Summer is in full swing, and with the sun blazing and temperatures soaring, there’s nothing quite like indulging in some frosty treats to cool down. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, having a picnic in the park, or simply seeking a refreshing snack for downtime at home, we’ve got you covered with our roundup of the best frozen snacks to enjoy this summer.
Popsicles are timeless frozen snacks for kids that bring back fond childhood memories. Whether on a stick or in a tube, these cool treats for kids are the perfect snacks for a hot day when hanging out at home or hosting backyard parties and playdates. We love that they’re kid friendly, affordable, and easy to eat on the go.
Frozen fruit bars are a great alternative to classic popsicles. Typically made with real fruit, these frozen summer snacks come in a variety of kid-friendly flavors like strawberry, mango, pineapple, and more. Find these cool summer treats in your store’s freezer case or make your own fruit bars using a mixture of fruit juice, yogurt, and chunks of fresh fruit. Simply pour into popsicle molds, freeze, and enjoy!
Ice cream sandwiches combine the best of both worlds—creamy ice cream and soft, chewy cookies. These cool treats for kids can be store bought or homemade and combined any way you like. Try classic vanilla between chocolate chip cookies, or go for more adventurous pairings like mint chocolate chip ice cream with brownie cookies. No matter what combinations you choose, ice cream sandwiches are the ultimate customizable summer snacks for kids.
Frozen smoothie bowls are colorful and easy-to-make cool summer treats. Blend your favorite fruits with a splash of juice or milk, then pour into a bowl and top with granola, seeds, and more fresh fruit. Freeze the bowl for a few minutes to get that perfect, frosty consistency before enjoying. Smoothie bowls are becoming popular frozen snacks for kids and adults alike and are a nutritious and satisfying way to stay cool.
When it comes to how to make frozen snacks at home, it doesn’t get any simpler than frozen grapes. Just wash a bunch of seedless grapes, pat them dry, and pop them in the freezer. They turn into bite-sized, icy treats that are fun to snack on during a hot day. If your family members or guests have food intolerances, these naturally gluten free snacks are the perfect choice.
Another option for refreshing summer snacking is yogurt bark. It’s easy to make, and kids will love to help! Simply spread your preferred flavor of yogurt on a baking sheet and add toppings of your choosing, such as fresh fruit or chopped nuts. Or get creative and try an unexpected option like mouthwatering Welch’s® Fruit ‘n Yogurt™ Snacks. Made with real fruit surrounded by creamy yogurt, Welch’s® Fruit ‘n Yogurt™ Snacks are a good source of calcium and Vitamin D and come in summery flavors like Mango-Peach. Once you’ve added your toppings, freeze the baking sheet for 2 to 4 hours or until your bark hardens. Break into pieces and for delicious frozen yogurt snacks that can be served individually.
If you’re looking for dairy free snacks for kids, sorbet is a fantastic option. Made from fruit puree, water, and sugar, sorbet is one of our favorite cool summer treats, offering a fruity and refreshing flavor and a creamy consistency without milk. Flavors like lemon, raspberry, and orange are all kid-approved.
Similar to sorbet, Italian ice is a great choice for those who are lactose intolerant (though always check the label if you’re not making your own). Made from sugar, water, and various flavorings, Italian ice is coarser than sorbet but just as refreshing. From lemon to cherry to coffee, there are so many fun flavors to try. Enjoy your Italian ice with a small wooden spoon for a classic summer experience!
If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, look no further than frozen cheesecake bites. These bite-sized delights are creamy, rich, and incredibly satisfying. You can make them at home by cutting cheesecake into small squares and freezing them or buy them pre-made. Dip them in chocolate for an extra layer of decadence. Frozen cheesecake bites make great frozen snacks for a party!
Another option for indulgent frozen summer snacks? Chocolate-dipped bananas! Cut peeled bananas in half and insert a wooden popsicle stick into the flat end of each banana. Place bananas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper and freeze for two hours. Once frozen, dip each banana in melted chocolate and allow any excess chocolate to drip off. Return the dipped bananas to the freezer for another 30 minutes to an hour, or until the chocolate is set. You’ll have better-for-you dessert pops that everyone will love!
Have extra bananas on hand? Try frozen peanut butter banana bites, which are a good source of protein and also happen to be delicious. They’re great for kids to help with and are perfect for playdates. Simply spread peanut butter on banana slices and sandwich them together. Freeze on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid and enjoy.
Wrapping up our list of the cool treats for kids is frozen yogurt. Snacks like frozen yogurt provide a great alternative to ice cream for those times when you’re looking to be less indulgent. We love that frozen yogurt is packed with probiotics and available in many flavors to suit every taste. Try topping it with fresh fruit, nuts, or Welch’s® Fruit ‘n Yogurt™ Snacks for an extra burst of deliciousness.
No matter what you choose, there are plenty of snacks for a hot day out there to help your whole family stay refreshed and satisfied during the summer months. So, stock up your freezer—and stay cool!