The Best Pickle Pops

For many, freezer pops were a staple of childhood. There’s a good reason for that. Parents can buy these tasty treats, then stick them in the freezer to grab any time kids want a snack. On a hot summer day, they can be a great way to keep kids hydrated without trying to get them to stop and drink water.

But not everyone has a sweet tooth. Pickle pops take a savory approach to traditional freezer pops, with a sour, authentic dill taste that can be addictive. If someone in your household is a pickle lover, these pops are a great alternative to regular pickles, which are high in sodium, making them not ideal for situations where you may become dehydrated.

If you haven’t purchased freezer pops for a while, you may have forgotten that you don’t have to refrigerate them. You can store them in your pantry and put just as many as you need in the freezer to save space. You can even buy some molds and make your own pickle pops using pickle juice and some of the recipes available online. If you do, you’ll need to buy a mold and some popsicle sticks. For best results, turn your freezer to the highest setting. The faster you reach freezing temperatures, the fewer ice crystals you’ll accumulate, helping create a creamier consistency.

• With pickle pops, taste is everything. Most will have a taste similar to the juice in your pickle jar. If you’ve never tried pickle-based products, you may want to try a smaller order first. But don’t rule it out completely if you don’t like the first brand you try. As with any food product, taste can vary dramatically from one brand to another.
• You may not realize it, but pickle pops can actually help keep you hydrated. If someone in your household plays sports or spends time outdoors during the hot months, look for a brand that includes electrolytes. This will not only help prevent dehydration, but it also reduces the risk of cramping.
• Some consumers make their own pickle pops using the leftover juice in their pickle jars. For that reason, you can now buy pickle juice by the gallon. You can then pour the juice directly into a mold, insert a popsicle stick and enjoy. It can save you money long term but, most importantly, it frees you up to be creative and fun. Let your kids pick out some molds they like and help you with the project.
• In addition to do-it-yourself pickle pops, you can use pickle juice for making Bloody Marys, potato salad and other recipes you want to have that extra pickle taste.