I seem to get a lot of questions and feedback from readers about the reusable freezie pop molds that we use (and recommend). First of all, I have absolutely no relationship with the company whatsoever…I simply found these molds online and have been a very satisfied customer. In fact, we own two sets now and use them quite frequently! Here are some answers to the questions I get the most…
- Do your freezie pop holders have an odor to them, which was mentioned in a few of the online reviews?
Ours do not have a smell to them at all. I even stuck my nose down in there just to be sure. :) I do take a little extra time to wash ours thoroughly (both by hand and in the dishwasher), so maybe those reviewers aren’t washing out all the food bits well enough? One reader suggested using a small bottle brush to get them clean at the very bottom, and I happen to think that is a brilliant idea!
– - What do you fill your molds with?
I mostly fill ours with smoothies…either a version of our standard “Fruit Smoothie” or “PB&J Smoothie,” which is actually sometimes a “Sunflower Butter & Jelly Smoothie” since my older daughter goes to a nut-free elementary school. You could also fill them with plain yogurt that’s been sweetened with “Berry Sauce” or fruit and honey. And applesauce is another good option as well. Once they’ve been filled we put them straight in the freezer.
– - When you put these freezie pops in your daughters’ lunchboxes are they thawed by lunchtime?
I take the frozen smoothie pop directly out of the freezer and add it to my 1st grader’s lunchbox at 6:30 A.M. (yes, the day starts early around here!). I usually add at least 3 ice packs to her lunch bag as well. By lunchtime, which is at 11:20 for her, she tells me it is mostly thawed with one or two hard chunks still in the middle. Funny story…the first time I sent one in my 4-year-old’s lunchbox the icy chunk in the middle caught her off-guard because she told me she thought it was a rock in there. I assured her that mommy would never put a rock in her lunch so ever since then she has eaten it worry free. LOL I also want to mention that both of my daughters eat these freezie pops completely solid straight out of our freezer when we are at home.
– - How do you keep the lids on in the lunchboxes?
I put their lunches in a plastic (BPA-free) Ziplock divided container, which is very similar to the Easy Lunchbox containers which can be found on Amazon. I fold up the bottom of the freezie pop mold, wedge it into the biggest compartment, and then of course secure the lid. This keeps the top from coming off the mold and also keeps it from moving around. I also tell my girls it’s important to put the empty mold (and top) back into the plastic lunch container with the top back on to avoid any mess in their lunch bag. You could also fold up the bottom of the mold and put a rubber band around the top and bottom long ways (and then put it in a Ziplock bag) to ensure it stays together.
I also want to mention that one reader told me her kindergartner’s freezie pop made a little mess in her lap at school (poor thing). For the younger kids it might help to “practice” with partially thawed pops at home first so they know what to expect come lunchtime. In a couple months the pool might just be the perfect place to practice. And speaking of, I learned last summer that both of my daughters absolutely loved having (partially) frozen smoothie pops as their snack up at the neighborhood pool. I kept them in a cooler with ice packs of course, but they were the perfect outdoor cold “treat” on a steaming hot summer day.
Anyway, I hope this little FAQ clears some things up for those who are considering buying a set of molds (or for those who are trying to figure what to do with the ones they ordered!). If you have any other questions or tips please share in the comments below!
I used these molds for a little, but found that I cannot stand the freezer smell that silicone absorbs, and which subsequently transfers to whatever is in the them. The smell started within 2 days of freezing, so it’s not that I left them in there too long. Everything silicone I stick in the freezer soaks up freezer smells. I’m so sad… :(
I purchased these a couple years ago when I first started following 100 days. Mine have a nasty odor! It’s not food left in there. I’ve tried all manner of ways to clean them. This odor was on them when they were new and is very distinct. I will very likely get rid of mine.
Hmm, ours have never had an odor.
I was super excited to send these in my son’s lunch as he is a picky eater. He said when he opened his lung bag it was all over! Someone helped him clean it up. Does anyone have this problem? What could I have done wrong?
I used strawberries, banana and greek yogurt to make a shake. The left over shake went into the molds and in the freezer overnight. In the morning I took from freezer into his lung bag.
Thanks for the help. I love your website.
Hi there. Here’s the low-down: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/03/19/real-food-tips-4-hints-for-using-freezie-pop-molds/.
What do you mean?
My 3 year old is starting preschool next week and she will have a refrigerator and microwave available in her classroom. What do you recommend I do with the freezer pop to defrost in time for lunch at 11:30? Will it defrost in the refrigerator to the consistency that a 3 year old can eat or should I set it in the refrigerator the night before? Thanks!
Hi there. Lisa just allows them to defrost in the lunch box.
The reviews on Amazon say that they are not 100% silicone. Is that true?
Hi Sue. You would need to check with the company. It is possible that they have changed their formula.
I found some similar molds at IKEA. I haven’t used them yet, but they were inexpensive.
Isn’t freezing plastic hazardous?
Hi Mary. Freezing is not as worrisome as heating in plastics. However, if you are concerned about it, I have seen stainless steel freezer pop molds.
What brand of these freezer tubes are you using? I see Amazon has a bunch of different ones.
Hi Erin. Just click on the words “reusable freezie pop molds” in the first sentence of the post and it will take you to the ones that Lisa purchases.
I just bought these for the kids and wondered about the leakage in their lunchbox. So, last night I told my kids we would do a test at home first before I send them to school. This way they’ll know how to use them and hopefully won’t make a mess at school. Thanks for this great FAQ — answered all the questions I had!
FYI, i wanted to share with you a handy trick i use as an ice pack in the cooler, i fill the organic broth cartons up with water and freeze them, they freeze into blocks that stack well in the cooler, and use the water for dish washing when they thaw out.
We use this at least 2 days a week. My husband even takes them in his lunch sometimes! We’ve never had a leak or a mess. And I don’t use a rubber band or put it in her lunch container. I usually just slide it in alongside her ziplock container. I’ve noticed once I fill it, I stick a straw down the middle to get all the air out, and then once the lid is on I pull on the side of the tube, near the lid, to let any more air out. The suction from that seems to really seal the tube.
I had the same issue w above ones. These are great off Amazon. They never open for my kids. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YVGNHC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Every time I have tried this, by lunchtime they have expanded and when my son opens them they literally explode.
What do you guys think of seemingly healthier alternatives to juice boxes, like GoGo Squeez and Fruit.0? I stopped using the sugary zero fruit sippers like CapriSun and switched to these a few years ago. My daughter loves them (in spite of herself) but what is your take? I do make the occasional smoothie but these are obviously easier and more convenient.
Hi Vaughn. Both of the products you mentioned contain just fruit sweetened with fruit concentrate. As far as convenience types of foods to buy, they are rate pretty high, especially the organic version. I would still pick a piece of whole fruit over a pouch but one of these kept chilled in a lunch box can be a nice treat. :) ~Amy
Re: silicone pop mold odor problems: From what I’ve read, it is only the cheap, low-quality silicone that gives off the offensive odor. The high-quality molds don’t seem to have that issue. No cleaning methods or agents will remove it.