📝 About This Recipe
Say goodbye to store-bought sugar bombs and hello to these vibrant, nutrient-dense yogurt tubes that are the ultimate lunchbox superstar. Crafted with creamy Greek yogurt and real fruit purees, these handheld snacks offer a refreshing burst of natural sweetness and a satisfying probiotic punch. Perfect for bento boxes, these customizable treats can be frozen for a slushy texture that doubles as an ice pack to keep the rest of the lunch fresh until noon.
🥗 Ingredients
The Creamy Base
- 2 cups Plain Greek Yogurt (full-fat or 2% for the best creamy consistency)
- 3 tablespoons Honey or Agave Nectar (adjust based on fruit sweetness; avoid honey for infants under 1 year)
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (high-quality Madagascar vanilla recommended)
Strawberry-Banana Flavor (Pink)
- 1/2 cup Fresh Strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 1/2 piece Ripe Banana (spotted bananas provide the best sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon Beet Juice (optional, for a vibrant natural pink color)
Blueberry-Spinach 'Power' Flavor (Purple)
- 1/2 cup Fresh or Frozen Blueberries (thaw slightly if using frozen)
- 1/4 cup Baby Spinach (packed; adds nutrients without altering flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Juice (to brighten the berry flavor)
Equipment & Assembly
- 12 pieces Disposable or Silicone Zip-Top Ice Pop Pouches (ensure they are BPA-free)
- 1 piece Small Funnel (for easy, mess-free filling)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and your choice of sweetener (honey or agave) until completely smooth and glossy.
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2
Divide the sweetened yogurt base into two equal portions in separate bowls if you are making both flavors.
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3
Prepare the Strawberry-Banana blend: Place the strawberries, half banana, and beet juice (if using) into a high-speed blender.
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4
Pulse the fruit until it is a very smooth puree with no visible chunks, as chunks can clog the funnel or the tube opening.
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5
Gently fold the strawberry-banana puree into the first bowl of yogurt base using a spatula until the color is uniform.
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6
Clean the blender thoroughly, then add the blueberries, spinach, and lemon juice.
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7
Blend on high until the spinach is completely pulverized and the mixture is a deep, royal purple.
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8
Fold the blueberry-spinach puree into the second bowl of yogurt base until well combined.
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9
Set up your yogurt pouches. If using a funnel, place it into the top of the first pouch.
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10
Carefully pour the yogurt mixture into the pouch, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
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11
Wipe any yogurt drips from the seal area with a clean damp cloth to ensure a tight, leak-proof closure.
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12
Firmly press the zip-seal closed, ensuring no air is trapped inside the tube.
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13
Repeat the process for all pouches, alternating colors for a fun variety.
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14
Place the filled tubes upright in a tall glass or container in the freezer for at least 4 hours for a frozen treat, or refrigerate for 2 hours for a creamy snack.
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15
Label the tubes with the date and flavor using a permanent marker if using disposable sleeves.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the smoothest texture, strain your fruit purees through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds before mixing with yogurt. If the mixture is too thick to pour through the funnel, add a splash of milk or coconut water to thin it out slightly. Always use full-fat yogurt if freezing, as the higher fat content prevents the tubes from becoming too icy or brittle. To hide even more veggies, try adding steamed and cooled carrots to the strawberry-banana mix for a bright orange hue. Ensure the seal is completely clean before closing; even a tiny bit of yogurt in the tracks can cause a lunchbox leak.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pack in a bento box alongside whole-grain crackers and cheese cubes for a balanced snack. Serve frozen as a healthy alternative to popsicles on a hot summer afternoon. Pair with a handful of granola for a 'deconstructed' parfait experience. Include a small wet wipe in the lunchbox, as yogurt tubes can occasionally get messy for younger children. Place a frozen tube directly against a sandwich to act as a natural, edible chill-pack.