Skip to Content
Categories:

Top five sweet treats to cool you down this summer

Safeway in San Anselmo displays an assortment of ice cream sandwiches.
Safeway in San Anselmo displays an assortment of ice cream sandwiches.
Gabi Rode

With temperatures rising and the California sun beating down, students are in need of refreshing summer treats. Whether by the pool or at the beach, cooling desserts are a necessity to stock up on to keep chilled during these upcoming warmer months. This list compiles the top five accessible treats that are ready to eat and enjoy in the heat.

#5 Otter Pops

Mess-free mini popsicles, Otter Pops are a straightforward treat perfect for all ages. This classic summer dessert is packed with nostalgic fruity flavors, the frozen candy on a stick always delivering. Otter Pops are available at local grocery stores, such as Safeway, coming in large packs of 60 pieces per box, making them the perfect snack to stock up on. While these popsicles are often underwhelming in flavor, they are a staple in your summer cooler, earning them a three out of five feathers. For only five dollars for a pack of 80, Otter Pops will keep you chill all summer long.

Colorful packaging displays Luigi’s real Italian ice dessert with lemon and strawberry flavors. (Cecilia Robertson)

#4 Italian ice

This foreign Italian treat has made its way into American kitchens’ freezers and become a classic refresher. Made primarily of fruit juices, Italian ices are commonly compared to sorbet, popular for their refreshing flavors. With brands including Luigi adapting this treat for 5.49 dollars and making it accessible to consumers throughout the country, Italian ice is a must-buy for the summer. With its popularity continuing to grow, these slushy-like frozen treats receive three and a half out of five feathers.

#3 Orange creamsicles

Popular for contrasting flavors, orange cream popsicles combine tangy orange flavors with a sweet vanilla ice cream interior, making them a classic summer delight. The creamsicle is a widely accessible treat produced by multiple brands in several grocery stores, with prices ranging from around three to six dollars, depending on location. This dessert is the perfect blend of creamy texture and refreshing taste, praised by many and earning four out of five feathers. 

The San Anselmo Safeway location’s frozen treats shelf displays popsicles and Italian ice. (Nola Miller)

#2 Strawberries and Cream

A simple summer snack, strawberries and cream in the classic form of Cool Whip are the perfect pair for a midday refresh and a must-add to your picnic basket. The combination of juicy red strawberries, matched with the thick, sweet cream of Cool Whip, makes for the perfect treat for any fruit lover. This delicious snack offers the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. Dipping the berries into the whip cream allows this treat to be customized to each person’s sweetness level. Overall, for a total of just under 10 dollars, this refreshing dessert earns itself a solid four and a half out of five feathers. 

#1 Ice cream sandwich 

The classic ice cream sandwich, with smooth vanilla ice cream between two soft chocolate biscuits, is a treat that brings back childhood memories. This staple snack is a necessity for the summertime, with its traditional flavor and satisfying texture. You can’t go wrong with this treat, and at a price of 5.99 dollars for a box of 12, these sandwiches receive a five out of five feathers. 

More to Discover