Healthy Snacks: Sweet Summer Treats

By Alexis Wolfer

Whether you’re planning a big BBQ bash to celebrate the 4th of July or just lounging by a pool on a lazy Sunday, summertime leaves all of us craving cool, icy treats. Unfortunately, summer’s sweet indulgences are usually just that, indulgences, reserved for special occasions. And while you may like to argue otherwise, a bright forecast does not a “special occasion” make.  Never one for depravity, though, here at The Beauty Bean we’ve scoured the market for a few healthy (well, healthier) options we think you should try this summer and a few easy treats you can make at home as well!

From most indulgent to guilt-free, here are our top picks:

For The Ice Cream Lover
If you’re craving ice cream, why not try Talenti gelato instead? Sure, gelato isn’t exactly guilt-free, but, on those occasions when you’re looking for a creamy indulgence, Talenti’s 100% natural (and kosher) gelatos are certainly a healthier choice. Available in 15 flavors (our favorite is the Tahitian Vanilla Bean), Talenti is made with fresh fruit, nuts straight from the growers, real Callebaut chocolate from Belgium, fresh whole Tahitian vanilla beans from Papua New Guinea, select coconuts from the Philippines and dulce de leche from Argentina. Plus, the line is made with hormone-free milk and without any high-fructose corn syrup. Not only is it a healthier alternative to ice cream, but also better for the environment with it’s recyclable and reusable eco-friendly packaging. Talenti Gelato, $7.99 per pint, www.talentigelato.com.

A sweet summer salad!

Pops That Pack a Punch
EDY’s new Antioxidant Fuit Bars pack quite the powerful punch in their easy-to-eat popsicles. Available in Pomegranate and Açai Blueberry, these super-fruit pops will cool you off with their tart taste while simultaneously fighting free radicals linked to aging skin, fatigue and other health issues. EDY’S Antioxidant Fruit Bars, $4.19, edys.com.

Healthy Homemade Popsicles
Making your own sweet summer treats is easy, fun and fully customizable. Just mix your favorite 100% fruit juices together and pour into small plastic cups with popsicle sticks placed inside. Freeze over night and you have your own homemade pops! We love adding a squeeze of lime juice for a tart finish, but get creative!

Which sweeteners are really best for you? Click here to find out!

Fresh Frozen Fruit
It is not only deliciously refreshing but also as healthy as the whole-fruit variety! Either use leftover fruit from a fruit salad or cut your own and place in the freezer overnight. Experiment with all your favorite fruits to see which you like best. Bananas, for example, will retain their creamy consistency, while grapes become icy. For a more creative twist, blend your frozen fruits together to make homemade sorbets!

Click here for more healthy snack ideas!

Photography courtesy of Talenti  Gelato e Sorbetto