Common food
A Popsicle, NFS (Not Further Specified) is a frozen, water-based treat on a stick, known for its icy, crystalline texture that melts quickly on the tongue. It delivers a burst of simple, sugary sweetness, often in fruit-inspired flavors like cherry, grape, or orange. Nutritionally, it's almost entirely carbohydrate from sugar, providing a quick source of energy with negligible fat or protein.
People love popsicles for their refreshing, cooling sensation on a hot day and the pure, uncomplicated burst of sweet flavor. Their iconic stick format makes them a fun, mess-free, and portable treat enjoyed by both children and adults.
The primary downside is the high sugar content (over 13g per 100g) with no fiber or protein to slow absorption, which can lead to rapid blood sugar spikes and subsequent crashes. To counteract this, enjoy one as part of a balanced snack alongside a source of protein or healthy fat, like a handful of nuts or a cheese stick, and practice portion control.
The first known popsicle was invented in 1905 by an 11-year-old boy named Frank Epperson, who left a mixture of powdered soda, water, and a stirring stick on his porch overnight. He originally called them 'Eppsicles' before his children later dubbed them 'Pop's 'sicles.'
| Water | 80.5 g |
| Energy | 79.0 kcal |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.24 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 19.2 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 13.7 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 0.00 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.54 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 1.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 0.00 mg |
| Potassium, K | 15.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 7.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.15 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.00 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.70 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.00 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.01 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Is a popsicle the same as ice cream?
No. A standard popsicle is water-based and contains no dairy, while ice cream is a dairy-based product containing milk, cream, and often eggs, resulting in a creamy, fatty texture.
Can popsicles be part of a healthy diet?
In moderation, yes. They are a low-fat treat, but due to their high sugar content, they are best viewed as an occasional dessert rather than a nutritious snack. Pairing them with protein can help balance blood sugar.
What does 'NFS' mean on a food label?
NFS stands for 'Not Further Specified.' It indicates that the nutrient data is for a generic version of the food (like a basic fruit-flavored popsicle) without specifying a particular brand or recipe.