though natural sugars from fruit are less concerning than refined sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup.
• Use Real Ingredients: Look for whole fruits, juices, or purees as primary ingredients, not artificial flavors or dyes.
• Avoid Unnecessary Additives: Gums like guar or xanthan are common stabilizers, and while they’re generally safe, the fewer processed extras, the better.
• Offer Nutritional Perks: Bonus points for fiber, vitamins, or protein that elevate the pop beyond mere dessert.

With these criteria in mind, let’s meet the brands that rise above the freezer aisle fray.

1. Ruby Rockets: The Whole-Food Wonder

If you’re searching for a popsicle that’s as close to a fruit-and-veggie smoothie as you can get, Ruby Rockets might be your holy grail. These pops are a standout for their commitment to whole foods and zero added sugar. Take their Rock-It Red flavor: with just 4 grams of sugar from strawberries, lemons, carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets, it’s practically a meal in disguise. The Gravity Grape option clocks in at 6 grams, blending grape juice concentrate with sweet potato, blueberry puree, and monk fruit extract for natural sweetness.

Why It’s Healthy: No added sugar is a huge win, especially since the American Heart Association recommends capping added sugar at 25 grams daily for women and 36 grams for men. The inclusion of vegetables adds fiber and micronutrients, making these pops a sneaky way to boost your intake. They’re also vegan, gluten-free, and free of artificial anything.

The Catch: Availability can be tricky—some fans report driving miles to find them. Fortunately, Ruby Rockets offers free shipping on orders of six boxes or more, perfect for stocking up.

Best For: Parents who want a treat their kids won’t suspect is healthy, or anyone cutting refined sugar.

2. Deebee’s Organics: Simplicity in a Freezie

Deebee’s Organics takes a minimalist approach with their Super Fruit Freezies, which are essentially frozen juice pops made from organic fruit purees and concentrates. Flavors like Strawberry Kiwi and Tropical Fruit hover around 5–7 grams of sugar per pop, all naturally occurring from fruit. The ingredient list is refreshingly short: think organic apple juice, strawberry puree, and a touch of guar gum for texture.

Why It’s Healthy: No added sugar, no artificial colors, and a low calorie count (around 30 per pop) make these a guilt-free choice. They’re also shelf-stable until frozen, adding convenience for on-the-go snacking.

The Catch: While delicious, some find the flavors less intense than sugar-heavy competitors, which might not satisfy those used to bolder tastes.

Best For: Toddlers, kids, or adults who love a light, fruity refreshment without the sugar crash.

3. Outshine: The Accessible All-Star

Outshine Fruit Bars are a familiar sight in most grocery stores, and for good reason—they strike a balance between health and mainstream appeal. Made with real fruit puree and juice, flavors like Strawberry and Mango range from 10–14 grams of sugar, with about 9–12 grams added from cane sugar. Their No Sugar Added line, sweetened with Splenda, drops the sugar to 2 grams per bar.

Why It’s Healthy: The regular bars offer vitamin C from real fruit, and the sugar content is lower than traditional popsicles. The No Sugar Added option is a boon for diabetics or carb-watchers, though artificial sweeteners may not suit everyone.

The Catch: The added sugar in the standard line isn’t ideal for purists, and the Splenda version might taste off to those sensitive to artificial aftertastes.

Best For: Casual snackers who want a healthier option without hunting down specialty brands.

4. GoodPop: Nostalgia Meets Nutrition

GoodPop aims to recreate the joy of childhood popsicles with a cleaner twist. Their Watermelon Agave bars, at 9 grams of sugar (some added from organic agave), taste like frozen juice—simple, refreshing, and not overly sweet.

Other flavors, like Orange Cherry Grape, use cane sugar but keep totals around 10–11 grams.

Why It’s Healthy: Real fruit and organic sweeteners keep these pops in check, and they’re free of artificial dyes and flavors. The texture is smooth, not icy, appealing to both biters and suckers.

The Catch: Slightly higher in sugar than some competitors, though still far below mainstream brands.

Best For: Families craving a classic popsicle vibe with better ingredients.

5. Chloe’s: Fruit-Forward Purity

Chloe’s Pops come in two varieties: regular and No Sugar Added. The standard Strawberry Pop, made with just strawberry puree, water, and cane sugar, has 12 grams of sugar (11 added). The No Sugar Added version swaps sugar for monk fruit and grape juice concentrate, cutting it to 5 grams total.

Why It’s Healthy: The short ingredient list is a win, and the No Sugar Added line caters to those avoiding refined sweeteners. Both are free of artificial additives.

The Catch: The regular version’s added sugar nears the upper limit of “low,” and the grape juice concentrate in the sugar-free option might not appeal to all.

Best For: Minimalists who value simplicity and a strong fruit flavor.

6. Whole Fruit: A Supermarket Staple

Whole Fruit bars, widely available at chains like Walmart, prioritize real fruit with flavors like Strawberry (12 grams sugar, some added) and Coconut (14 grams, mostly added). Their sugar-free line, sweetened with Splenda, drops to 50 calories and no sugar.

Why It’s Healthy: Real fruit leads the ingredient list, and the sugar-free option is low-calorie. Natural beet coloring beats artificial dyes any day.

The Catch: The added sugar in regular flavors and artificial sweeteners in the sugar-free line might not suit everyone’s preferences.

Best For: Budget-conscious shoppers who want a healthier mainstream option.

7. JonnyPops: Creamy Meets Clean

JonnyPops offers a creamy twist with their Strawberries & Cream bars, blending fruit with heavy cream for 9 grams of added sugar. Their dairy-free versions, made with oat milk, range from 10–13 grams.

Why It’s Healthy: Real fruit and a modest sugar count make these a treat with substance. The cream adds a satisfying richness without tipping into excess.

The Catch: The dairy might not work for everyone, and the sugar is higher than the lowest options here.

Best For: Those who love a creamsicle vibe with natural ingredients.

8. Sweet Nothings: Smoothie on a Stick

Sweet Nothings Dessert Pops, like their Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor, use organic fruits and veggies with no added sugar—just 4–7 grams from natural sources. They’re closer to a frozen smoothie than a traditional pop.

Why It’s Healthy: No added sugar, plus fiber and nutrients from whole ingredients, make these a nutritional powerhouse.

The Catch: Limited flavor variety and a less traditional popsicle texture might not hit the spot for all.

Best For: Health nuts who want a dessert that doubles as a snack.

How to Choose the Best Popsicle for You

With so many options, picking the right popsicle depends on your priorities. Here’s a quick guide:

• For Zero Added Sugar: Ruby Rockets, Deebee’s, or Sweet Nothings.
• For Easy Availability: Outshine, Whole Fruit, or GoodPop.
• For Creamy Texture: JonnyPops or GoodPop’s cream-based flavors.
• For Kids: Deebee’s or Chloe’s (bright flavors, simple ingredients).

When shopping, flip the box and scan the label. Look for fruit as the first ingredient, avoid high-fructose corn syrup, and decide if artificial sweeteners fit your diet. If sugar’s your main concern, compare grams per serving—natural sugars from fruit are fine, but added sugars should stay low.

The DIY Option: Why Not Make Your Own?

Of course, the ultimate control comes from making popsicles at home. Blend fresh strawberries, coconut water, and a splash of lime juice, pour into molds, and freeze overnight. You’ll get a treat with no added sugar and all the flavor you crave. Molds are cheap, and the process is fun—especially with kids. But for those spontaneous summer moments, these store-bought brands deliver convenience without compromise.

Final Thoughts

Popsicles don’t have to be a nutritional nightmare. Brands like Ruby Rockets, Deebee’s, and GoodPop prove you can enjoy a frozen treat that’s low in sugar and high in real, natural goodness. Whether you’re dodging artificial junk or just want a lighter indulgence, these options let you savor summer without the guilt. Next time you’re at the store, skip the neon sugar bombs and reach for one of these health-conscious picks. Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you.