Summer is here, and with it comes the joy of sunny days, outdoor adventures, and the need for refreshing snacks to keep our little ones cool and energized. My girls have been out of school less than a week and already our snack shelf is looking quite bare. The last thing I want is for them develop unhealthy eating habits. While ice cream and sugary treats are often the go-to options, I thought, “Why not mix things up with a healthier, protein-packed alternative?” Introducing high-protein popsicles made with Greek yogurt and Kid’s Daily Essentials Vanilla Nutrition Shake Mix! These delicious treats are not only fun to make but also provide a nutritious boost that kids (and parents) will love.
Why High-Protein Popsicles?
Protein is an essential nutrient for growing children. It helps build and repair tissues, supports muscle growth, and keeps kids feeling fuller for longer. Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and probiotics. Kid’s Daily Essentials Nutrition Shake Mix goes beyond a typical protein drink by adding in 25 vitamins and minerals, 4g of fiber, and 8g of protein per serving. It is the perfect way to start the day or as an in between meal treat as we prefer to have it. Combined, these ingredients make a creamy, satisfying base for popsicles that are far healthier than most store-bought options. And as a bonus- you are able to personalize them to your tastes and have fun with your kids while putting them together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these high-protein popsicles, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- Greek yogurt: Opt for plain or vanilla-flavored for a neutral base.
- KIDS DAILY ESSENTIALS: This powder comes in both vanilla and chocolate options. It has no artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives It’s also certified gluten free and is soy and GMO free.
- Inclusions: Fresh or frozen fruits add natural sweetness and extra vitamins. Popular choices include berries, bananas, and mangoes. Other ideas can include chocolate chips, peanut butter, crushed cookies, sprinkles, or anything else you can dream up!
- Honey or maple syrup (optional): For a touch of extra sweetness, if desired.
- Milk or juice: To adjust the consistency if needed.
- Popsicle molds: Available in various shapes and sizes.
- Flavoring: If you are going for a certain taste, you may want to add a teaspoon of an extract or flavor like orange, vanilla, lemon, or mint.
Simple Steps to Make S’More High-Protein Popsicles
- Gather Your Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are measured and ready. For a batch of about six popsicles, you’ll need:
- 1 cups of Greek yogurt
- 3 scoop of Kid’s Daily Essentials Nutrition Shake, vanilla flavor
- 2-4T. skim milk to adjust the consistency as needed
- 1t. vanilla extract
- 1/4c. dehydrated mini marshmallows
- 1/4c. chocolate chunks or chocolate bar broken into pieces
- 1 graham cracker crushed
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and nutrition shake mix. Stir well until the powder is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Add milk if needed.
- Add in vanilla: Mix the vanilla extract into the base.
- Add the inclusions: Gently fold in the chocolate, graham, and marshmallows.
- Sweeten to Taste: Add honey or maple syrup if you want a sweeter taste. Remember, the inclusions are sweeter so they will add to the overall sweetness.
- Fill the Molds: Pour the mixture into your popsicle molds, leaving a little space at the top to allow for expansion as they freeze.
- Freeze: Insert the sticks and place the molds in the freezer. Allow them to freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight for the best results.
- Enjoy: Once fully frozen, run the molds under warm water for a few seconds to release the popsicles easily. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Fun Variations to Try
- Berry Blast: Mix in a variety of berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful and antioxidant-rich treat.
- Tropical Delight: Combine Greek yogurt with pineapple, mango, and a bit of coconut milk for a taste of the tropics.
- Chocolate Banana: Use chocolate nutrition shake and mix in banana slices for a creamy, dessert-like popsicle.
- Birthday Cake: Add cake flavoring instead of vanilla and sprinkles for a popsicle that is sure to make you want to celebrate!
- Dreamsicle: Use orange extract and orange zest for a delicious, refreshing treat.
Tips for Success
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different combinations of fruits and nutrition shake flavors to find your kids’ favorite flavors.
- Involve the kids: Letting your children help with mixing and pouring can make the process even more fun and exciting for them.
- Storage: Keep the popsicles in the molds or transfer them to a freezer bag for easy access.
High-protein popsicles with Greek yogurt and Kid’s Daily Essentials Vanilla Nutrition Shake Mix are a fantastic way to keep your kids cool and nourished during the summer months. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re a snack you can feel good about serving. So, grab your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy these delicious, nutritious treats with your family!
