Keto Lime Protein Popsicles – Refreshing Low-Carb Treat

Keto Lime Protein Popsicles: A Refreshing Low-Carb Treat

Hey there, keto friends and dessert lovers! If you’re looking for a refreshing and healthy treat to cool off during the warm months, look no further than these Keto Lime Protein Popsicles. These popsicles are not only keto-friendly, but they’re also packed with protein, making them the perfect combination of a sweet treat and a post-workout recovery snack.

When I first made these popsicles, I was blown away by how refreshing and delicious they were, plus they’re super easy to make. Lime is such a zesty and tangy fruit that works perfectly with the smoothness of a protein-packed base. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again. They’re a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying on track with your low-carb lifestyle.

Let’s dive into this fun and simple recipe so you can enjoy these popsicles today!

Why You’ll Love These Keto Lime Protein Popsicles

• Low-carb & Keto-friendly: These popsicles have minimal carbs and won’t throw you out of ketosis. With only 3g of net carbs per serving, you can enjoy a guilt-free frozen treat.
• Packed with protein: Thanks to the addition of protein powder, these popsicles help you meet your protein goals while indulging in a delicious snack.
• Refreshing and delicious: The bright, zesty lime flavor is the perfect way to cool off, and the creamy texture makes these popsicles a satisfying treat.
• Simple to make: With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have these popsicles ready in no time.

Ingredients

For the lime protein popsicles:

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (or almond milk)
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I recommend a whey protein isolate or a plant-based option)
• 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• Zest of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp erythritol (or your preferred keto-friendly sweetener)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for extra creaminess)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you’re using fresh limes, zest and juice them before beginning the recipe. Fresh lime juice will give your popsicles a bright, zesty flavor that you can’t replicate with bottled lime juice. Being fully prepared will ensure the process runs smoothly.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a blender or a mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened coconut milk, vanilla protein powder, lime juice, lime zest, erythritol, and vanilla extract. If you want your popsicles to have an even creamier texture, you can also add a tablespoon of coconut oil at this point. It will help give the popsicles a smoother consistency when frozen, plus it adds some healthy fats to your treat.

Blend or stir the mixture until everything is fully combined and the protein powder is dissolved. The texture should be smooth, and the mixture should taste slightly sweet and tangy.

Step 3: Pour into Popsicle Molds

Next, pour the mixture evenly into your popsicle molds. If you don’t have popsicle molds, you can also use ice cube trays or small plastic cups as an alternative. Be sure to leave a little space at the top of each mold to allow the popsicles to expand as they freeze.

For a fun twist, you can add extra lime zest or even a few small chunks of lime slices into each mold before filling them up for an extra burst of flavor and a decorative touch.

Step 4: Freeze

Place the filled popsicle molds in the freezer and let them freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you want to be sure they’re completely set. The freezing time can vary depending on your freezer and the size of your molds, so check them after a few hours to ensure they’ve solidified.

Step 5: Remove and Enjoy

After the popsicles are completely frozen, take them out of the molds. If they’re stuck, run some warm water around the outside of the molds for a few seconds to help loosen them up. Then, simply pop them out, and you’re ready to enjoy your delicious, protein-packed lime popsicles!

Macro Breakdown and Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Serving size: 1 popsicle (about 1/6th of the recipe)
Total yield: 6 popsicles

• Calories: 85 kcal
• Fat: 5g
• Carbs: 4g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Net Carbs: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Sugar: 1g (from erythritol, which has no impact on blood sugar)

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Freeze time: 4 hours
• Total time: 4 hours and 10 minutes

Additional Tips

1. Sweetener adjustments: Depending on your taste preference and the brand of protein powder you're using, you might want to adjust the amount of sweetener. Start with 2 tbsp of erythritol and taste the mixture before pouring it into the molds. If it needs more sweetness, add a little more to suit your taste.
2. Try a different protein powder: If you don’t have vanilla protein powder, you can try chocolate protein powder for a different flavor profile. The lime and chocolate combination might sound unusual, but it works surprisingly well!
3. Coconut milk alternatives: While I love using coconut milk for its creamy texture, you can also use almond milk or any other unsweetened plant-based milk. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture of your popsicles.

Keto Notes

• Protein powder: When choosing a protein powder for this recipe, make sure it’s low in carbs and doesn’t contain added sugars. A whey isolate or a plant-based protein powder should work perfectly.
• Erythritol: I use erythritol because it’s a keto-friendly, zero-calorie sweetener that doesn’t affect blood sugar. It’s perfect for keto desserts, but you can substitute it with monk fruit sweetener or stevia if that’s what you have on hand.
• Coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk is best for a creamy texture, but you can use a lighter version or almond milk if you prefer. Just keep in mind that lighter versions may not provide as rich of a taste.

Nutritional Benefits

1. High in Protein: These popsicles provide a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, recovery, and overall health, especially for those following a keto diet.
2. Low in Carbs: With only 2g of net carbs per serving, these popsicles are a great option for those on a ketogenic diet. They allow you to indulge in a sweet treat without sabotaging your macros.
3. Rich in Healthy Fats: The coconut milk and optional coconut oil provide a healthy dose of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are excellent for providing quick energy and supporting ketosis.
4. Hydration: Coconut milk contains electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, which can help keep you hydrated, especially after a workout.

Tips and Variations

1. Add Some Texture: If you enjoy a bit of texture in your popsicles, try adding some shredded coconut to the mixture before freezing. This will give you a fun bite in every lick.
2. Use Lime Zest for Extra Flavor: Lime zest adds a wonderful aromatic quality to the popsicles. You can even sprinkle some extra zest on top before freezing for an added punch of flavor.
3. Try Different Flavors: If lime isn’t your thing, you can easily swap it out for lemon, orange, or even raspberry for a refreshing, fruity twist.
4. Mix in a Berry Swirl: For a fun variation, swirl in a small amount of keto-friendly berry puree (like raspberry or strawberry) into the popsicle mixture before freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I store these popsicles?
Store these popsicles in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together.

2. Can I make these popsicles dairy-free?
Yes, simply use a dairy-free protein powder (such as pea protein or hemp protein) and stick with coconut milk or almond milk for the base. You’ll have a dairy-free, keto-friendly treat in no time!

3. Can I use a different sweetener?
Absolutely! You can substitute erythritol with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, depending on your taste preference. Just make sure to adjust the amount to get the sweetness you like.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy these Keto Lime Protein Popsicles as much as I do. They’re the perfect refreshing, low-carb treat to help you stay on track with your keto goals while still indulging in a delicious dessert. Plus, they’re packed with protein, making them an excellent post-workout snack or a light dessert.

These popsicles are quick and easy to make, and they’re sure to be a hit with anyone following a keto or low-carb diet. So, grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and enjoy a cool, refreshing, guilt-free treat!

Happy snacking, and don’t forget to savor every bite of your Keto Lime Protein Popsicles!