It is almost officially summer in these beautiful rolling hills of Tennessee, and it is hot and humid. Pretty much all my kids and I want to do is eat popsicles and sit in the pool!

As a family, we avoid food dyes, artificial flavorings and sweeteners, and other potentially toxic food additives. If you have checked the ingredient lists of most frozen treats these days, you’ll discover that you almost cannot avoid extra chemicals.

Instead of purchasing additive-laden frozen treats, we started making our own. It’s very easy, I have direct control over the quality of ingredients, and I have the added benefit of tailoring them to meet our specific nutritional needs.

Here are a few of the yummy and refreshing popsicle recipes that we love; try them for yourself and let us know which is your favorite!

Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles
(Makes one tray of 6 popsicles)

8 ounces of strong Lemon Balm Tea, brewed and cooled
1/4 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
Juice of 1 lemon
Drops of Liquid Stevia to taste

Blend all ingredients together and pour into mold. Freeze for at least 6-8 hours until firm.

Watermelon Mint Popsicles
(Makes 6-10 Popsicles)

2 Tbs Fresh Peppermint Leaves, steeped in 1/4 cup freshly boiled water and then cooled
3 cups Watermelon
Juice of 1 Lime
3 Tbs Honey
Optional: add a handful of blueberries and additional fresh mint leaves

Blend together and then pour into popsicle molds. Freeze until solid and enjoy.

Raspberry Peach Pops
(Makes 12 popsicles)

1/2 cup Raspberries
1 cup Peaches
8 ounces Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, brewed and cooled
Optional: sweeten with honey or stevia if desired.

Blend together, pour into molds. Freeze until solid, and enjoy.

Chocolate Coconut Pops
(Makes 6 popsicles)

1/2 can (about a cup) of Full-fat Coconut Milk
3 Tbs Raw Cacao
3 Tbs Maple Syrup (adjust to taste)
2 tsp Shredded Coconut
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp of Grassfed Gelatin Powder
Optional: add mini chocolate chips into the mix for a bit more fun!

Mix gelatin powder into a small amount of warm water and let dissolve. Then mix all ingredients together and pour into molds. Freeze until solid. Enjoy!