Greek yogurt is one of my favorite protein-filled snacks. If you’re a fan of yogurt, you’ve gotta try these layered yogurt rainbow popsicles. They employ all the benefits of yogurt, but change things up to keep it fun and interesting. Each layer is made from a different flavor of yogurt plus the fun addition of fruit puree and superfood powders. These rainbow yogurt popsicles are a great summery snack!

As I was planning out how I would make these pretty pops, I stood in the dairy aisle for like 10-15 minutes just trying to decide which flavors to use. Ha!

There are so many yummy varieties to choose from. There are single serving cups (for those of us who want to branch out and try every single flavor – hello, salted caramel!) of flavors like vanilla, strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry.

I’m a fan of using fruit and other natural ingredients to create beautiful, vibrant hues. You probably already know that we love using beet powder, turmeric, and matcha in our recipes. I knew those were going to be used for my red, yellow/orange, and green colors.

I’ve been using pitya (dragon fruit) puree a lot lately in smoothies and smoothie bowls because hello, it’s stunning! You can’t beat that vibrant magenta. I also knew I wanted to incorporate acai, the Brazilian berry that is loaded with antioxidants.

Blue had me stumped a little bit because natural blues are had to come by. I settled on spirulina, a blue-green algae, because it’s easier to find (and more budget-friendly) than blue matcha or blue pea flowers, which usually have to be specially ordered. If you can’t find it, omit and use the suggested substitution listed in the notes.

Superfood Benefits

Even in small amounts like that included in these tasty pops, it’s a good idea to include superfoods in your diet. A “superfood” is one that is loaded with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, fiber, healthy fats, etc., that are essential for good health.

Beet powder contains concentrated dehydrated beet juice that is great for helping the body recover after exercise and bring oxygen to muscles. It’s also detoxifying and helps the liver eliminate toxins from the blood.

Dragon fruit, also known as pitya, contains healthy omega-3 fats, a little bit of protein, plenty of antioxidants, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and fiber.

Turmeric, the bright yellow spice from a tropical root, has anti-inflammatory properties and is high in antioxidants.

Spinach contains iron, vitamins A and K, and protein.

Spirulina, a cyanobacteria, is loaded with protein, iron, B vitamins, vitamins A and K, and phytonutrients.

Blueberries and acai berries are antioxidant powerhouses thanks to the anthrocyanins in their gorgeous deep purple color. Both have plenty of dietary fiber, and acai also contains healthy fats.

Tips for the perfect layered yogurt pops

Make sure the yogurt and any add-ins are cold as you layer so they freeze more quickly.

Use a very small spoon or a funnel to fill the molds without dripping down the sides.

To go along with that first tip, freeze each layer for 10 minutes or so for cleaner, more separate layers.

Gently rap the popsicle molds on the counter to help release any air bubbles.

Don’t overfill the mold – remember that the yogurt will expand a bit as it freezes.

Give the pops plenty of time to freeze before you remove them from the molds – at least 4-5 hours, preferably overnight. This also depends on the temperature of your freezer.

To remove neatly from the molds, dip them into hot water for 5-10 seconds and pull firmly, but gently on the popsicle stick. If the popsicle doesn’t “pop” out, dip again in the water. A little patience will keep you from pulling the stick out of the popsicle and having to dig it out of the mold. 🙂

Depending on the mold and if you’re planning on using them again soon, to store the popsicles, remove them from the mold and wrap in parchment or waxed paper, or place them in individual freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn.

The hardest part is waiting for the pops to freeze!

How To Make Rainbow Popsicles With Yogurt + Superfoods

Fun and fruity rainbow hued pops colored naturally with superfoods and fruit purees for a healthy, nutritious snack.

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword alkaline

Prep Time 1 hour

Freeze Time 6 hours

Total Time 7 hours

Servings 10 popsicles

Author Lindsey Johnson

Ingredients

For yogurt:

1 5.3-ounce container Raspberry or Cherry Yogurt
1 5.3-ounce container Strawberry Yogurt
1 5.3-ounce container Banana Cream or Mango Yogurt
1 5.3-ounce container Key Lime Yogurt
1 5.3-ounce container Blueberry Yogurt
1 5.3-ounce container Toasted Coconut Vanilla Yogurt

For natural fruit coloring:

BRIGHT PINK - 1 3.5-ounce package frozen dragon fruit (pitya) puree, thawed OR 1/2 cup strawberry puree plus 1-2 teaspoons powdered dragon fruit
RED - 1/2 cup raspberry or cherry puree plus 1/2 teaspoon beet powder
YELLOW/ORANGE - 1/2 cup mango or peach puree plus 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
GREEN - 1/4 cup spinach + 1/2 banana or 1 kiwi pureed together, plus 1/4 teaspoon matcha powder
BLUE GREEN - 1/2 cup blueberry puree plus 1/4 teaspoon spirulina
PURPLE - 1 3.5-ounce package unsweetened acai puree (thaw if frozen) OR 1 teaspoon powdered acai (purple) plus 1/2 cup blackberry puree

Equipment needed:

Popsicle molds or freezer-safe cups like paper or plastic cups
Wooden popsicle sticks

Instructions

Get your equipment ready and take out 6 small bowls to mix each layer.
Combine the raspberry or cherry yogurt in one bowl with 1/2 cup raspberry or cherry puree plus 1/2 teaspoon beet powder.
Combine the strawberry yogurt with one 3.5-ounce package thawed frozen dragon fruit (pitya) puree OR 1/2 cup strawberries plus 1-2 teaspoons powdered dragon fruit.
Combine banana cream or mango yogurt with 1/2 cup mango or peach puree plus 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric.
Combine key lime yogurt with spinach puree (1/4 cup spinach plus 1/2 banana or 1 kiwi) + 1/4 teaspoon matcha powder (green).
Combine blueberry yogurt with 1/2 cup blueberry puree plus 1/4 teaspoon powdered spirulina (blue).
Combine toasted coconut vanilla yogurt with one 3.5-ounce package thawed unsweetened acai puree OR 1/2 cup blackberry puree plus 1 teaspoon powdered acai.
To assemble, carefully spoon a scant tablespoon of the first color into the popsicle molds. (A funnel works great for this – wash in between each flavor for clear color separation.) Gently rap the molds to help the yogurt settle into the bottom. Freeze for 10 minutes.
Repeat with the remaining colors and flavors, allowing each layer to firm up a bit between. This will help keep the colors separate. Insert the popsicle stick and place in freezer for several hours or overnight to allow popsicles to firm up.

Recipe Notes

To serve, dip the popsicle molds into warm water for 10-15 seconds, then remove and eat!

Try to choose yogurt flavors with various colors to compliment the add-ins or just use all Vanilla or Toasted Coconut Vanilla.

I used ten 3-ounce popsicle molds. Adjust the amount of yogurt in each one according to the size of the mold as different brands and shapes differ in volume. You may have some leftover yogurt.

Typically one cup of fresh or frozen fruit (thawed) will yield 1/2 cup fruit puree.

2 tablespoons raw beet can be substituted for the beet powder. Reduce the amount of the raspberries or cherries by 1/4 cup and puree along with the raw beets, then add to the yogurt.

If dragon fruit puree or powder is not available, use 1/2 cup strawberry, raspberry, cherry puree.

If acai puree or powder is not available, use 1/2 cup blueberry or blackberry puree instead.