Healthy Matcha Coconut Pops [Vegan + Sugar Free]

A pure divinity blending two of my favourite things in the whole world: coconut + matcha!

I’m coo coo for (anything) coconut! Consumed in moderation, coconut milk can benefit your health and help fight and prevent infection. Coconuts are highly nutritious being rich in vitamins and minerals including iron, vitamin B, C, calcium and magnesium and contain powerful anti fungal and anti septic properties. It’s a perfect alternative to cow’s milk, soy milk and condensed milk as it’s lactose free and vegan. Coconuts can be a staple fat source for any diet since it’s high in saturated fatty acids and medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are easily burned as fuel by the body and may help increase metabolism. Plus, it’s super delicious and great for baking and cooking. In this recipe, I used Aroy-D‘s canned coconut milk which you can get at any grocery store or Asian supermarket. Unlike some of the other brands that contain guar gums and added stabilizers, Aroy-D only has two ingredients: coconut extract and water.

Now the second component of these creamy pops is the ever amazing matcha powder! Matcha is a part of the green tea family and very much a part of my life. I have a cup (or two or three) of David’s Tea’s matcha matsu tea everyday and have reaped a lot of benefits from drinking it. Cause the whole world knows that green tea is one of the best teas to consume, but matcha has taken it to a whole new level. It offers a variety of health benefits and even aids in weight loss and management. This green tea powerhouse is high in antioxidants, helps increase metabolism, detoxifies the body from toxins and naturally boosts energy levels and endurance. I’ve found matcha to be just as versatile as coconut milk and have used it in a variety of different goodies too just to add some oomph. 😉 However, just like coconut milk cans, not all matcha are made the same. Some brands, like David’s Tea, produce much higher quality grassy ceremonial matcha powders so make sure when making these pops, that you only get the best otherwise, you’ll be left with a really bitter mediocre taste. You deserve only the best.

Unlike 99% of popsicles and ice cream treats on the shelves, this one is simple, allergy friendly, vegan and free of additives, preservatives and refined sugars! If you’re like me and enjoy the rich taste of coconut, you won’t even need to add any healthy sweeteners. Keeping cool never tasted and felt so good!

What you’ll need: 

1 can of full fat coconut milk (room temperature) – light should be okay, but I haven’t personally tried it) 

1/4 cup of non dairy milk (unsweetened vanilla almond milk or more coconut milk if you wish!)

3-4 teaspoons of quality matcha tea powder (do not use green tea leaves as the results might not be the same)

Healthy sweetener options: xylitol, stevia drops, vanilla bean pod – adjust to your healthy sweet tooth! 

In a large measuring cup, whisk coconut milk with smooth making sure there are no clumps. In another mixing bowl, mix about 1-2 tablespoons of non dairy milk with 3 teaspoons of matcha powder until smooth and mixed well. Pour mixture into coconut milk. Add desired sweetener (if any) and whisk until combined. If you want a much stronger matcha-ier taste, you can add the remaining teaspoon of matcha powder in a little milk until smooth and add to coconut milk mixture.

Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 4 hours until nicely firm. To remove from molds, run under hot water and gently pop them out.

Stay healthy, my friends! x