5 Best Non-Toxic Popsicle Molds | Lead, PFAS and BPA-Free

non-toxic popsicle molds

05/09/2024

Konstantina Antoniadou

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Summer is almost upon us, and that means one thing. We’ve gotta stock up on those non-toxic popsicle molds, because, let’s face it, every kid loves them! It’s not just kids though. Last year, I filled my reusable popsicle molds with coffee mixed cream for a quick pick-me-up.

Other times, the entire family was pouring yogurt mixed with honey into large molds before heading to the beach. 

The best part? Since most kids often see popsicles as special treats, filling molds with nutritious ingredients like fresh fruit juices, yogurt, or pureed veggies is a fool-proof way to offer them super-tasty, healthy options.

non toxic popsicle molds

Best BPA-free, Non-Toxic Popsicle Molds for Toddlers and Adults

For most parents out there, including myself, popsicles are a fun and easy way to try an array of delicious, rephrasing recipes that kids absolutely adore! Seriously, DIYing perfectly frozen popsicles and enjoying them on a hot summer day is pure bliss for kids (and adults too!). 

Whether it’s experimenting with different fruit combinations, layering vibrant colors, or adding surprise mix-ins like chunks of chocolate or nuts, our favorite silicone and stainless steel popsicle molds can handle it all. 

Now, when it comes to popsicle molds, safety is key. Much like many other products in our homes such as dinnerware, cookware, and food storage, popsicle molds may very well contain harmful chemicals like BPA or phthalates. Unfortunately, there’s a risk of ingesting these substances along with the frozen treat. 

BPA has been linked to all sorts of health issues, from affecting hormones to causing developmental problems, especially in kiddos. Phthalates are also notorious for causing issues to our reproductive system, triggering asthma, and even up your chances of getting cancer. 

Read on to find the best popsicle molds for toddlers, babies, and adults in 2024. 

Best Non-Toxic Popsicle Mold Materials:

Stainless Steel Popsicle Molds

One of the biggest advantages of stainless steel molds is that they’re non-toxic by nature. The materials are completely free from harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and lead.

It doesn’t require any special treatments to become even more durable and long-lasting which is a huge plus. The molds can withstand repeated use without warping or deteriorating, making them a fantastic investment for years to come.

Plus, stainless steel has excellent thermal conductivity, meaning it freezes popsicles quickly and efficiently. So, these molds not only reduce waiting time but also help in achieving a smooth texture for your frozen treats.

Non-Toxic Silicone Popsicle Molds

Food-grade silicone popsicle molds are flexible which allows us to easily remove frozen popsicles without the need for running them under warm water. Much like stainless steel, silicone ice pop molds are free from harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and PVC, and come in an array of different shapes, sizes, and designs.

They can be found in traditional shapes like cylinders or more playful shapes like animals, stars, or even characters. Another amazing benefit is that silicone molds can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from freezing to high heat, making them suitable for both making and storing popsicles in the freezer.

So, whether you pick stainless steel silicone or BPA-free popsicle molds you’ll get to enjoy delicious treats with absolutely no worry.

How To Choose The Best BPA-Free, Non-Toxic Popsicle Molds

Materials

As we discussed earlier, it’s up to you to choose the best material for your popsicle molds for toddlers, babies, and adults.

I’d highly suggest opting for stainless steel molds if you prioritize durability, quick freezing, and easy cleaning. The second best option is non-toxic silicone popsicle molds that offer flexibility, easy release, and versatility in shapes and sizes.  

Sizes

If you want to be sure that you’ll actually get the most use out of your mods, make sure to choose the right size for you and your family. Larger molds are ideal for making adult-sized treats or accommodating more ingredients, while smaller molds may be suitable for kids or portion control.

So, look for molds with a capacity that fits your desired portion size. Common capacities range from 2 to 4 ounces per popsicle, but you can find molds in various sizes to suit your needs.

Portability

If you plan to enjoy popsicles on the go or during outdoor activities, consider the portability of the molds. There are many compact designs and sets with lids to prevent spills and make transportation easier.

Some non-toxic popsicle molds come with a stand or tray for stability during filling and freezing, which can also make them more portable and convenient to use.

Ease of Cleaning

If you hate spending hours scrubbing dishes and molds, I’m with you! Go ahead and popsicle molds that are dishwasher-safe molds save time and effort. Most plastic-free popsicle molds on our list can be thrown in the dishwasher. Just make sure to remove the extra parts, like silicone rings and wooden sticks. 

So, without further ado, here are the popsicle molds for babies, toddlers, and adults according to thousands of reviews. 


The Best Non-Toxic Popsicle Molds In 2024:


1. Ecozoi

large popsicle molds

First up is Ecozoi with their infinitely reusable stainless steel popsicle molds. 

This set of 6 ice pop molds comes complete with arack, silicone rings, and sticks, suitable for toddlers, kids, adults, and families. 

Each mold can fit 3 Oz liquid. So, it’s ideal for creating all sorts of recipes– from custom homemade frozen yogurt popsicles and fruit, and sorbet pops to sugar-free ices. 

The process is pretty simple; select ingredients, mix, pour into mold, insert stick, and freeze. When it’s time for a cleanup, simply throw them in the dishwasher and voila! 

To top it all off, the non-toxic popsicle molds come in recycled and reusable packaging.

Price: $46.96

Free from: BPA | PVC | Phthalate | Plastic

Materials: Mold & Rack: 304 Stainless Steel | Sticks: Bamboo | Gaskets: Silicone

Location/Shipping: United States


2. Life Without Plastic

non-toxic popsicle molds

Next up is one of the best popsicle molds for toddlers and parents who are looking for a plastic-free and zero-waste popsicle fun experience! 

The box comes chock full of everything you’ll need to dazzle your kids and all their friends on a hot summer morning. 

You’ll get 4 dishwasher-safe stainless steel freezycups, lids, bamboo sticks, silicone gaskets, and a stainless steel stand to keep everything neat. 

And because these stainless steel popsicle molds are suitable for children 3 years old and up, everyone can enjoy a tasty treat. 

Heck, it can even be used as a cup to drink melted juice.

Price: $40

Free From: BPA | Plastic

Materials: Mold, Lids & Stand: Stainless steel | Sticks: Bamboo | Gaskets: Silicone

Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide


3. Onyx

stainless steel popsicle molds

When most eco-parents think of plastic-free popsicle molds, the Onyx stainless steel popsicle mold set instantly comes to mind. 

The 6-piece set of fast-freeze molds is specifically designed so that one ice pop can be removed at a time. 

Plus, I love that it’s compact and does not take up much space in the freezer. 

In the box, you’ll receive everything you need to DIY delicious summer snacks – BPA-Free molds, 6 lids, 12 removable silicone rings, and a set of reusable bamboo sticks.  

Price: $40.29

Free From: BPA

Materials: Mold: 18/8 stainless steel | Sticks: Bamboo | Gaskets: Silicone

Location/Shipping: Worldwide


4. Miaowoof

non-toxic silicone popsicle molds

Miaowoof’s set of non-toxic popsicle molds comes complete with a tray with ten classically shaped molds that hold 3 fluid ounces, 50 disposable bags, and 50 disposable wooden popsicle sticks. 

Silicone molds are amazing because they don’t require us to keep them in hot water in order to research the yummy treats. 

You can fill the reusable popsicle molds with juices, purees, yogurt, gelatin, fruit, ice cream, pudding, jams jellies and so much more. 

In just 4-5 hours, you’ll get delicious snacks for the entire family. Over 11.000 popsicle lovers agree with that!

Price: $29.99

Free From: BPA

Materials: Mold: Silicone | Sticks: Wood/Plastic

Location/Shipping: Worldwide


5. Zoku

BPA-free popsicle molds

Zoku’s large popsicle molds hold about 3.5 fl. Oz. of liquid, which means that both you and your little ones will be enjoying these delicious treats for quite a while. 

No hassle is required! All you have to do is lift and peel the silicone removable mold from the frozen pop. 

There won’t be any melting – even if you decide that you do not want to consume it immediately. 

I think that these are the absolute best popsicle molds for babies!

In the box, you’ll find 1 round pop mold, 4 removable molds, and 4 sticks with drip guards. All BPA-free and phthalate-free, of course.

Price: $19.99

Free From: BPA, Phthalate

Materials: Mold: Silicone | Sticks: Plastic

Location/Shipping: Worldwide


20 Easy & Healthy Popsicle Recipes:


1. Refreshing Lemonade

  • 3 cups non-dairy yogurt (plain)
  • 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp non-dairy milk (I enjoy almond milk)
  • 2-3 tbsp maple syrup, Medjool dates, or your preference for sweetener
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Simply add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle mold and add topper/popsicle stick. Freeze overnight.


2. The Sweet Potato

  • 1 cup apple juice
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 medium/large, cooked sweet potato
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 tsp maple syrup

Bake/boil your sweet potato first. Let cool. Remove skin. Toss all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds and add topper/sticks. Freeze overnight.


3. The Green Monster

  • 1 cup non-dairy milk (I used soy)
  • 1 small knob ginger, grated
  • 1 cup spinach or your favorite salad greens
  • 1/4 cup parsley (lightly packed)
  • 2-3 kiwis, peeled and sliced
  • 1 large banana (ripe, please!)
  • 2 Medjool dates or 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp spirulina

Simply add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend. You can make this a smooth blend or a chunky blend! Pour into popsicle mold and add topper/popsicle stick. Freeze overnight.


4. Beets by Mom

  • 1 beet, medium/large in size, juiced
  • 1 sweet apple, sliced
  • 1 handful of strawberries
  • 2-3 carrots, juiced
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced

If you have a high-speed blender, toss in the beets and carrots and blend up! Add in remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds, add the topper/sticks and freezer overnight. If you do not have a high-speed blender, you can juice them!


5. Berry Bomb

non toxic popsicle molds
  • 1 heaping cup of frozen blueberries
  • 1 heaping cup of frozen raspberries
  • 1.5 cups baby spinach (lightly packed)
  • 1 tsp spirulina
  • 1/2 cup fresh water
  • 1/2 cup orange juice

Simply add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth or chunky (your preference). Pour into popsicle mold and add topper/popsicle stick. Freeze overnight.


6. The Picky Eater

  • 1 sweet apple, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup kale, stem removed
  • 1 stalk celery
  • 1 small cucumber, peeled
  • Juice of 1 small lemon
  • 1/2 cup orange juice OR any freshly squeezed juice (Beet juice was shockingly amazing in this)

Add the kale, orange juice, and celery first. Blend until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle mold and add topper/popsicle sticks and freeze overnight.


7. Strawberry Banana

  • 1 large banana or 2 small bananas, ripe and frozen
  • 15 fresh strawberries, trimmed and sliced
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds

Simply add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle mold and add topper/popsicle stick. Freeze overnight.


8. Minty Fresh

  • 1/4 cup coconut water
  • 1 large English cucumber, peeled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup mint leaves, packed
  • 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • zest of 1 lime
  • 1-2 tbsp maple syrup (taste and adjust as needed)

Simply add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until well-mixed. Pour into popsicle mold and add topper/popsicle stick. Freeze overnight.


9. Creamsicle

  • 1.5 cups of orange juice
  • 1.5 cups vanilla non-dairy yogurt

Simply add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle mold and add topper/popsicle stick. Freeze overnight.


10. Lavender Infusion

non toxic popsicle molds
  • 3/4 cup Oat or Almond Milk
  • 2 tbsp dried lavender
  • 1.5 cups non-dairy yogurt (vanilla or plain)
  • 3 Medjool dates or 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • For Adults: I find that adding Chai tea spice to this is amazing as well!

Simply add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle mold and add topper/popsicle stick. Freeze overnight.


11. Chocolate Addict

  • 1 cup non-dairy milk (I really enjoyed vanilla soy and almond milk)
  • 2 ripe and frozen bananas (the more ripe, the better)
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1-2 tsp vegan chocolate chips
  • 5-6 Medjool dates
  • 1-2 tbsp of any seed or nut works here

Simply add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle mold and add topper/popsicle stick. Freeze overnight.


12. PB & J

  • 1/2 cup non-dairy plant milk (I enjoyed vanilla)
  • 3/4 cup all-natural peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter)
  • 2 cups frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 3 Medjool dates
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup (you can also use a ripe banana!)
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds

Simply add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth or chunky (your preference). Pour into popsicle mold and add topper/popsicle stick. Freeze overnight.


13. Peachy Keen

  • 1/2 cup non-dairy plant milk
  • 1 cup non-dairy yogurt, plain
  • 3-4 fresh peaches (1.5 cups amount when diced)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 Medjool dates, pitted
  • 1 tbsp flax meal

Simply add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until well-mixed. Pour into popsicle mold and add topper/popsicle stick. Freeze overnight.


14. Raspberry Cocoa

  • 1.5 cups non-dairy plant milk
  • 2 cups Frozen Raspberries
  • 1 large ripe banana
  • 1-2 tbsp Cacao Powder
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp almond butter

Simply add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle mold and add topper/popsicle stick. Freeze overnight.


15. Pineapple Express

non toxic popsicle molds
  • 3/4 cup of coconut water or freshwater
  • 1/4 cup kale (stems removed)
  • 1/4 cup spinach
  • 1 large or 2 small ripe bananas, frozen
  • 2 cups diced pineapple
  • 1 tsp spirulina or your favorite supplement

I like to blend the kale/spinach/coconut water first. Once blended, add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle mold and add topper/popsicle stick. Freeze overnight.


16. Orange Carrot

  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup carrot juice
  • 1 small knob ginger, grated
  • 1 cup diced pineapple or mango

If you have a high-speed blender, you can just add the carrot first and blend until smooth. Then go ahead and add in the orange juice, grated ginger, and pineapple/mango. Blend until smooth and pour into popsicle molds.

If you do not have a high-speed blender, you will need to juice the carrots first OR you can steam them and then blend them!


17. Lime & Coconut H2O

  • 1 lime, freshly squeezed
  • zest of 1 lime
  • 1.5 cups diced pineapple
  • 1/2 banana, very ripe
  • 3/4 cup coconut water
  • 1 heaping cup of spinach
  • 1 tbsp chia, flax, or hemp seeds

Simply add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth or chunky (your preference). Pour into popsicle mold and add topper/popsicle stick. Freeze overnight.


18. Cucumber Surprise

  • 2 large cucumbers, peeled and sliced
  • 1.5 cups diced honeydew melon
  • 1/2 cup packed mint leaves
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Add the cucumber, honeydew melon, and lemon to the blender and blend until smooth. Toss in the mint leaves and do a quick blend so that the leaves are just broken down. Pour into popsicle molds, add topper/popsicle sticks, and freeze overnight.


19. Mocha Baby

  • 2 cups of coffee
  • 3/4 cups of non-dairy milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1.5 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2-3 tbsp maple syrup (adjust as needed)
  • An option that I never skip: 1-2 tbsp vegan chocolate chips

Brew your coffee and then let it cool (You can just make a big batch and store it in the fridge for the week if you like). Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle mold and add topper/popsicle stick. Freeze overnight.


20. Coconut Coffee

non toxic popsicle molds
  • 1 can coconut milk (I like full fat but feel free to use reduced)
  • 2 Medjool dates, pitted
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1-2 tbsp shredded coconut
  • 1 cup coffee, brewed and chilled

Brew your coffee and then let it cool (You can just make a big batch and store it in the fridge for the week if you like). Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle mold and add topper/popsicle stick. Freeze overnight.


What type of ingredients can you put in a popsicle mold?

The right answer is, well, everything! There are hundreds of ideas out there, so go ahead and experiment with your favorite flavors.

Here are some of the most delicious options: 

  • Pureed Fruits like strawberries, mango and watermelon
  • Fruit juices like orange, apple and grape
  • Yogurt, including Greek yogurt, vanilla yogurt, or fruit-flavored yogurt
  • Coconut milk, plain or with added fruit puree
  • Honey
  • Maple syrup
  • Agave nectar
  • Fresh fruit chunks (berries, kiwi, pineapple)
  • Chocolate chips or chunks
  • Shredded coconut
  • Vanilla extract
  • Mint extract
  • Citrus zest (lemon, lime, orange)

How long does it take for ice popsicles to freeze?

The freezing time for ice popsicles can vary depending on the size of the popsicles, the temperature of the freezer, and the ingredients used.

In general, most popsicles will freeze solid within 4 to 6 hours in a standard home freezer set at 0°F (-18°C) or lower. However, larger popsicles or those with higher sugar content may take longer to freeze completely.

For a faster freezing time, you can pre-chill the popsicle mixture in the refrigerator before pouring it into the molds. Additionally, placing the molds in the coldest part of the freezer and ensuring they are not overcrowded can help speed up the freezing process.

How do you get popsicles out of the mold?

For most of my adult life, I’ve been using the “Warm Water Method.” What you need to do is fill a bowl or sink with warm water. Dip the bottom of the popsicle mold into the warm water for 15-30 seconds. Make sure the water level is below the top of the mold to avoid water getting into the popsicles.

Then, gently wiggle the sticks or handles to loosen the popsicles from the mold. Once the popsicles feel loosened, carefully pull them out of the mold. If they don’t release easily, repeat the dipping process until they do.

How do you clean reusable popsicle molds?

If your popsicle mold consists of multiple parts (such as molds, sticks, lids, etc.), disassemble them carefully.

Start by rinsing each part of the popsicle mold under warm water to remove any leftover popsicle residue. Then, apply a small amount of mild, natural dish soap to a sponge or soft-bristled brush.

Use the soapy sponge/brush to gently scrub the inside and outside of each mold, as well as any other parts of the mold. Once you’ve scrubbed the molds with soap, rinse them thoroughly under warm water to remove any soap residue.

What can I use instead of popsicle molds?

Here are some quick and easy alternatives to help you create delicious popsicles without a mold. 

  1. Ice Cube Trays: These are an excellent substitute for popsicle molds. Simply pour your popsicle mixture into the compartments, insert a stick or toothpick into each cube, and freeze until solid.
  2. Yogurt Containers: Empty yogurt containers can be repurposed as popsicle molds. Fill them with your popsicle mixture, cover them with plastic wrap, and insert sticks through the wrap. After freezing, cut away the container to release the popsicles.
  3. Muffin Tins: Mini muffin tins are perfect for making bite-sized popsicles. Pour your popsicle mixture into the compartments, cover with plastic wrap, and insert sticks through the wrap. Once frozen, run warm water over the bottom of the tin to release the popsicles.
  4. Fruit Rinds: Hollowed-out fruit rinds, such as citrus halves or watermelon rinds, can be filled with popsicle mixture and frozen. Insert sticks into the mixture and freeze until solid. Once frozen, slice the rinds into segments to reveal your fruity popsicles.

This was your full guide to non-toxic popsicle molds!

There you have it, a complete list of the best non-toxic popsicle molds for toddlers, babies, and adults.

Whether you decide to go with stainless steel popsicle molds or prefer to use silicone ice pop molds, rest assured that both options are free from harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and PVC.

Plus, unlike their plastic counterparts, these reusable options are durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean, which means that they are an eco-friendly choice for creating delicious frozen treats at home.  

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