Recipe: Black and Blue Bonanza Popsicles

The dog days of summer are upon us! Beat the heat with this cool (and healthy) treat for the entire family.

Ingredients

• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup blackberries
• 1 banana
• 1/4 tsp vanilla*
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk*

*You can use vanilla almond milk and skip the vanilla. Or you can easily hide spinach in these frozen treats!

Directions

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth (about 60 seconds)
2. Pour into popsicle molds or cups (only 3/4 full)
3. Freeze for about 5 hours.

Ingredient health benefits

• Blueberries: It’s no secret that these little berries pack a lot of perks. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C that lower inflammation and promote a healthy immune system. They also have vitamin K, manganese and soluble fiber for strong bones, fast wound healing and healthy digestion. And anthocyanins, natural pigments that give blueberries their trademark hue, are heart-healthy and brain-beneficial!
• Blackberries: When it comes to fruits, don’t be afraid to venture over to the dark side! Blackberries share many of the same nutrients as blueberries — like anthocyanins, manganese, vitamin K and vitamin C. But they also have both types of fiber that your body needs (soluble and insoluble fiber) to support your gut health and keep things moving along. Blackberries even have natural plant compounds called polyphenols that fight free radicals. These nasty little particles can wreak havoc on your cells and potentially contribute to diseases like cancer and heart disease.
• Bananas: While it’s common knowledge that these oblong berries are a good source of potassium, there’s so much more to love. Bananas are a delicious way to get some gut-friendly fiber, as well as head-to-toe benefits from vitamin B6, vitamin C and magnesium.
• Almond milk: These days, when it comes to nondairy alternatives to cow’s milk, we’re spoiled for choice. Almond milk in particular is high in vitamin E and lower in calories than dairy milk.

Nutrition information (per serving)

Calories: 70
Total fat: 1 g
Saturated fat: 0 g
Protein: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Dietary fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 9 g
Cholesterol: 0 g
Sodium: 25 mg
Vitamin A: 4%
Calcium: 4%
Vitamin C: 25%
Iron: 2%