When you’re trying to make good decisions about what you eat, finding a healthy ice cream alternatives may seem tricky. Luckily, there are some easy to make substitutes you can try and they aren’t difficult to make.

By combining fruit, liquids and natural sugar alternatives you can make delicious frozen treats that are low in processed sugar and fat content as well as low in calories.

Ice Cream Alternatives

Smoothie Bowl

Choose a fruit, base, thickener, sweetener (optional) and power boost (optional), place in blender, mix, pour into a bowl, add toppings and enjoy!

Fruit 1-2 cups (fresh or frozen)

• Berry mix (blackberries, raspberries, blueberries)
• Strawberry banana (1 cup of strawberries/ 1 large banana)
• Strawberry peach (half to one cup of each type of fruit)
• Other fruit(s) of your choice

Base 1 cup

• Almond milk
• Water
• Coconut water

Thickener (optional- to taste)

• Plain Greek yogurt
• Banana (my personal favorite. I always use a half or whole banana in all of my smoothies to make it thicker and creamier. Tip: freeze ripe banana halves and keep them in the freezer.)

Sweetener (optional- to taste)

• Agave nectar
• Raw local honey

Power Boost (optional)

• Greens (1 cup of greens such as spinach or kale)
• Protein powder (1-2 tablespoons)

Toppings (optional)

• Granola
• Oats
• Nuts
• Fresh fruit
• Seeds (sunflower or chia)
• Dark chocolate pieces

Bonus Tips: You can create a healthy sundae or banana split with your smoothie by adding a small amount of dark chocolate and bananas, or turn it into frozen popsicles by adding your smoothie to the popsicle molds (following the steps below).

Fruit Popsicles

1. Mix ingredients in blender
2. Pour into the molds
3. Freeze for 3-5 hours until fully frozen 
4. Place in hot water or tap molds on table top to loosen them
5. Enjoy your popsicles

Mint Watermelon Lemonade Popsicles

• 3 cups watermelon slices
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
• 1 1/2 cups coconut water (can use regular or flavored-sugar free water)
• 2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey

Watermelon/Strawberry Popsicles

• 3 cups watermelon slices
• 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• Juice of 1 lime or lemon

Bonus Tip: Switch out and substitute different fruits like peaches, blueberries, or cherries.

Mixed Fruit Slice Popsicles

This popsicle is not blended. First, cut fruit into small pieces and place in mold leaving some room at the top for the liquid and the lid. Then, add water of your choice, leave room for water to expand when it freezes. Finally, freeze for 3-5 hours, place in hot water to loosen and enjoy.

• 2 Kiwis
• 2 Peaches
• 1 Cup Strawberries
• 1/2 Cup Blueberries
• 2-4 Cups liquid – try flavored water (such as the brand Hint – no added sugar) or coconut water. The liquid amount may change based on the size of your molds so adjust accordingly.

Bonus Tip: Feel free to mix it up with the fruit, try adding raspberries, cherries, blackberries, pineapple or mango to the mix.

Making healthier choices is possible, and there are tools to help. Check out our blog on apps to support a healthier lifestyle here.

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