Cool off with a Tasty Treat! Popsicles are a great refreshing treat for the summer season, but they also can be enjoyed all year long! They are good for fluid and thirst control because in measured amounts they can help rehydrate your body. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and nutritional content, but it is important to check their food labels to choose the right ones.
If you are on dialysis or have chronic kidney disease, it’s best to focus on fruit bars, but always check the food labels and other criteria before you make your choice. Consider low sugar popsicles (these may have greater than .5 grams of sugar). If you are diabetic, select those that are sugar free (with less than .5 grams of sugar). One brands that meet these criteria is Outshine© fruit bars. For example, Outshine© strawberry, lime, and raspberry bars contain about 45 calories, 10g of total sugar, 0mg potassium, and 0mg of sodium and total fat.
Also, be careful of the chocolate-dipped varieties. They tend to have an increased amount of potassium and sugar. Another alternative is to choose a high protein (5g) fruit bar made of skim milk. The extra protein is especially important to patients on dialysis as opposed to those who are not.
Overall, popsicles are a smart choice for those on dialysis since they can quench thirst, increase saliva secretion, and help keep the mouth moist. This is essential for patients who must take medication in pill form.
Try this Homemade Popsicle Ice Cube Recipe
Makes 12 servings
Ingredients:
Ice cube tray (tray hold 12 cubes)
1c Frozen mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries)
1c Unsweetened almond milk
Blender or food processor
Popsicle sticks (Instead of popsicle sticks, use toothpicks, cheese spreader, or a straw)
Instructions:
- Place berries into a blender with almond milk.
- Mix contents together so it becomes a puree consistency.
- Place the puree into the ice cube tray and freeze.
- Check the cubes in about a half hour and place a popsicle stick in each cube. Let the cubes freeze fully and enjoy.
Flavor Options:
- For a sweeter taste, add sweetener
- Use other liquid of choice, such as juice, non-dairy creamer
- Please note that making any changes may change the nutrition content
Nutrition information per serving:
Calories: 9
Protein: 0.2g
Carbohydrate: 1.6g
Fiber: 0.3g
Total Sugars: 0.8g
Phosphorus: 4.4g
Potassium: 38.4mg
Have some fun with popsicle shapes with novelty ice trays! Here are some great ideas:
Katherine Schury, is a Clinical Regulatory Coordinator in clinical trials at Loyola University Chicago. She is also the social media chair of the renal practice group through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
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