This is exactly what happens to your body when you eat a popsicle every day

Popsicles are a quintessential summer treat, and you may have countless memories of eating popsicles with siblings and friends as a child (and let’s be honest, as an adult too). Yet these frozen treats are available year-round, and you may find yourself visiting the frozen food section even when subzero temperatures are in the forecast. Hey, there’s no shame in that.

“Popsicles… are delicious and refreshing because their icy consistency cools our throats and provides excellent relief, especially in hot weather,” says Lesley Kumar, RD, a nutritionist at Ringside24. “They are easy to grab, eat and enjoy. These sugary sweets don’t require much preparation.”

But is it cool to eat a popsicle every day all summer long – or even all year long? What does a daily popsicle do to your health and body? Kumar says that because diet plays a crucial role in overall health, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of eating a particular food at least once a day. Here, she and another registered dietitian explain what happens to the body when you eat a popsicle every day.

Related: One Food nutritionists urge people over 50 to start eating as soon as possible

9 things that happen when you eat a popsicle every day

1. You are probably better hydrated

The idea that you need to drink eight glasses of water (8 ounces each) a day has long been debunked—even the CDC points out that fluid needs vary depending on activity level, climate, and fever. But water isn’t the only way to stay hydrated. People can also meet their fluid needs through foods like fruits, vegetables, and, yes, popsicles.

“Popsicles are mostly made of water,” says Kumar. “It is one of the most refreshing ways to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather. The icy texture quenches our thirst and provides instant relief.”

Related: The biggest sign you’re not drinking enough water – and how to tell if you’re *overhydrated*

2. Your mental health could improve

Food doesn’t just affect your physical health. It can affect your mental health too, so if you love popsicles, you’ll love this tip: “Enjoying a popsicle, especially as a conscious reward, can provide a psychological boost,” says Kumar. “Enjoying a sweet treat can lead to the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.”

3. You experience a short-term energy boost

Feeling sluggish? A popsicle can be a quick fix (literally). “Popsicles contain sugar, and if you chew a popsicle daily, you get a quick energy boost,” says Kumar. “The natural sugar in popsicles is a quick energy source for our body, so if you need something to boost your energy levels, don’t let popsicles down. They give you a quick energy boost.”

But the faster they rise …

4. You may also notice long-term fatigue

Unfortunately, the sugar-induced energy boost you get from a popsicle will likely be short-lived. “Eating a popsicle every day, especially one with high added sugar, can contribute to excess sugar intake, potentially affecting blood sugar levels and leading to energy spikes and crashes,” says Dr. Chris Mohr, RD, Ph.D.Fitness and Nutrition Consultant at Fortune Recommends Health.

Related: This is what happens to your body when you eat eggs every day

5. You can gain weight

Not all popsicles are the same, but Dr. Mohr points out that foods high in sugar, fat and calories can contribute to weight gain when consumed daily.

Research, including a narrative review in 2023 in Nutritional valueshas found that too much sugar increases the risk of obesity. The American Heart Association also warns about the weight-related dangers of excessive sugar consumption. The AHA recommends limiting sugar consumption to 6% of daily calories (100 calories or about six teaspoons for women and 150 calories or about nine teaspoons for men).

6. Nutrient deficiency can become a problem

Balance is a crucial part of a healthy diet. Unfortunately, a daily diet of lots of popsicles won’t help you achieve this worthy goal. “Consistently choosing popsicles over more nutrient-dense alternatives can lead to nutrient deficiencies over time if your diet isn’t varied enough,” says Dr. Mohr.

A study published in Open heart found that too much added sugar can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

7. Gastrointestinal problems may occur

Your taste buds may thank you for a daily popsicle now. Your stomach may not tell you that later. “No one can deny that popsicles are delicious,” says Kumar. “However, eating too many popsicles daily can lead to an upset stomach… the sugar content in popsicles can cause discomfort, bloating or cramping.”

8. You could get tooth decay

The teeth that help you chew the popsicle? They could develop cavities later on. “Sugar promotes bacterial growth and increases the risk of cavities,” says Kumar. “That’s why it’s not advisable to eat popsicles frequently, especially if you don’t practice proper oral hygiene.”

One 2016 Advances in nutrition One study found that people are less likely to develop tooth decay when added sugar consumption is less than 5% of their daily calorie intake.

9. Chronic diseases could worsen

If you have, or are at risk for, a chronic illness such as heart disease or diabetes, eating a popsicle every day may not be the best idea.

“Popsicles have high sugar content, which can affect blood levels, so you need to be careful about the diabetes factor,” says Kumar. “Excessive sugar consumption can cause serious diabetes-related health complications.”

Dr. Mohr adds: “People with heart disease should also limit their consumption of foods high in fat and calories, as these can raise cholesterol levels and contribute to other cardiovascular problems.”

Research shows that too much sugar intake can increase the risk of inflammation, a common problem in people with these (and other) conditions.

Related: Suddenly Craving Peanut Butter? Here Are 5 Things It Could Mean

Healthy tips for ice cream lovers

A daily popsicle is not necessarily out of the question. The ingredients list can point you to alternatives that are less likely to cause problems such as blood sugar spikes and drops or the risk of long-term disease.

“Look for options with less added sugar,” suggests Dr. Mohr. “Some popsicles may be sweetened with artificial sweeteners, which may be preferable for reducing calories but should be enjoyed in moderation.”

Pay attention to portion size, too. “Smaller or properly portioned popsicles can help control calorie intake while still giving you the pleasure of a sweet treat,” says Dr. Mohr.

Alternatively, you can satisfy your popsicle cravings with other treats – some of which may even be beneficial to your health. Some of Kumar’s favorite popsicle alternatives include:

• Frozen fruit bars with pureed fruits

• Yogurt pops, which blend yogurt and fruit into a “creamy treat” (Dr. Mohr recommends using Greek yogurt for extra protein)

• Smoothie Pops with your favorite smoothie mix and frozen

Popsicles may be sweet, but so is being in control of your health. “By making conscious choices, we can optimize our health and prevent potential health problems,” explains Kumar.

Next: Want to prevent heart disease? A major new study says this is the exact blood pressure you should aim for

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