Switch to Stainless Steel Popsicle Molds Instead of Plastic

Every summer, moms write to me and ask how I would make popsicles without plastic.  Until now, silicone popsicle molds were the only alternative to plastic. But is silicone safe? It is a synthetic polymer made from silicon (sand) which is commonly recognized to be inert. But my concern is not the polymer itself, but (as with plastics) the additives and fillers in the silicone and the question of whether or not they can leach out. What colorants are used to create those bright colors and what chemicals are they made from? I’m not saying that silicone popsicle molds are not safe. I’m saying that I don’t know and would rather err on the side of caution.

Popsicle maker molds stainless steel ataforma type

Stainless Steel Popsicle Option

Two months ago, Carolyn Cameron from Onyx Productions (whose online store is called Tickle Trunk) contacted me about the new stainless steel popsicle mold she had developed. Finally, a better alternative for Fake Plastic Fish readers. I asked her to send me a set to review, and finally this weekend, the weather was warm enough for me to want to give them a try.

(Note: Carolyn just let me know that the stand is actually upside down in this picture. Oops. It worked just fine anyway.)

1) A steel rack for holding the molds
2) Stainless steel molds
3) Stainless steel lids
4) Wooden popsicle sticks
5) Removable Silicone rings (to keep the sticks in place)

I made my popsicles from strawberries that are overflowing at the farmers market right now. My recipe: 1-1/2 cups cut strawberries, 1-1/2 cups water, 1/4 cup sugar, and a splash of vanilla. I blended it all up and filled the stainless steel molds. Within a few hours, the popsicles were ready for the test.

I ran one mold under warm water for no more than 1 or 2 seconds, and the popsicle slid out easily, held together well, and tasted great.

Pros and Cons

Obviously, the great thing about stainless steel popsicle molds is that they don’t contain chemicals that can leach into their contents. For parents, that’s a huge plus.

But there are a few aspects to the set that I would prefer were different. First, the steel stand is actually coated with polyethylene plastic. And unfortunately, the coating on the stand that I received was peeling off a bit.