When summer heat hits—like it is right now in Ontario!—what's the first thing you crave? Something wonderfully cold, probably sweet, and definitely refreshing. While an ice cream cone certainly has its place, it's also nice to have some healthier, equally satisfying frozen treats in your arsenal. And best of all, you don't have to sacrifice flavour to keep things light. Get ready to chill out with these simple, whole-food frozen delights that everyone will love.
Why opt for better-for-you frozen treats?
It's not just about counting calories; it's about what those calories bring to the table. Traditional ice creams and many store-bought frozen desserts are often loaded with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. While fine in moderation, regularly consuming these can contribute to energy crashes, weight gain, and an overall lack of essential nutrients.
Healthier options, on the other hand, can pack a punch of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. They provide natural sweetness without the sugar overload and keep you hydrated while they cool you down.
Swapping high-sugar, low-nutrient treats for fruit-based alternatives means you're naturally boosting your intake of antioxidants (which protect your cells from damage), vitamins like C (great for immunity and skin), and dietary fibre (supports good digestion and keeps you feeling full). It’s a simple shift that contributes to overall well-being.
Chill out with these fresh ideas!
Here are some fun, new ways to create your own healthy frozen delights.
Frozen fruit "nice" cream
Want to try the viral 'nice' cream? This popular frozen fruit delight is perfect for a quick, healthy summer treat because it uses only fruit to create a surprisingly creamy, sweet soft-serve texture, mimicking traditional ice cream without any added sugar or dairy. It's pure fruit, pure goodness! Check out this popular recipe online!
Yogurt bark with berries
Looking for an easy, customizable frozen snack? Yogurt bark is a web-famous way to enjoy a cool treat. It's incredibly simple to make, packed with protein from the yogurt, and bursting with antioxidants from fresh berries. Break off a piece whenever you need a refreshing, guilt-free snack. Here's a web-famous recipe to try!
Homemade fruit popsicles
Craving a classic summer cool-down? These vibrant fruit popsicles are a refreshing favourite. They're hydration heroes, naturally high in water content, and allow you to enjoy the pure, sweet taste of summer fruits without any artificial colours or added sugars. Plus, they're super easy to customize with your favourite fruit and yogurt combinations! Find the recipe here!
Chocolate dipped frozen banana bites
For a sweet and satisfying bite, frozen chocolate-dipped bananas are always a hit. This treat combines the natural sweetness and potassium of bananas with the rich, antioxidant benefits of dark chocolate and peanut butter and can even be customized further to your heart’s content! They're perfectly portioned and offer a delightful contrast in texture and flavour. Discover how to make them!
Iced matcha or iced lattes
Blend up your favourite chilled beverage into a delightful frozen latte. This offers a refreshing twist on your usual caffeine fix, providing either the calm focus of matcha's L-theanine or the energizing kick of coffee, all while helping you cool down on hot and humid summer days. Try this iced matcha latte recipe, or get your coffee fix with this iced latte recipe.
