The 8 Best Popsicle Molds of 2023

What to Look for in a Popsicle Mold

By Marshall Bright

Materials 

Popsicle molds, like ice trays, come in a myriad of styles, shapes, and materials, although they're typically made of rigid plastic or silicone. While plastic molds have been around for a long time, it’s easy to see why silicone has become so popular. Unlike the former, which often requires some wiggling or hot water to free the popsicle from the mold, flexible silicone can be pushed or peeled away. Metal popsicle molds can also be purchased, but they tend to be more expensive and bulky. 

In addition to actual molds, you can also buy silicone and soft plastic tubes that, once filled and frozen, can be pushed or squeezed out. These are sometimes single-use in the case of the plastic molds (like single-use food storage bags) and don’t require sticks.

Size

Most popsicle molds will hold between 2 to 4 ounces of liquid, though there isn’t necessarily a standard size. Popsicle molds designed for toddlers can be even smaller—around 1 ounce. This can be tricky if you’re using a recipe to whip up popsicles, but the excess can be stored in a fridge if your yield doesn’t line up to the number and size of your molds. 

Tray Style 

Most popsicle molds, no matter the material, consist of a single piece and individual sticks or handles. Since it has to be stored upright, the height of the tray might be a consideration for smaller fridges. For more flexibility, some plastic molds mimic this shape, but with removable molds for each popsicle. Individual push pop-style molds, while they don’t come with a tray, often need to be frozen standing up in a freezer-safe cup or mold to prevent drips. If space is a concern, you can also find trays that allow the popsicle to sit on its side as it freezes. 

Mold Shape

Many popsicle molds resemble the shape of a popsicle you’d get from an ice cream truck: a tall, slightly curved rectangle. But these days, the only limit is your imagination. Molds can be shorter and squatter (great for small freezers), mini for toddlers, and even shaped like monsters, fish, and more. 

Sticks 

While store-bought popsicles come with disposable sticks, you have some flexibility when it comes to popsicle molds. Most come with plastic reusable handles that slot into the mold. This has two benefits: You’ll never have to worry about having popsicle sticks on hand and you won’t have to use any single-use products. Some come with drip guards to help keep hands clean. Others may even be ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip. They won't have a long, narrow end that could poke the back of a toddler’s throat, either.

Single-use popsicle sticks, however, have certain advantages, too. Namely, you don’t have to worry about collecting plastic handles or keeping a set together. Plus, they have a nostalgic appeal.  

Price

You can expect to pay between $10 and $20 for a popsicle mold, making it a purchase that won’t require constant use for justification.  

Types of Popsicle Molds

Plastic

Plastic molds tend to be a classic popsicle shape and typically come with reusable plastic handles. Lightweight and usually easy to clean in the dishwasher, the main disadvantage of plastic molds is that they often have to be run under water to loosen the popsicles. 

Silicone

The biggest advantage silicone offers is the ability to quickly and easily remove a popsicle from the mold. Because the mold itself is flexible, silicone popsicles also come in an array of shapes and sizes.

Push Pop

Fla-Vor-Ice, Otter Pops, push pops—whatever you called them, they offered a delicious, mess-free break in the summer. Now, you can make them at home, choosing your own ingredients and flavors. These molds tend to either be single-use plastic, resembling a very narrow food storage bag, or reusable silicone. 

Brands/Manufacturers

Zoku

Kitchen brand Zoku’s motto is “live creatively.” Its range of products includes food containers, drinkware, and quite a few fun items in the "frozen treat" category. The line of popsicle molds includes cheerful characters and critters, all thanks to soft silicone. 

Nuby

Nuby's "garden fresh" line is for parents who want to make baby food at home and includes both freezer trays and storage containers. Even if you’re not whipping up mashed peas and carrots, the frozen pop tray is great for pure fruit blends and juices for teething babies. 

Zipzicle

Zipzicle was started by a family who wanted an all-natural alternative to commercial ice pops. Its sturdy pouches, made from FDA-approved food-safe material, are designed to make mess-free popsicles on the go—sans sticks. 

FAQs

How do you get a popsicle out of a mold?

It’s surprisingly easy to get a popsicle out of a mold, especially if you’re using a food-safe silicone mold. These molds simply peel back slightly, allowing you to easily wiggle the frozen treat free. For plastic or metal molds (or any silicone options giving you trouble), run the mold under warm—not hot—water until the ice pop begins to loosen. Pull gently to release. 

What can you put in a popsicle mold?

When making homemade ice pops, the sky’s the limit. You can use fruit juice, vegetable juice, yogurt, milk, leftover smoothie, or even wine as your base. Options for add-ons are just as vast. Think chocolate shavings, granola, chunks of fruit, sprinkles, and more. 

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer who has spent the last 10-plus years researching the best kitchen accessories for various digital publications, including The Spruce and Good Housekeeping. From popsicle molds to blenders, she’s covered it all. Brigitt also has a culinary degree from The French Culinary Institute.