Orange, Lemon Lime, Strawberry, Berry Punch, Grape, and Tropical Punch were the original flavors. Always a purist, orange was my favorite, strawberry came in second, grape third. Touted as a way to beat the heat, I remember them well. Even though they are consumed in their frozen state, you’ll find them shelved in the juice aisle of most grocery stores. They contain only a handful of ingredients, water, coloring, flavorings – artificial and natural, preservatives, and corn syrup. While low on the nutritional scale, their value comes from as their slogan states, “the right mix of flavor, sweetness and smiles.” And summer just wouldn’t be summer without all three.
These delights go by two names. East of the Rockies they’re known as Fla-Vor-Ice and west of the Rockies, Otter Pops. Regardless of what you call them, freezer pops offer ice cold sweetness in every bite, or should I say slurp! On the market for 60 years, perhaps you remember having a stockpile of them in your home freezer as a kid, like I did. Giddy with excitement every time I got to choose a candy colored one, I’d take it outside and devour it while sitting on our picnic table.
From my journal: June 21, 2024, Newbury Park, California
“Seeing the seasonal display at Albertsons…portable chairs, pool noodles, beach towels, freezer pops, Igloo coolers, potato chips…summer is here!”
With such a variety of warm day refreshments, why choose freezer pops? I’d have to say it’s because they are just pure fun! First, they are portable. You can take them anywhere…in a cooler to the beach, a picnic in the park, or a backyard barbeque. Second, they come in every flavor of the rainbow. That gives you a chance to try them all! And third, its their chilling effect. From holding the cold pop in your hands to tasting the fruity ice on your tongue, you’re sure to feel a wave of coolness wash over you!
Stickless, freezer pops arrive in thin plastic pouches about an inch thick that are about 10 inches long. Sealed on both ends, they are attached to each other. Once pulled apart, the only way to eat them is to tear off the top! And the only way to truly enjoy them is to quickly squeeze the slushy ice up into your mouth before it reverts to its liquid form. A little Science fun to boot!
If you haven’t tasted a freezer pop in a while, why wait? Not only is summer the perfect time to partake of this treat, but today is National Freezer Pop Day. Founded just four years ago by the Jel Sert Company, the makers of Fla-Vor-Ice and a line of frozen goodies, the day is meant to celebrate this sun-sational season and the joys of being a kid…regardless of your age.
So, have a freezer pop today! It’s a really cool way, to enjoy a hot summer day!
A Journal Journey 