Healthy treats for kids: 5 options from the freezer aisle

Bottom freezers are the best invention. They mean kids can grab their icy summer snacks themselves and let you do the important things (like tweeting while making dinner).  But you should take care in stocking that ice box: Frozen-coloured-sugar-water of ye olden days can have massive detrimental effects on your kid’s brain and growth. So here’s a list of super store-bought summer treats that will help your little ones beat the heat without wreaking havoc on their health.

Also read: 10 healthy store-bought snacks>

If you listen to any naturopath, they'll tell you to cut back or cut out dairy as it's the No.1 allergen around. It may be a good idea to heed the warning and limit dairy when you can. Coconut milk is a “good fat” and these frozen kid-pleasing pops are based on it. Sweetened with organic agave nectar, they could be solving two problems at once, removal of dairy and reduction of blood-sugar-spiking high-fructose corn syrup.

Found in the freezer section and intended to be thawed before eating, these cookie-like disks are so refreshing when eaten frozen. Just one contains almost half of the fibre a child needs, plus a decent 4 grams of protein. That’s actually fairly amazing for a summer treat!

Sometimes, you just want a popsicle. But instead of feeding your family sugar on a stick, why not opt for this healthier alternative of mango and peach puree? Count this as one serving of fruit and get on with your day without the guilt of dishing out a sugary dessert.

The problem with straight-up frozen fruit-sicles is that there is no protein to slow down the sugar absorption. This will likely cause a blood-sugar spike and its ensuing crash (read: cranky children). Mix in a little milk and some good fat like coconut oil, and the whole glycemic index of a food changes. Here you have 110 calories of fruit, a bit of protein and a happy little camper.

The perfect treat for picnics or backyard parties, these antioxidant-packed strawberries dipped in chocolate should stay frozen for about an hour. So at 90 calories a pop (and nothing but strawberries and chocolate on the ingredient list), they are perfect for summer fun.

Whip up a yummy smoothie when your kids need to recharge.

Get the recipes here: 5 fabulous frosty drinks >