
Few things hit the spot on a hot Houston day quite like an ice pop. Cold, colorful and easy to enjoy just about anywhere, this longtime favorite is right at home beside the pool, at a backyard cookout or waiting in the freezer when the kids need an afternoon treat. And with flavors ranging from fruity and refreshing to creamy and indulgent, there really is something for everyone.
Of course, there’s more to the humble ice pop than meets the eye. This frozen favorite has an interesting history, store freezer cases are filled with more options than ever and making your own opens up a whole new world of flavor possibilities. Food Town is here to help you get the scoop (or should we say the pop?) on this summertime staple.
People have enjoyed frozen desserts for centuries, but the ice pops we know today have a particularly fun origin story. As the History website notes, the modern treat is credited to Frank Epperson, who reportedly stumbled onto the idea by accident as a child.
The story goes that, in 1905, 11-year-old Epperson left a mixture of powdered soda and water outside overnight with a stirring stick still inside. The mixture froze, creating a handheld icy treat. Years later, Epperson patented his invention and eventually called it the Popsicle — a name reportedly inspired by his children referring to the treats as “Pop’s ’sicles.”
The idea took off, and ice pops became an affordable treat enjoyed by generations of families. During the Great Depression, double-stick varieties even allowed two children to share one treat. And although the basic concept remains much the same today — a tasty frozen treat you can hold by a stick — the options have expanded far beyond those early creations.
Take a stroll down today’s freezer aisle and you’ll find traditional fruit flavors alongside cream-based creations, juice options, sugar-free ice pops, treats made with real fruit and plenty of unexpected flavor and texture combinations. (Have you tried Trolli’s Gummi Pops?!) Bright, nostalgic varieties still have lots of fans, while shoppers looking for something different can explore options made with yogurt, fruit and other familiar ingredients.
Food Town’s Frozen Foods department offers options from familiar names such as Bomb Pop, Blue Bunny, Blue Bell, Halo Top, Outshine, Icee, Popsicle, Blue Ribbon Classics, Tampico, El Pibe and Nestlé. With so much variety available, summer is the perfect time to branch out from your usual box and see what else catches your eye.
And if you’re shopping with specific dietary needs or preferences in mind, remember to check the Nutrition Facts panel and ingredient list rather than relying on the front of the package alone. That’s especially helpful when comparing traditional treats with sugar-free ice pops, varieties without certain dyes or other alternatives. A quick label check can help you find a frozen favorite that works for you and your family.

Want to flex your culinary creativity muscles or have more control over what goes into your treats? Homemade ice pops are easy to customize, fun for kids to help create and a great way to experiment with ingredients you already enjoy.
Fresh or frozen fruit is a natural place to begin. Strawberries, watermelon, mangoes, peaches and berries can add plenty of flavor and fun color, while yogurt can create a creamier texture. You can even blend different fruits together, add herbs such as mint or basil, or incorporate pieces of whole fruit for extra texture. Making your own healthy ice pops also lets you adjust sweetness to suit your tastes. There aren’t many hard-and-fast rules, but a few tricks can help your homemade creations turn out their best:
Once you’ve got the basics down, exploring new ice pop recipes can be a great opportunity to get creative. You can recreate familiar favorites, experiment with completely new flavor combinations or simply use up ingredients already hanging out in the refrigerator.
Need a simple place to start? These Food Town ice pop recipes keep things easy.
Once you’ve tried those, don’t be afraid to invent your own. Layer complementary fruit purees, combine fruit and yogurt or recreate a favorite smoothie in frozen form. Homemade ice pops are pretty forgiving, so experimenting is part of the fun.
Whether your perfect ice pop comes straight from the box or you whipped it up right at home, these frozen favorites make cooling down a whole lot tastier. Don’t forget, your neighborhood Food Town has the frozen treats, fresh ingredients and everyday low prices you need to keep the freezer stocked all summer long. And if you’re looking for even more inspo, our Homemade Popsicles Pinterest board is filled with bold flavors we know you’ll love.
Stay cool, neighbors! We’ll see you soon at your town!
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