Whether you’re five or 55, on a hot summer’s day, there’s nothing more delectable than a frozen popsicle to counter the sun’s hot rays and stave off dehydration. Though you can purchase popsicles at a grocery store or from your neighborhood ice cream truck vendor, commercial popsicles contain nothing more than water, sugar, and artificial colors and flavorings. Fortunately, it’s easy peasy and cost effective to make your own nutritious popsicles from scratch since you’ll need only a mold, water, fruit, sugar, and a freezer. Here are some tips and recipes to get you started:

Preparation Tips

Freezer temperature: The colder the better. The faster the popsicle freezes, the creamier it will be, and the longer it will last in the freezer.

Ice expands when it freezes, so be sure to leave at least a 1/4 inch space at the top of the mold to prevent an overflow.

To keep popsicle sticks standing upright: If your mold comes with lids, you can insert the lid + stick right away after you pour the water, fruit, and sugar mixture into the mold. Otherwise, freeze the mixture for 1 to 2 hours before inserting the sticks.

To make popsicles with horizontal stripes: Pour some of the mixture of one color in the mold. Freeze for 2 to 3 hours. Then pour some of the mixture of the other color in the mold. Repeat as necessary.

If you don’t have a popsicle mold, use paper cups instead.

Cantaloupe Popsicles
Makes 4

2 cups cantaloupe, diced
2 Tbsp lime juice
2 tsp honey

In a blender, mix cantaloupe with lime juice and honey.

Fill popsicle mold with mixture. Chill for at least 6 hours.

Strawberry and Lime Popsicles
Makes 4

1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, mashed
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup honey
2 Tbsp lime juice
1/2 tsp vanilla

Mix all ingredients in a bowl or blender. Pour in popsicle mold. Chill for at least 6 hours.

Banana and Orange Popsicles
Makes 4

1 large banana, overripe is better because bananas that have turned brown are very sweet
1 cup orange juice

Peel banana and mash it. Add orange juice and mix with a spoon or in a blender. Pour the puree into a popsicle mold. Chill for at least 6 hours.

Pineapple and Banana Popsicles
Makes 4

1 cup pineapple juice
1 large banana

Peel banana and mash it. Add pineapple juice and mix with a spoon or in a blender. Pour the puree into a popsicle mold. Chill for at least 6 hours.