6 Healthy Popsicles That Put Your Neighborhood Ice Cream Truck To Shame

In the sweltering summer heat, ain't nothing like a popsicle to cool you down.

We have yet to meet a popsicle we didn't like. Refreshing as they are, most of the icy treats on the market are loaded with sugar and dyes that can leave your lips a Cookie Monster blue. Not to mention, an average box can cost over on buck per -- we can't help it -- pop.

These six incredible homemade recipes below will put your neighborhood ice cream truck to shame. You're in control of the ingredients, which means you can adjust the sugar count to your liking. With a few tools and a serving of patience for your mix to solidify in the freezer, you're on your way to homemade popsicle heaven. Sorry (kind of) to put you out, ice cream man.

Vegan Black Bean Fudge Pops

fudgesicle
Photo: Flickr/thecraftykitty
These are not your momma's Fudgesicles. Rather than a sticky mixture of empty, chocolatey calories, these pops boast a healthful amount of fiber. The recipe, which comes from Kathy Hester's "The Great Vegan Bean Book," is soy-free, gluten-free oil-free all thanks to it's main ingredient, which is -- you guessed it -- black beans. Find the recipe here.

Dark Chocolate Frozen Kiwi Pops

chocolate covered kiwis
Photo: Bare Feet In The Kitchen
These are beautiful, smart and healthy. A dream date, if you will. This recipe from Bare Feet In The Kitchen calls for three simple ingredients: Kiwi, dark chocolate and coconut oil. Find the whole recipe here.

Pickle Pops

pickle pops
Photo: Amy Bayliss
Don't have a sweet tooth but want in on the frozen fun? We can't possibly blame you. These colorful concoctions are made fuss-free with everyone's favorite sandwich accouterment. Some athletes choose pickle juice over sugary, electrolyte-surged beverages to refuel after a tough workout. There's no reason you can't take a tip from the pros and enjoy one of these post-sweat session. Find the recipe here.

Strawberry Smoothie Popsicles

smoothie pop
Photo: Chocolate Covered Katie
These sweet things have a secret ingredient we can't help but reveal: Kale! Thanks to everyone's favorite leafy green, these delights serve up a healthy dose of vitamin C. Find how to make your own, here.

Strawberry Shortcake Greek Yogurt Popsicles

strawberry shortcake
Photo: The Kitchen Paper
Here's something else to do with all that yogurt you've been buying. These beautiful creations boast a protein punch that'll satisfy your hunger as well as your craving for something sweet and creamy. Find the recipe here.

Frozen Fruit Pops

tiedye pops
Photo: SkinnyTaste
These tie-dye little numbers require just two elements: fruit (whatever kind your heart desires) and juice. Find the step-by-step recipe from SkinnyTaste here.

Uber let you hail an ice cream truck for a day

It's summertime, and the company behind the Uber car-hailing service wants you to stay cool.
Using their app, of course.

As part of a one-day promotion on Friday, Uber users in dozens of cities could hail an ice cream truck instead of the usual black car, SUV or taxi. A truck with an Uber logo on the side would then show up, hang around long enough to distribute some ice cream, and head off to make another delivery.

[You can see a video of an Uber ice cream van in operation here.]

The ice cream wasn't cheap -- but then again, free delivery was included. In San Francisco, users had to spend $30 to have a truck come to their location, and for that they got five ice creams and a token gift.
The promotion was held in 33 cities where Uber operates including Rome, Berlin, Toronto, New York and Paris.

Uber was pushing the sweet stuff to get noticed in a year when it has big goals. It's currently operating in 37 cities and wants to be active in 100 by the end of 2013.

Uber has teamed up for one-day promo events before. Last Cinco de Mayo users could order a mariachi band to serenade them. They've also dispatched flowers and musicians on Valentine's Day. The ice cream stunt was done last year too, though on a smaller scale.

"Every once in a while, it's fun to take the technology we have and use it for something fun," said Uber spokesman Ilya Abyzov.


Uber wasn't the only company offering promotions this week. Just as it was urging its users to scream for ice cream, Sidecar launched a promotion in which users who take three rides this weekend can enter a drawing for a US$1,000 bike.

Uber let you hail an ice cream truck for a day

It's summertime, and the company behind the Uber car-hailing service wants you to stay cool.
Using their app, of course.

As part of a one-day promotion on Friday, Uber users in dozens of cities could hail an ice cream truck instead of the usual black car, SUV or taxi. A truck with an Uber logo on the side would then show up, hang around long enough to distribute some ice cream, and head off to make another delivery.
[You can see a video of an Uber ice cream van in operation here.

The ice cream wasn't cheap -- but then again, free delivery was included. In San Francisco, users had to spend $30 to have a truck come to their location, and for that they got five ice creams and a token gift.
The promotion was held in 33 cities where Uber operates including Rome, Berlin, Toronto, New York and Paris.

Uber was pushing the sweet stuff to get noticed in a year when it has big goals. It's currently operating in 37 cities and wants to be active in 100 by the end of 2013.

Uber has teamed up for one-day promo events before. Last Cinco de Mayo users could order a mariachi band to serenade them. They've also dispatched flowers and musicians on Valentine's Day. The ice cream stunt was done last year too, though on a smaller scale.

"Every once in a while, it's fun to take the technology we have and use it for something fun," said Uber spokesman Ilya Abyzov.

Uber wasn't the only company offering promotions this week. Just as it was urging its users to scream for ice cream, Sidecar launched a promotion in which users who take three rides this weekend can enter a drawing for a US$1,000 bike.