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Talking All About the Ice Pop

Have you ever wondered how the ice pop came to be America’s favorite poolside snack? There’s nothing quite like it on a hot summer day. The refreshingly cool temperature and blissful flavors come together for one perfect moment under the sizzling sun. Yum! There are countless kinds of frozen treats out there, but where did they originate?

Truth be told, the ice pop has had a fair number of historical events associated with its name. For starters, did you know the tallest ice pop in recorded history was 21 feet tall? In June of 2005, Snapple attempted to beat this world record with a 25-foot version of their own. Sadly, the frozen juice melted faster than expected, sending spectators scrambling for higher ground as firefighters washed away Snapple’s hopes of winning the title. Now, let’s take a step back and consider the moments that helped this frozen fave gain popularity.

Pop Culture
From the ancient Romans, to the Chinese court of Kublai Kahn, variations of frozen desserts have been enjoyed by many cultures all over the world. But where did the word “popsicle” come from? In 1905, an 11-year-old boy named Frank Epperson was credited with inventing the modern-day popsicle. Legend has it, he accidentally left a wooden stick in a glass of water mixed with powdered soda outside overnight. After running the glass under some hot water, Frank was able to free the ice and use the stick as a handle. Realizing he’d made a delicious discovery, Epperson went on to file a patent for his icy invention in 1923. He originally branded the frozen treats “Eppsicles”, but his children insisted on the name “Pop’s ‘sicles” which inspired the household name we know and love today.

Epperson’s invention came in seven flavors — the best seller was (and still is) cherry. He eventually sold Popsicle’s rights to the Joe Lowe Company, or “The Original Popsicle”, which became a famously known brand across American households. Double-stick popsicles started to gain popularity at the height of the Great Depression because children could share two popsicle sticks for the price of one. Little did we know ice pops would soon come in a multitude of shapes, sizes and flavors.

Modern Pop
You can still buy Joe Lowe’s “The Original Popsicle” brand at your neighborhood grocery store. In fact, it’s one of the most recognizable labels in frozen aisle history. Brands like Bomb Pop, Blue Bunny, Blue Bell, Halo Top, Outshine, Icee, Popsicle, Blue Ribbon Classics, Tampico, El Pibe and Nestlé all have their own spins on the classic frozen treat. Of course, if you’re looking for new ways to indulge in a frozen snack, making them at home is as simple as it is delicious. Our Recipes page offers inspiration for fantastic frozen treats, while our Homemade Popsicles Pinterest board is another wealth of ideas. If you don’t wanna do any additional clicking, here are a few of our favorite flavor combos:

  • Creamy Lemon Popsicles – Nonfat Greek yogurt, lemon, honey and milk
  • Kiwi Watermelon Fruit Popsicles – kiwis and seedless watermelon
  • Raspberry Lemonade Popsicles – frozen lemonade concentrate, lemon-lime soda and fresh raspberries
  • Melon Basil Moscow Mule Popsicles – cantaloupe, mint leaves, simple syrup, limeade and ginger beer

Visit your friendly neighborhood Food Town for homemade ice pop ingredients, The Original Popsicle brand and other frozen treats — all under 21 feet tall. Make sure to check the Food Town app regularly for huge discounts and daily specials, in addition to weekly deals, digital coupons and in-store ads. Lastly, National Bomb Pop Day is June 30. Be sure to mark your calendars and keep an eye out for a super sweet special! We’ll see you soon, neighbor!

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