Last updated on March 14th, 2025 at 09:58 pm
Everyone loves ice pops and popsicles! If you don’t, you’re probably dealing with sensitive teeth! Ice pops (or popsicles, as many of us call them) are fantastic ways to get creative, sneak in healthy ingredients, and cool down during warmer months. My kids are huge fans—so I’ve become pretty inventive about sneaking nutritious goodies, like spinach, yogurt, or pureed fruits, into their smoothies and snacks. Freezing these healthy mixtures into popsicles makes them even more appealing to kids and adults alike.
Ice pop molds (also known as popsicle molds) aren’t just practical—they’re a fun way to involve your kids in the kitchen and encourage them to eat healthy. Over the years, I’ve experimented with numerous ice pop molds to discover the safest and easiest options that don’t compromise on fun.
Choosing Safer Popsicle Molds
Selecting the right popsicle mold is crucial for both health and convenience. Always choose molds that are BPA-free and free from harmful chemicals such as PVC, phthalates, and lead.
Recommended Materials for Ice Pop and Popsicle Molds:
- Silicone: Flexible, durable, naturally BPA-free, and allows easy removal of popsicles without needing sharp tools or hot water.
- Stainless Steel: Non-toxic, durable, and long-lasting, although they may be harder to find and popsicles can sometimes stick.
Materials to Avoid:
- Plastic (without clear labeling): These can contain harmful chemicals that leach into your food.
- Cheap or unidentified plastics: Often lack safety certifications and transparency.
After extensive searches for reliable stainless steel molds, silicone molds became my preferred choice—they’re safe, widely available, and perfect for making creative and healthy popsicles.
SafeMama Favorite Silicon Ice Pop Molds:
Here’s our favorite silicon popsicle molds from Amazon.
Tovolo Ice Pop Molds: Tovolo has several different styles to pick from, monster shaped ice pops, bars, etc and they’re all made of Silcone (need to check what the sticks are made of). What I like about these is that you can do some creative ice pop making with cool shapes. And check out these Dinosaur Pop Molds! How cute! What little girl wouldn’t love a jewel popsicle ring?
Orka makes silicone molds in a neat twisty shape and have silicone tabs for easy removal. I can’t tell you how many times I was standing there using a butter knife trying to pry an ice pop out of its mold. Makes for a mangled ice pop and is not the safest way to remove them. Silicone with its flexible nature makes for removing super easy. They come in white and brown, which, not that it matters what color they are but the brown reminds me of ice cream so these would be great for yogurt based ice pops. I love the twisted portion too.
Lekue Silicone Ice Molds: For those who prefer “push-up” style ice pop consumption, there’s an alternative for you too. These silicone molds are made in a slim cone shape, which makes for easy filling and probably a little less mess for eating. You can push the ice pop up from the bottom like those old freezer ice things we ate as kids… only this way you can make your own and skip all the food coloring.
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SafeMama Favorite Stainless Steel Ice Pop Molds:
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Silicone vs. Stainless Steel Molds: Is Stainless Worth the Extra Cost?
Silicone molds offer flexibility, easy removal, and affordability, making them highly practical for everyday use, especially for kids’ treats. Stainless steel molds, on the other hand, provide unmatched durability, a more traditional feel, and the assurance of being completely plastic-free. While stainless steel popsicle molds can be pricier and slightly more challenging for popsicle removal, their longevity and premium feel may justify the extra cost for those prioritizing sustainability and durability. Ultimately, the choice depends on your family’s specific needs and preferences.
Healthy and Nutritious Ice Popsicles Recipes
Making nutritious popsicles at home is surprisingly simple and a fantastic way to introduce healthy ingredients to your family’s diet. Popsicles are versatile—you can blend fruits, vegetables, yogurt, or even superfoods for a delicious and healthy treat. Here are some easy-to-follow recipes:
Low Budget Super-fast Ice Pop Tip: Jam a popsicle stick into a yogurt container and freeze. Healthy, quick and you can reuse the container (as long as its not polystyrene) again. I’ve also frozen those Stonyfield yogurt tubes but those create waste so I’d opt for something reusable to save yourself some cash.
SafeMama’s Banana Papaya Ice Pops
- 2 cups papaya nectar or juice
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
Spinach Fruit Smoothie Ice Pops
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup almond milk or coconut water
Creamy Yogurt Fruit Pops
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup fresh strawberries
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tbsp honey (optional)
Tropical Mango Coconut Ice Pops
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen mango chunks
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Avocado Chocolate Fudgesicles
- 2 ripe avocados
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup almond milk
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
Frequently Asked Questions about Popsicle Molds
What makes silicone and stainless steel molds safer than plastic?
Silicone and stainless steel molds are BPA-free and don’t contain harmful chemicals like PVC or phthalates, making them safer choices compared to cheap plastic alternatives.
Are silicone popsicle molds easy to clean?
Yes, silicone molds are dishwasher-safe, flexible, and easy to clean by hand, making them ideal for frequent use.
Do stainless steel molds release popsicles easily?
Stainless steel molds can sometimes stick, making removal slightly harder. Running the mold briefly under warm water usually helps release popsicles smoothly.
How long does it typically take to freeze homemade popsicles?
Most homemade popsicles freeze solid within 4-6 hours, but freezing overnight ensures they’re fully set.
Can I use wooden sticks in silicone or stainless steel molds?
Yes, wooden sticks, especially bamboo or untreated wood, are safe, eco-friendly, and ideal for use in both silicone and stainless steel molds.
Why should I avoid cheap plastic popsicle molds?
Cheap plastics may contain harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and PVC, which can leach into your popsicles, posing health risks.
Can popsicle molds go in the dishwasher?
Most silicone and stainless steel molds are dishwasher-safe, but always check manufacturer guidelines to ensure proper care.
What is the safest material for popsicle molds?
Both silicone and stainless steel are considered very safe options. Silicone is flexible, BPA-free, and easy to clean, while stainless steel is highly durable, non-toxic, and completely plastic-free.
How do I know if my silicone popsicle mold is safe?
Look for labels indicating food-grade, BPA-free, FDA-approved, or compliance with European LFGB standards. Quality silicone products clearly display these certifications.
Are stainless steel popsicle molds safer than silicone?
Both are safe, but stainless steel is entirely free of plastics and offers peace of mind regarding long-term chemical leaching. Silicone molds certified as food-grade and BPA-free are equally safe and often more user-friendly.
Should I worry about BPA in popsicle molds?
Yes, BPA (Bisphenol-A) can leach into foods, especially when exposed to temperature changes. Always opt for molds labeled as BPA-free.
Is food-grade silicone always BPA-free?
Generally, yes. Food-grade silicone must meet strict safety standards and typically does not contain BPA or other harmful chemicals.
