the best low sugar summer treats for kids (that they'll actually eat)
Six weeks of school holidays. Six weeks of "I'm hungry" approximately eleven minutes after breakfast.
If you're looking for summer snacks for kids that won't send everyone into a sugar spiral by 3pm, you're in the right place. These low sugar summer treats are easy to make, genuinely delicious and naturally sweetened with fruit rather than refined sugar. No restriction, no fuss... just simple swaps that still feel like a treat.
Even better, most of them double up as a school holiday activity. Get the kids involved in the making and you've filled an afternoon and the snack drawer in one go.
milkshake ice pops
The ultimate summer treat, and so much easier than shop-bought. Our milkshake ice pops blend your favourite milk with natural syrup for sweetness, then freeze into creamy homemade ice lollies the kids will ask for on repeat.
Little ones love filling the moulds themselves, and you'll love knowing exactly what's gone into them.
black forest frozen yoghurt
Frozen yoghurt feels like a proper pudding but takes minutes to pull together. Our black forest frozen yoghurt pairs creamy yoghurt with cherries and a swirl of Choc Shot for all the chocolatey flavour, no refined sugar required.
Make a batch at the start of the week and it's on hand whenever the snack requests start rolling in.
ice cream sandwiches
For a treat that feels like a day at the seaside, try our ice cream sandwich recipe. Kids can help with the assembling (and the taste testing), which makes it a brilliant rainy afternoon activity as well as a sunny garden one.
strawberries & cream frappe
On properly hot days, a frosty blended drink beats a fizzy drink every time. Our strawberries & cream frappe is summer in a glass... sweet, creamy and easily made with plant-based milk if you prefer.
For something even simpler, our scrumptious berry smoothie is a lovely way to sneak extra fruit into the day without anyone noticing.
5-minute mug cake
For the inevitable rainy day in the middle of August, a mug cake is the perfect low-effort pick-me-up. Our 5-minute golden syrup mug cake delivers all the sticky sponge comfort using our golden syrup alternative instead of refined sugar.
One mug, one spoon, five minutes. Even the kids can make it (with a hand on the microwave door).
faqs: low sugar treats for kids
are low sugar treats still sweet enough for kids?
Yes. Naturally sweet ingredients like ripe fruit, berries and fruit-based syrups deliver plenty of sweetness. Most kids genuinely can't tell the difference, especially in frozen treats.
what can I use instead of sugar in kids' snacks?
Ripe fruit is your best friend, along with natural syrups. Our syrups are an easy swap in most recipes, from baking to drinks to drizzling over pancakes.
Can I make these treats vegan?
Absolutely. Every recipe here works with plant-based yoghurt and your favourite milk, and all Sweet Freedom products are vegan-friendly.
keep the summer sweet
The school holidays are long, but the snack ideas don't have to run out. Pick one or two of these to try this week, get the kids stuck in, and enjoy the fact that "can we have a treat?" now has an easy answer.
Ready to get started? Browse the full recipe collection for more inspiration, or explore the whole range to stock up for summer.