Beetroot Blueberry Pops

EVENT: FOODIEMONDAY/BLOGHOP
THEME: #253 MUNCHKIN MEALS
DISH: BEETROOT BLUEBERRY POPS
This Week’s Theme on FoodieMonday/Bloghop Group:
This week’s theme was suggested by Narmadha who blogs at Nams Corner. Her blog is a treasure trove of kids friendly recipes, bakes and Indian Cuisine recipes. Do check out her blog. Narmadha’s suggestion for the munchkin meals was to try and make them as healthy as possible. Desserts are always difficult to make them kids friendly with no sugar. That’s when I thought of Beetroot Blueberry Pops.
Kids Friendly Meals
When my kids were growing up making meals for them was never stressful. Back then we didn’t have restrictions, no don’t give that and don’t give this. When my kids started pureed food it was always made at home from avocado, banana, lentils with vegetables, etc. Soon mushy rice, dals, rotis crushed in a food processor, yogurt, semi crushed lentils and vegetables, semolina, maize meal and finger millet porridge were introduced. I remember we were also advised to give them fresh orange juice or turmeric water with a bit of honey. Finger foods were always fresh fruits, soft vegetables, roti and bread pieces. Don’t even remember when we stopped mashing up the sabji and dal and they started eating what we ate, just with less salt and chilli powder.
Kids Meal these days:
Nowadays doctors, nutritionists, advise young mothers what to give their babies and toddlers and what not to give. And then parents also have to cope with allergies. Some mothers follow the introduction of certain foods very strictly. For some feeding their kids becomes a battle as they probably don’t like the food introduced. Nowadays therapists will advise that they be allowed to play with their food to get the feel of the texture and taste too. I think my grandma would disapprove that as she believed that one does not play with God’s gift – food.
My Little Granddaughter, Lily:
My granddaughter is soon going to turn one year. Her food journey has been from not liking fruits to loving them. Her first pureed food, carrots was not taken too well, but loved broccoli. She pretty soon wanted to feed herself, so finger food like fruits, tiny pieces of bread, thepla, dosa were introduced. Yes she loves making a mess but at the same time wants to feed herself.
Beetroot Blueberry Pops
When Narmadha suggested a healthy meal for kids I was looking into baking muffins. My first ever purchase of blueberries in Mombasa and roasted beetroot were indicating otherwise. While I don’t have any toddlers or young kids to experiment on, hubby insisted that he is a willing candidate. The weather has become humid and very hot again so the idea of switching on the oven was not too appealing. Hubby was looking for ice cream and that’s when I decided to make Beetroot Blueberry Pops.
Why are Beetroot Blueberry Pops healthy for kids?
Firstly because there is no sugar added. The natural sweetness is from the beetroot. Secondly the beetroot and blueberries add that naturally deep purple colour. I added some grapes and lemon juice for a little tanginess. These pops are rich in dietary fibre as I didn’t strain the mixture, its full of the much needed vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. A fun way to get kids to enjoy an immunity boosting dessert or snack. I’ve not added any artificial food colours or additives. A natural, colorful, attractive and guilt free cool treat for both adults and kids to beat the heat.
My Kids and Pops:
When my kids were going to school they would always want to by the long ice pops that were sold outside their school. Occasionally allowed them to have them as Mombasa weather tends to be hot perpetually throughout the year. However, most of the time I made them at home for them from natural fruit juices. The ones sold near their school were always full of sugar, colour and additives which would usually result in a sour throat.
What are Pops?
Pops, popsicles, lollies, paleta are all the same thing. They are frozen desserts or cold snacks made from water, fruit or vegetable juices or milk. These are generally as frozen snack by both kids and adults. While ice creams and sorbets have added cream or are processed to give a smooth texture, ice pops are just blocks of ice. Mostly pops are on a stick but there are some that are made in long plastic tubes. I seriously would not recommend that for kids. I’ve known of some kids who desperately trying to get to the ice pop or lolly have actually swallowed plastics bits from the tubes.
What can you use for Homemade Pops?
The options are endless from fruit juices, vegetable juices to milks either dairy or nut milks. If you need to add some sweetener try and use honey, maple syrup, date syrup, agave nectar if possible. When not available use sugar sparingly and try and mix in a naturally sweet fruit or vegetable.
Some Pop/Popsicle/Lolly Ideas:
- Watermelon Coconut and Rose Popsicles – with fresh shredded coconut, a bit of rose syrup and ginger, these pops are flavorful.
- Mango and Passion Fruit Paleta – mango and passion fruit is a very flavorful and delicious combination.
- Pineapple Paleta – using fresh pineapple, fresh cream or coconut cream and over ripe banana, this lolly is my favorite.
- Orange Creamsicle Pops – these pops are a little different whereby fresh orange juice is mixed with soft vanilla ice cream and then frozen.
- Narmadha’s Watermelon Popsicles are made from watermelon juice and you can replace the sugar with honey.
- I’m adding Narmadha’s Semiya Paal Ice or Vermicelli Pops to my list of “must try.” An interesting pop to enjoy with some Indian flavors.
What if you don’t have pop or lolly moulds?
I’ve frozen them in ice trays. However, you can only insert the sticks when its sort of semi solid. Then also they tend to lop to one side. I also use to save the small yogurt plastic cups and use those. It was easy to make a slit with a hot knife on the lids so that a stick can be inserted through it.
How long does it take for the pops to freeze?
Usually anywhere between 4 to 8 hours. I prefer to let them freeze overnight.
How to de – mold the pops:
Run the molds under tap water and pull the pops or lollies out gently.
Ingredients required for Beetroot Blueberry Pops:
- Beetroot – either boiled or roasted without the peel.
- Blueberries – fresh or frozen. I used fresh.
- Grapes – any grapes of your choice.
- Water – to blend all the fruits and the root together.
- Salt – I used Himalayan Pink Salt. Use any salt of your choice. Added to bring out the flavors. Omit if making for toddlers. For kids who are very active a bit of salt is important so that they do not get dehydrated during the very hot season.
- Lemon Juice – preferably freshly squeezed
Dietary Tips:
- Gluten Free
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Kids Friendly
- Healthy Dessert/Diabetic Friendly

BEETROOT BLUEBERRY POPS
Ingredients
- 1 medium beetroot (about 1 cup chopped)
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup grapes
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- generous pinch of salt
Instructions
- Peel and boil or roast the beetroot.
- When it cools down a bit chop it into pieces.
- Add beetroot, blueberries, grapes, water, lemon juice and salt into a blender.
- Blend the mixture till you get a smooth thick liquid.
- Pour the mixture into ice pop or lolly moulds.
- Cover and freeze for at least 6 hours or more.
- To de mold, run the molds under tap water.
- Gently pull the pops out of the molds and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Add maple syrup, honey or agave nectar for a more sweetish pop.
- You can strain the liquid to remove any beetroot fibres if serving very young kids.
- If you don't have pop or lolly molds, freeze the juice in an ice tray or small bowls. Make sure you cover it with foil.
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A little request:
If you do try this recipe then please either
- add a comment below,
- send a picture to my email mayuri.ajay.patel62@gmail.com
- tag me as #mayuri_jikoni on Instagram
- or tag me on Twitter as #Mayuri1962
39 Comments
Priya Vj
June 30, 2020 at 1:00 pm
on the first look this reminded me of kalakhatta chuski or gola . The lovely color of beetroot makes the popsicle so delicious. I would love to enjoy them on a warm sunny afternoon .
mayurisjikoni
June 30, 2020 at 5:37 pm
Priya in the 3 that I made for the adults I added a bit of kala namak and yes it tasted a bit like kalakhatta. Next time I’d love to add chaat masala to it.
hem lata srivastava
June 30, 2020 at 4:40 pm
Oh Wow popsicles looks superb, exellent colour mayuri thanks for sharing such a wonderful recipe.
mayurisjikoni
June 30, 2020 at 5:34 pm
Thank you so much..all natural colors.
Niranjana Sankaranarayanan
June 30, 2020 at 5:19 pm
Loved these popsicles. The colour of the popsicle is so attractive that kids will definitely eat this. And I can’t believe that you have a granddaughter 😊
mayurisjikoni
June 30, 2020 at 5:34 pm
Thank you so much Niranjana, and yes I have a granddaughter 🙂 These pops is a fun way to get kids to enjoy beetroot.
The Girl Next Door
July 1, 2020 at 6:01 pm
Wow! I love the deep purple colour of these popsicles! I’m sure no kid would be able to say no to these beauties.
At first glance, these looked like kala khatta popsicles to me. 🙂 Love that these are free of refined sugar.
mayurisjikoni
July 1, 2020 at 6:15 pm
Thanks Priya, in 3 of them I added a bit of kala namak and they did remind me of the kala khatta taste.
Amrita Roy
July 1, 2020 at 11:48 am
Mayuriji the color of the pop is so vibrant… I remember my childhood days to make the tongue colorful with pops…but the best part of this pop that the healthy ingredients contributed to this wow color…
mayurisjikoni
July 1, 2020 at 6:10 pm
Thanks Amrita. Yes I remember we use have an ice lolly called Red Devil when I was growing up.. the lips and tongue would be red for days!
Jolly
July 1, 2020 at 12:12 pm
What a beauty, I love those natural colors into popsicle. By looks, it’s totally look like a kalakhatta popsicle. That’s really an amazing share!
mayurisjikoni
July 1, 2020 at 5:43 pm
Jolly thanks, something to try out for your son. With a little added kala namak it did taste a bit like kalakhatta.
Poonam Bachhav
July 4, 2020 at 7:31 pm
Can’t take my eyes off these gorgeous looking ice pops ! With the beetroot, blueberries and grapes going in I am sure they tasted great. Such a healthy delicious treat on a Summer afternoon!
mayurisjikoni
July 4, 2020 at 8:53 pm
Thank you so much Poonam.
Kalyani
July 5, 2020 at 8:40 am
OMG !!!! i just kept scrolling up and down at the fabulous of these popsicles. loved the addition of beets + blueberry. I can surely make it with the former altho the berry substitute needs to be thought of.. my little one would surely love this 🙂
mayurisjikoni
July 5, 2020 at 12:49 pm
Thank you so much Kalyani, while beet is available throughout the year, for a substitute for blueberries you may have to wait for the jamun season.
vasusvegkitchen
July 5, 2020 at 6:46 pm
wow di these pops looks very tempting with lovely color di. Beetroot, blueberry and grapes what a combination di, who will say no to theses pops. I always prepare sweet pops, loved your version di. Middle popsicle design is superb di.
mayurisjikoni
July 5, 2020 at 9:50 pm
Thanks Aruna, the middle design is good but its difficult to remove the pops as the moulds are stuck to a tray of eight!
Sasmita
July 5, 2020 at 9:07 pm
Oh My Goodness !! it is just amazing di 🙂
Love the pops with beetroot, blueberry and that too without refined sugar, food color.
The output comes out so vibrant and best to enjoy during these hot season.
mayurisjikoni
July 5, 2020 at 9:48 pm
Thanks Sasmita and yes being at home, hubby always looking for dessert so have to think of desserts that don’t use tonnes of sugar.
waagmi
July 5, 2020 at 9:22 pm
The combination of beetroot, blueberries, grapes, water, lemon juice came with amazingly beautiful color. I was thinking to make popsicles. even i made them 3-4 days back, I wish i might saw this post that time, my dilemma might be almost gone because i had the recipe ready. anyways will make them soon. Im just loving the color.
mayurisjikoni
July 5, 2020 at 9:47 pm
Thank you so much Waagmi, do try them as they are so healthy and your daughter might enjoy them.
FoodTrails
July 5, 2020 at 10:29 pm
Fruit popsicles are always welcomed at home by kids as well as hubby. I do make blue popsicles with blueberry and lemon but never added beetroot puree.. I have some in my freezer, will use it when I am making popsicles next. Time really flies away.. few posts back read about the little angel’s arrival and now she is about to turn 1.. congratulations .. keep us posted about her milestones and growing up stories!
mayurisjikoni
July 6, 2020 at 3:17 pm
Thank you so much Swaty and am sure your family will love the beetroot blueberry pops if they love blueberries.
Sujata Roy
July 7, 2020 at 5:45 am
Wow what a lovely colour. Beetroot blueberry popsicle looks beautiful and yummy. Loved that you used all the natural ingredients. Adding pink salt definitely enhance the taste. I would love to try it sometime.
mayurisjikoni
July 7, 2020 at 7:02 pm
Thank you so much Sujata and please do try them. Good for diabetics.
Mina Joshi
July 7, 2020 at 6:32 pm
I really loved the colour of your ice pops and when I read the combination of fruits and veg used, I got really interested. What a clever way to make a delicious as well as healthy ice pop. My niece would love these.
mayurisjikoni
July 7, 2020 at 6:59 pm
Thank you so much Mina, they are equally exciting for adults too as they are sugar free and a good way to take care of sugar cravings.
ARCHANA
July 7, 2020 at 6:54 pm
Slurp, Slurp,slurp… I want some this is delicious! Wow like Priya says reminds me of kala khatta. Must try some I say it is ice cream!!!
mayurisjikoni
July 7, 2020 at 6:58 pm
Thanks Archana, its a perfect treat to ward off sugar cravings.
ARCHANA
July 7, 2020 at 6:56 pm
Whenever you meet Angel give her a tight hug and kiss from me.
mayurisjikoni
July 7, 2020 at 6:57 pm
Thanks Archana, don’t know when that is going to be..but I see her everyday through photos and videos.
NARMADHA
July 7, 2020 at 9:57 pm
Look at this gorgeous beauty with goodness of beetroot, blueberry and grapes. Perfect way to feed their favorite pops but healthy and nutritious too.
mayurisjikoni
July 7, 2020 at 10:27 pm
Thanks Narmadha. Equally good for adults.
Renu
July 10, 2020 at 1:02 am
I loved this popsicle which has no sugar in it and comes from all the fruits you added. Would be such a guilt free refreshing snack
mayurisjikoni
July 10, 2020 at 5:41 pm
Thanks Renu, it definitely is a guilt free dessert or snack.
Shobha Keshwani
July 10, 2020 at 1:28 am
The colour of the popsicles is too good. The combination of beetroot and blue berries is a super idea. I could never have thought of adding a veggie in popsicle making. Next summer I shall try these.
mayurisjikoni
July 10, 2020 at 5:40 pm
Thanks Shobha, as beetroot is naturally sweet, I love to add it to desserts whenever possible.
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