Summer Cool Downs: Rating Your Kids' Favourite Frozen Popsicles

Rating your kid’s favourite ice blocks and ice-cream! 

As the summer sun heats up, kids all around Australia are reaching for their favourite ice blocks to cool down. But while these colourful treats might look refreshing, not all ice blocks are created equal.

Some are packed with artificial colours, flavours, and additives that could impact your child’s health and behaviour. In this guide, I’ll be using my Real Food Rating System to rate popular brands based on their ingredients and nutritional quality. Find out which treats to avoid, the key ingredients to watch for, and which ice blocks score top marks for a cool, wholesome, and kid-friendly summer.

So let’s get into it and rate some of the best and worst options!

Frozen Popsicles Rating: Summer 2024 Series

1. Pure Pops Vanilla Malt

REAL FOOD RATING: Better Choice ★★★★ (4/5 Stars)

Mandy’s Opinion: This is a solid choice for anyone looking to avoid artificial additives in their ice cream. It’s rich and creamy, with a simple ingredient list that parents can feel good about. Kids will love the taste, but keep in mind that it’s still relatively high in sugar, so I recommend enjoying it as an occasional treat rather than an everyday snack.

Ingredients Quality Score: ★★★★½ (4.5/5 Stars)

Ingredients: Jersey milk, pure cream, malt powder (barley), raw sugar, milk powder, vanilla bean and paste (0.5%), sea salt.

What Makes It Great:

• Real Jersey milk and pure cream base

• Real vanilla beans and paste (0.5%)

• Simple, clean ingredient list

• No artificial additives or preservatives

• Premium dairy ingredients

• Natural sea salt

What to Consider:

• Contains raw sugar, which is still a refined sugar.

• Contains barley malt, a natural sweetener.

• Not suitable for anyone with dairy intolerance or allergies.

Nutrition Score: ★★★★ (4/5 Stars)

• Energy - Moderate: 640kJ per serve (80g)

• Natural Sugar - Moderate: 12.3g per serve (approx 1 tsp from naturally occurring lactose in milk). 15.4g of sugar per 100grams

• Fat - Moderate: 8.4g

• Protein - Moderate: 2.8g per serve ( this is moderate for an ice-cream)

• Premium source of dairy calcium

• Sodium - Low: 38.4mg

What to Consider:

• Good protein from dairy

• Quality fats from cream

• Natural sugars but still on the higher side

• Source of calcium

Age: 2+
Dietary: Vegetarian
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy

Value Rating: ★★★ (Premium-priced but justified by ingredient quality) – 4 ice blocks (80g) at approx. $13.50.

Perfect For: A nourishing and indulgent ice cream, perfect as a substitute for a vanilla soft-serve or paddle pop.

Availability:

• Specialty food stores

• Selected supermarkets

• Independent grocers

• Food markets

2. Pana Organic Almond Frozen Dessert Sticks

REAL FOOD RATING: Better Choice ★★★★ (4/5 Stars)

Mandy’s Opinion: This is a more indulgent choice, packed with energy-dense ingredients like coconut and almonds. While it uses natural coconut sugar, the sugar content is still on the higher side, so it’s best enjoyed occasionally. If you're after a whole-food option that delivers the creamy richness of a Magnum without the artificial additives, this is a great alternative. Just keep it as a ‘sometimes’ option to balance out the higher natural sugar content.

Ingredients Quality Score: ★★★★½ (4.5/5 Stars)

Ingredients: Vanilla frozen dessert* (63.5%) (coconut* (min 43%; milk*, cream*), sugar* (raw*, coconut*), water, vanilla extract*, vegetable gum (guar gum, carob bean gum, sodium alginate), vanilla seeds), mylk choc* (32%) (cacao* (min 35%; cacao butter*, cacao mass*, cacao powder*), sugar* (raw*, coconut*), prebiotic tapioca fibre*, coconut oil*, coconut milk powder*, sunflower lecithin*, carob*, natural vanilla flavour), blanched almonds* (min 4.5%) *Ingredients certified organic.

What Makes It Great:

• Almost all ingredients are certified organic

• Real, whole-food ingredients (coconut, almonds, cacao)

• Natural sweeteners (raw coconut sugar)

• Contains healthy fats from coconut and almonds

• Prebiotic fibre included

• No artificial colourings or flavours

• No harmful additives or preservatives

• Uses organic sunflower lecithin instead of soy lecithin

What to Consider:

• Contains guar gum, a natural thickener that can cause mild stomach disturbances in some people.

• Long ingredient list.

Nutrition Score: ★★★½ (3.5/5 Stars)

• Energy - High: 895kJ per serve

• Natural Sugar - High: 12.5g (about 3 teaspoons) per serve. 19.9g of sugar per 100g

• Fat - High: 16.1g (11.2g saturated from coconut medium chain saturated fats )

• Protein - Low: 1.5g per serve

• Sodium - Low: 12mg per serve

What to Consider:

• Good fats from coconut and almonds.

• Higher in calories than basic ice blocks.

• Significant amount of natural sugars.

Age: 2+
Dietary: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Almonds, May contain other Tree Nuts

Value Rating: ★★★ (Premium-priced but justified by ingredient quality) – 4 ice blocks (63g) at approx. $13.50.

Perfect For: A nourishing and indulgent ice cream, the ideal substitute for a Magnum.

Availability:

• Health food stores

• Selected supermarkets

• Independent grocers

3. Juicies Tropical

REAL FOOD RATING: Better Choice ★★★★ (4/5 Stars)

Mandy’s Opinion: Juicies are a fantastic option for frozen ice popsicles, especially for parents looking to avoid artificial colours and flavours. I’d love to see more school canteens offering these as a healthier alternative to typical, colour-laden ice blocks. While they’re made from real fruit juice, keep in mind that they’re still high in natural fruit sugars and don’t provide the full nutritional benefits of whole fruit. Enjoy them as an occasional treat and consider pairing them with other nutrient-dense foods for a more balanced snack.

Ingredients Quality Score: ★★★★½ (4.5/5 Stars)

What Makes It Great:

1. 99.9% real fruit juice content

2. Fresh-pressed apple juice base

3. No artificial additives

4. Vitamin C enriched

5. Simple, clean ingredient list

What to Consider:

• Contains natural flavour

• No organic ingredients

Nutrition Score: ★★★½ (3.5/5 Stars)

• Energy - Low: 188kJ per 100g/ml

• Natural Sugar - Moderate: 11g per serve (about 2.75 teaspoons) and per 100g

• Fat- Low: 0.1g total (0g saturated)

• Protein- Low: 0.2g per serve

• Sodium - Low: 4mg per serve

What to Consider:

• Fruit juice lacks the fibre of fresh fruit and can contribute to dental cavities

• High in natural sugars

Age: 1+

Dietary: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free

Value Rating: ★★★★ (Good value for 100% fruit juice) 10 x 100ml ice blocks at approx. $9.00

Perfect For: A quick icy refreshment, a good substitute for colour-laden popsicles, good for rehydrating kids on hot summer days.

Availability:

• Supermarkets

• School canteens

• Convenience stores

4. Twisted Supa Pops

Twisted Supa Pops 

REAL FOOD RATING: Okay Option ★★★½ (3.5/5 Stars)

Mandy’s Opinion: Twisted Supa Pops offer a decent nutritional profile for a popsicle, with a low sugar content that makes them a suitable choice if you’re focused on reducing sugar intake. However, the inclusion of xylitol, glycerol, and several plant-based thickeners may cause digestive discomfort for some children and sensitive adults. If you’re looking for a low-sugar alternative to a chocolate paddle pop, this is a good occasional option – just keep an eye on how it’s tolerated, especially by younger kids.

Ingredients Quality Score: ★★★ (3./5 Stars)

Ingredients: Water, Soluble Tapioca Fibre, Whole Milk Powder, Xylitol, Cocoa Powder, Glycerol, Acacia Gum, Natural Flavour, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Monk Fruit.

What Makes It Good:

1. Contains real whole milk powder over skim milk powder

2. No artificial colours or flavours

3. Includes soluble fibre (tapioca)

What to Consider:

• Contains glycerol which is a sugar alcohol can be produced naturally or synthetically. Considered safe. However, it can cause allergic reactions, headaches, nausea, thirst and stomach upset in some people. Avoid in high doses in young children under 4.

• Contains Xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol. Which is generally regarded as safe but can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea and gas in some people, including young children.

• Acacia Gum, Guar Gum, and Xanthan Gum are plant-based thickeners that are considered safe but may cause digestive discomfort such as bloating, soft stools and gas in some people.

Nutrition Score: ★★★1/2 (3.5/5 Stars)

• Energy - Low: 275kJ per serve (63ml)

• Protein - Low: 2.1g per serve

• Fat - Low: 2.1g (1.4g saturated) per serve

• Sugars - Low: 2.9g per serve and 4.6g per 100grams

• Sodium - Low: 23mg per serve

What to Consider:

• Sugar is derived from xylitol

Age: 4+

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free,

Value rating: ★★★ (3/5 Stars - Good value when on sale) 6 x 63ml pops at approx. $7.50 or sale price $5.25

Perfect For: A good substitute for other sugary chocolate flavoured ice-cream or popsicles.

Availability:

• Supermarkets

• School canteens

• Convenience stores

5. Peters Icy Pole Lemonade

REAL FOOD RATING: Occasional Option ★★½ (2.5/5 Stars)

Mandy’s Opinion: Peters Icy Pole Lemonade is a simple, budget-friendly option. It has a basic ingredient list without artificial colours or flavours, which is a plus. However, it does contain refined sugar so it’s best enjoyed occasionally. While it doesn’t provide much nutritional value, it can be a good option when you’re looking for a classic icy treat without the artificial additives often found in other popsicles. Just keep in mind that it has no real nutritional benefits, so pair it with more nutrient-dense foods for balance.

Ingredients Quality Score: ★★½ (2.5./5 Stars)

Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Food Acid (330), Flavour, Vegetable Gum (412).

What Makes It Okay:

1. No artificial colours or flavour

2. No harmful preservatives

3. The Vegetable Gum choice is Guar Gum. This is not as worrying as some of the others.

4. Basic and relatively short ingredient list

5. Citric acid (330) is a far better choice than other antioxidants and preservatives commonly found in our food products

What to Consider:

• Contains refined sugar

• Basic industrial ingredients, lack of ‘real’ wholefoods

• Claims no artificial flavours but the actual flavour that is used is not specified.

Nutrition Score: ★★ (2/5 Stars)

• Energy - Low: 180kJ per serve (75g)

• Sugar - Moderate: 10.7g (about 2.7 teaspoons) per serve and 14.2g per 100grams

• Fat - Low: 1g (1g saturated)

• Protein - Low: 1g per serve

What to Consider :

• Refined sugar

• Less than 15g of refined sugars per 100g ( Moderate)

• No nutritional benefits

Age: 3+ (Supervision recommended due to choking hazard)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Value rating: ★★★★★ (Excellent value for basic ice confection): 8 x 75g poles for $5.00.

Perfect For: Budget-conscious consumers seeking a basic frozen treat at the beach, after sports, at the park, or at kids' parties. Ideal swap for other sugary and colourful frozen ice-blocks.

Availability:

• Supermarkets

• Convenience stores

• Petrol stations

• School canteens

6. Magnum Classic Frozen Dessert Sticks

REAL FOOD RATING: Occasional Indulgence ★★ (2/5 Stars)

Mandy’s Opinion: While Magnum Classic is a popular choice, however, far more luxurious and healthier alternatives are available. The marketing can be misleading, suggesting a premium, indulgent treat, but this product contains several cheap processed ingredients and unnecessary additives. Although it’s positioned as a luxury ice cream, it does not contain ‘real’ milk or cream and its still loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients, including emulsifiers and stabilisers that don’t add any nutritional value. If you're looking for a truly wholesome and decadent ice-cream there are better options out there with simpler, more natural ingredients. And if Magnum reads this, ditch the carrageenan!!

Ingredients Quality Score: ★½ (1.5/5 Stars)

Ingredients: Dairy ingredients (reconstituted skim milk and/or reconstituted buttermilk, butter oil, cream), sugar, cocoa components (13%^) (cocoa mass, cocoa butter), glucose, emulsifiers (E471, E476, soy lecithin), stabilisers (E412, E410, E407), natural vanilla, flavours, colour (E160b).

What Makes it an Occasional Indulgence:

1. Reconstituted milk and buttermilk are made by adding water back to powdered milk, which has been processed through high-heat spray drying that damages proteins, reduces vitamin content, and alters the natural taste and nutritional profile. It may also contain added stabilisers and anti-caking agents to improve texture.

2. Refined sugar and glucose rapidly spike blood sugar levels.

3. Emulsifiers E471 and E476, although considered safe, there is data to show they may contain unhealthy artificial trans fats. May be genetically modified.

4. Soy lecithin may be genetically modified.

5. Stabiliser 407 (carrageenan), derived from red seaweed, has been linked to cancer, gastrointestinal inflammation, ulcerations, and colon damage in numerous studies. Many health-conscious food manufacturers have removed it from their products despite its continued FDA and FSANZ approval.

6. Undisclosed flavours often consist of complex chemical mixtures designed to alter and enhance the taste of food. The absence of transparency is a concern for the public’s right-to-transparency, particularly for individuals with uncommon food allergies or those following restricted diets.

7. Food color E160b (annatto), a natural food colour, which is considered safe for most people but has been associated with common allergic reactions, including skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal problems. It is one of the most common natural food colourings to cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals

What to Consider:

• Ultra-processed ingredients

• Reconstituted dairy (not fresh)

• Contains carrageenan

• Processed sugars and glucose

• No artificial colourings or harmful preservatives

• May contain GM ingredients

Nutrition Score: ★★ (2/5 Stars)

• Energy - High: 1050kJ per serve (80g)

• Sugar - High: 19.1g (almost 5 teaspoons) per serve and 23.9g per 100g (around 4g derived from naturally occurring milk sugar)

• Fat - High: 16.6g (10.4g saturated)

• Protein - Moderate: 3.0g per serve

• Source of calcium

What to Consider:

• High in sugar

• High in energy

• High in Fat

• Contains protein and calcium

Age: 8+ ( If offered to younger children, offer mini magnums to reduce sugar intake)

Value rating: ★★ (Expensive for processed ingredients) 4 x 80g ice-cream sticks at $12.00

Perfect For: An occasional indulgence. It is extremely high in refined sugar. However, the presence of protein and fat helps to slow down the absorption of sugar.I recommend avoiding for children or anyone with IBS, IBD and gut issues.

Availability:

• Supermarkets

• Convenience stores

• Petrol stations

7. Calippo Raspberry and Pineapple Minis

REAL FOOD RATING: Avoid ★ (1/5 Stars)

Mandy’s Opinion: There are definitely better choices out there. The marketing for Calippos can be misleading, as it gives the impression that this product is mostly made from fresh fruit juice. The “99% fat-free” claim also makes it seem healthier than it really is, when in fact, it’s packed with artificial colours and additives. This product contains some of the most concerning food colourings, which makes it far from an ideal choice for kids.

Ingredients Quality Score: ★½ (1.5/5 Stars)

Ingredients: Water, reconstituted juices [apple (31%), pineapple (2.6%) , raspberry (0.9%)], sugar, maltodextrin, food acid (citric), vegetable gum (410), flavours, colours (124, 123, 102).

What Makes It Worth Avoiding:

1. Reconstituted fruit juice is made by removing water from fruit juice through heating and evaporation (which destroys many heat-sensitive vitamins, antioxidants and enzymes) then later adding water back during manufacturing, resulting in a product that primarily retains just the fruit sugars rather than the beneficial nutrients found in fresh juice.

2. Refined sugar spikes blood sugar levels

3. Maltodextrin, a highly processed white powder made from corn, rice or wheat that's rapidly absorbed by the body causing blood sugar spikes even higher than table sugar.

4. Contains artificial flavours, synthetic chemical compounds that may trigger adverse reactions like headaches, behavioral changes in children, and allergic responses.

5. Food colour 102 (Tartrazine/ Yellow 5), linked to hyperactivity, asthma, skin reactions and behavioural changes in children. It’s banned in Norway, Austria and the UK, and the EU requires products with E102 to carry a warning about its effects on children’s behaviour.

6. Food colour 123 (Amaranth/Red 2), banned in the United States since 1976 due to studies linking it to cancer, birth defects, and allergic reactions. However, it remains approved for use in some countries, including Australia, despite concerns about its safety ( new studies debate this) and potential to cause asthma, skin reactions, and hyperactivity in sensitive individuals.

7. Food colour 124 (Ponceau 4R/Red 4) is a synthetic red dye, linked to hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions including asthma and hives, and requires warning labels in the European Union due to safety concerns, while also being banned in several countries including the United States and Norway.

What to Consider:

• Ultra-processed ingredients

Nutrition Score: ★ (1/5 Stars)

• Energy - Low : 219kJ per serve (62g)

• Protein - Low: 0g

• Sugar - High: 12.4g per serve (about 3 teaspoons) and 20g of sugar per 100grams

• Sodium - Low: <5g

What to Consider :

• No nutritional benefit

• High in refined sugar

Age: 4+ (Supervision recommended due to choking hazard)

Value rating: ★★ (Average price point for highly processed ingredients) 10 icy poles at $9.00

Perfect For: Last resort options when you are out and about.

Availability:

• Supermarkets

• Convenience stores

• Petrol stations

Final Thoughts

When it comes to frozen treats, we expect to find a bit of sugar – it’s ice cream, after all! But what we don’t need are the ultra-processed colourings, artificial flavours, emulsifiers, and stabilisers that are so often added. These ingredients are unnecessary and, in many cases, could be doing more harm than good. Our kids deserve better than the artificial additives and fillers commonly found in their summer treats.

It’s time we return to real ingredients: real milk and cream, real fruit juice, and fewer additives. By choosing frozen treats made with whole, natural ingredients, we can give our kids a truly refreshing experience without the health risks associated with highly processed ingredients. This summer, let’s reach for ice blocks and ice creams that are as close to nature as possible, so we can keep the fun while making choices that support their health and wellbeing.

Have a favourite natural, additive-free frozen treat? Share your recommendations on social media with me or get in touch – I’d love to hear which ice blocks and ice-creams you’d love m e to review next.

Connect with Mandy on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.