Chill Out and Stay Cool with These Homemade Healthy Treats 

Enjoy these refreshing homemade treats crafted with your favorite healthy ingredients. 

There is nothing like a frosty treat on a day where the summer heat has been kicked into high gear. But if you’re looking for frozen goodies that support your health goals, you may want to skip most store-bought products. Many are loaded with sugar, artificial flavors, and more ingredients than you can count. 

The good news is that it’s easier than you may think to make your own healthy frozen snacks at home. All you’ll need are a few simple ingredients, a couple of minutes of prep time and a freezer. Not only are homemade frozen treats easy to make but they can save you money. 

Here are 5 healthy frozen treats you can whip up in no time: 

1. Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt – Skip the long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce at the store and make your own ice cream. Start with a base of milk, yogurt, coconut milk or even cottage cheese – you don’t need an ice cream maker to be a pro. Then blend in fruit, cocoa, flavored extracts, protein powder or nuts and your sweetener of choice, such as dates, honey or agave and freeze. The results are rich, creamy, indulgent and oh-so-healthy! 

2. Popsicles – These are easy to make and extremely refreshing! All you need to do is blend some fruit with no-sugar-added fruit juice or coconut water. Then freeze the mixture in popsicle molds for a few hours. If you don’t have molds, you can use small disposable cups and sticks. Watermelon, mango, strawberries and pineapple are refreshing options. For a creamier texture, add Greek yogurt or a splash of coconut milk. 

3. Smoothies or Milkshakes – There’s nothing like the frosty goodness of a freshly home-made smoothie or milkshake! By making it at home, you don’t have to worry about there being too much sugar. There are many healthy smoothie recipes to choose from, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Start with any type of milk and add ingredients like Greek yogurt, fruit, spinach, chia or flax seeds, protein powder, or oats. Then add ice cubes and blend until frothy. 

4. Frozen Yogurt Bark – For a cool treat with added protein and calcium, try some frozen yogurt bark. Start by spreading a layer of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt onto a baking sheet topped with parchment paper. Add small pieces of fruit, seeds, nuts, or even a few dark chocolate chips on top. Freeze for a few hours, then break the bark into pieces. Kids love to get in on the act of making this candy-like treat! 

5. Frozen Fruit Bites or Clusters – Bananas and berries work great for these bite-sized morsels of goodness but other fruit is equally delicious. Slice fruit into pieces if it’s not already small and then customize as you wish before freezing. Spreading peanut butter between bananas is a favorite. You can also dip pieces of fruit in a bit of melted chocolate and sprinkle with coconut or chopped nuts. Freeze on a tray until firm. 

Making frozen treats at home is a great way to enjoy healthy ingredients while indulging in a cool, refreshing snack or dessert. Once you start making these delicious treats at home, you might just find yourself skipping the ice cream aisle altogether!