Popsicles are a treat with many talents. They can relieve sore throats when you’re battling a cold while still cooling you off during the hot summer months. 

 

Although fruit popsicles are the frozen norm, other variations — such as chia pudding pops — pack a lot of nutrition into the tasty treat.

 

Chia seeds contain a lot of protein for few calories. Their ability to curb hunger makes them perfect for breakfast. Ditch your cereal with milk, and spice up your life with a chia pudding popsicle in the morning. 

 

And even though the weather outside is inconsistent, you can still celebrate the near-end of the semester with these cold, tasty treats.

 

Coconut chia pudding popsicles

With chia seeds in the mix, these are the perfect breakfast item on the go.

 

1 can coconut milk (well-shaken)

1/4 cup chia seeds

2 tablespoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup fruit (frozen or fresh) (recommended: mango, pineapple, blueberries)

 

1. Shake the can of coconut milk vigorously until everything is homogenous. 

 

2. Pour the coconut milk into a medium-sized bowl, and add in chia seeds, sugar and vanilla extract.

 

3. Place the coconut-chia seed mixture in the fridge for 3-4 hours to allow the chia seeds to expand. (Chia seeds absorb up to nine times their original weight in

water.)

 

4. In a popsicle mold, add in a layer of the coconut-chia seed mixture and then a layer of fruit. Alternate layers until the mold is filled.

 

5. Insert popsicle sticks, and freeze overnight for the best results.

 

Tip: To release the popsicles out of their molds with ease, run the molds under hot water for a few seconds.

 

 

Watermelon and cucumber popsicles

The combination of the watermelon, cucumber and lime is sweet and refreshing, making these a perfect frozen treat.

 

1 cup watermelon

1/2 English cucumber (peeled)

1/4 cup simple syrup

juice of one lime

 

For the syrup:

 

To make a rich simple syrup, make sure the ratio of sugar to water is 2:1. 

 

1. Over low heat, dissolve sugar and water in a saucepan. (Make as much you want; the simple syrup has other uses, too, and is a great addition to iced drinks.)

 

2. Once all of the sugar melts, let the syrup cool for about 10-15 minutes to thicken before using.

 

For the popsicles:

 

1. Add all the ingredients into a blender or food processor. Blend well.

 

2. Run the mixture through a fine sieve.

 

3. Fill the popsicle molds and freeze for 45 minutes to an hour. Then, insert popsicle sticks.

 

4. Let the popsicles freeze overnight for best results.