Otter Pops are a popular frozen treat enjoyed by kids and adults alike. But how many calories are actually in these sweet, colorful ice pops? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide a detailed look at Otter Pop nutrition facts, calories per pop, and how many calories are in 2 Otter Pops.
What are Otter Pops?
Otter Pops are freezer pops made by The Jel Sert Company. These frozen pops consist of flavored, sweetened juice concentrate encased in a plastic tube. The tubes are flattened to create the iconic Otter Pop shape.
Some key facts about Otter Pops:
- Introduced in 1970
- Come in a variety of bright colors and fruity flavors
- Have a soft, icy texture that’s easy to bite through
- No artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors
- Portable individually wrapped pops make them a popular treat for kids
Part of the appeal of Otter Pops is their cute branding featuring the Otter mascot and collectible wrappers. The plastic tubes allow you to enjoy every last drop of the sweet juice.
Otter Pop Flavors
Otter Pops come in a wide assortment of fruit flavors, with some varieties more common than others. Here’s a look at some of the most popular Otter Pop flavors:
- Cherry – A tart and sweet cherry flavor
- Grape – Sweet concord grape flavor
- Strawberry – Sweet strawberry taste
- Fruit Punch – A tropical blend of fruit juices
- Orange – Bright, citrusy orange flavor
- Lemonade – Tart lemonade taste
- Raspberry – Sweet, lush raspberry flavor
- Berry Blue – Blend of blueberry, raspberry and blackberry
- Watermelon – Juicy watermelon flavor
The actual assortment of flavors can vary by pack. Some variety packs offer unique flavors like pink lemonade, mango, pineapple, lime, and blue raspberry.
Otter Pop Nutrition Information
So what’s actually in an Otter Pop when it comes to ingredients and nutrition? Let’s take a look at the nutrition facts panel for a typical fruit punch Otter Pop:
Serving Size: 1 pop (40g)
Calories: 20
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 5mg
Total Carbs: 5g
Sugars: 5g
As you can see, a single Otter Pop is low in fat and sodium. The main nutrient to take note of is the sugar content. Since Otter Pops are essentially frozen, concentrated fruit juice, the majority of calories come from natural fruit sugars.
The full ingredient list for a fruit punch Otter Pop is:
Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Contains Less Than 2% Of: Natural And Artificial Flavors, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Red 40, Blue 1.
So the pops contain water, corn syrup for sweetness, natural and artificial flavors, some citric acid for tartness, and food dyes for coloring. Overall the ingredient list is relatively simple compared to some other frozen treats.
Calories per Otter Pop
Now that we know the basic nutrition information, how many calories are in a single Otter Pop?
An individual Otter Pop contains 20 calories. This is a relatively low calorie count compared to other frozen treats.
For example, here’s how Otter Pop calories compare:
- 1 Otter Pop (40g): 20 calories
- 1 ice cream bar (55g): 80 calories
- 1 fudgesicle (60g): 80 calories
- 1 popsicle (65g): 60 calories
As you can see, an Otter Pop is the lowest in calories compared to ice cream bars, fudgesicles, and regular popsicles. The smaller serving size and lack of fat and dairy ingredients like cream keep the calorie count down.
This makes Otter Pops a lighter frozen snack, especially for kids. Just keep in mind the sugar content is still similar to other frozen treats.
How Many Calories in 2 Otter Pops
Now let’s answer the original question – how many calories are in 2 Otter Pops?
Since there are 20 calories in a single Otter Pop tube, two Otter Pops would contain:
Calories in 2 Otter Pops: 2 x 20 = 40 calories
So two of these tiny frozen pops would provide you with 40 calories total.
This is still considered a low calorie count for a frozen snack. For comparison, here’s how many calories would be in other serving sizes:
- 1 Otter Pop: 20 calories
- 2 Otter Pops: 40 calories
- 3 Otter Pops: 60 calories
- 4 Otter Pops: 80 calories
- 5 Otter Pops: 100 calories
- 10 Otter Pops: 200 calories
As you increase the serving size, the calories add up accordingly. But the calorie count remains relatively low, even if you eat several Otter Pops in one sitting.
Calories in Otter Pops By Flavor
Keep in mind that the calorie count can vary slightly depending on the specific Otter Pop flavor.
For example, here are the calories for some popular flavors:
- Cherry: 20 calories
- Grape: 20 calories
- Strawberry: 25 calories
- Fruit punch: 20 calories
- Orange: 15 calories
- Lemonade: 15 calories
In general, the fruit flavors tend to range from 15-25 calories per pop. So the total calories for two pops would be 30-50 calories depending on the flavors.
Regardless of flavor, Otter Pops are still a low calorie frozen treat. But the different flavors can have slight variations in calories, sugar content, and ingredients.
Otter Pop Nutrition Facts Table
For easy reference, here is a nutrition facts table summarizing Otter Pop calories and nutrition per pop for some popular flavors:
| Flavor | Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Sodium | Total Carbs | Sugars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry | 1 pop (40g) | 20 | 0g | 5mg | 5g | 4g |
| Grape | 1 pop (40g) | 20 | 0g | 5mg | 5g | 5g |
| Strawberry | 1 pop (40g) | 25 | 0g | 5mg | 6g | 6g |
| Fruit Punch | 1 pop (40g) | 20 | 0g | 5mg | 5g | 5g |
| Orange | 1 pop (40g) | 15 | 0g | 0mg | 4g | 4g |
| Lemonade | 1 pop (40g) | 15 | 0g | 0mg | 4g | 4g |
As you can see, calories range from 15-25 per pop depending on flavor. But all Otter Pops are low in fat, sodium, and total carbs.
Daily Calorie Needs
While Otter Pops are low in calories, how many you should eat depends on your age, activity level, and nutritional needs. Here are some general daily calorie needs:
- Child 4-8 years: 1,200-1,600 calories
- Child 9-13 years: 1,600-2,000 calories
- Teen 14-18 years: 1,800-2,400 (females), 2,000-3,200 (males) calories
- Adult women: 1,600-2,400 calories
- Adult men: 2,000-3,000 calories
Based on these estimates, 1-2 Otter Pops would provide 1-3% of daily calorie needs for most kids and adults. They make a sensible snack or treat within a balanced, healthy diet.
However, Otter Pops should not replace meals providing protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. It’s best to enjoy them in moderation along with more nutritious foods.
Should You Be Concerned About Otter Pop Calories?
Given the low calorie count, should you be worried about Otter Pop calories, especially for kids?
A few Otter Pops are unlikely to have negative effects, but there are a few considerations:
- Sugar content – While calorie count is low, sugar makes up most calories. Too many Otter Pops may displace healthier foods and drinks.
- Portion size – Small size helps keep calories in check. Biting off tops or squeezing out filling increases calories consumed.
- Nutrition – Otter Pops lack protein, fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Don’t rely on them for balanced nutrition.
- Dental health – High sugar content isn’t great for developing teeth. Brushing after eating is advisable.
- Allergies – Pops may contain common allergens like corn, soy and food dyes. Check labels if allergies are a concern.
As an occasional snack in reasonable portions, Otter Pops can be a fun food for kids without too much cause for calorie concern. But overdoing it on the quantity or making them a daily habit isn’t advised, even if the calorie count is low.
Tips for Enjoying Otter Pops
Here are some tips for enjoying Otter Pops in a healthy way while keeping calories in check:
- Stick to the portion size of one or two pops at a time.
- Eat them slowly to savor the flavor.
- Select different flavors to get a variety.
- Drink water afterward to wash away residual sugar.
- Store pops flat in the freezer to prevent dripping.
- Pair Otter Pops with fruit for more nutrition.
- Wait at least 30 minutes before swimming after eating.
- Use pops as mini ice packs if you bite off the tip.
- Don’t give them to young toddlers who can’t handle choking risks.
Following healthy moderation and safety practices lets both kids and adults enjoy these freezer treats guilt-free!
Healthy Otter Pop Alternatives
If you’re looking for even healthier frozen fruit treats, here are some Otter Pop alternatives to consider:
- Fruit ice pops – Make homemade pops from blended fruit and 100% juice.
- Yogurt tubes – Low-fat yogurt tubes have more protein with less sugar.
- Fruit popsicles – Choose brands made with just fruit and water.
- Frozen fruit bars – Look for varieties without added sugars.
- Banana pops – Freeze peeled bananas on popsicle sticks for a creamy treat.
Products made with whole fruit provide more nutritional value. Steer clear of artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. Consider making your own healthy creations at home too!
Otter Pop Flavor Rankings
While this article has focused on nutrition facts, let’s finish with some fun! Here is a ranking of Otter Pop flavors from best to worst:
- Cherry
- Grape
- Fruit Punch
- Strawberry
- Lemonade
- Orange
- Berry Blue
- Watermelon
What do you think – how would you rank the Otter Pop flavors? Part of the nostalgic fun of Otter Pops is debating your favorite flavors!
The Verdict on Otter Pop Calories
So to answer our original question, there are 20 calories in a single Otter Pop, with a total of 40 calories in 2 Otter Pops. The calorie count can range from 15-25 depending on specific flavor.
While Otter Pops are low in calories, they lack nutritional value beyond fruit flavor and sweetness. Enjoy these nostalgic frozen pops in moderation as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
A couple Otter Pops make a sensible snack for kids and adults alike. But be mindful of portion size, sugar content, and dental health. For the most benefits, use Otter Pops to cool off on a hot day, inject fun into your day, and create special summertime memories!
