Finally, a frozen treat you can feel good about.
Fressy Bessie Foods Inc. has developed an organic form of popsicle known as an “ice lolly.” Rather than use unhealthy artificial sugars, preservatives and additives, Fressy Bessie’s ice lollies are made with all-natural fruits and vegetables. The result is a frozen treat that children love to eat, and parents can feel good about serving to their kids. Fressy Bessie’s ice lollies are also ideal for people suffering from Diabetes as they are low in carbohydrates and contain no artificial sugars.
Operating under the tagline, “Fruit is nature’s candy,” Fressy Bessie has grown exponentially since it was first launched in 2014 and distributed at farmer’s markets. Today, Fressy Bessie’s ice lollies can be found at grocery stores around the country. Popular flavours of the healthy treat include apple, mango, tropical and blueberry mango.
“People who are looking for a healthy alternative to traditional frozen treats such as ice cream and popsicles should consider our all-natural ice lollies,” says Jackie Kwitko, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fressy Bessie Foods Inc. “Our products contain zero artificial ingredients or added sweeteners, and they are gluten free and 100 per cent vegan.”
Canadians love their frozen treats. Data from market research firm Statista shows that Canadian consumers spent $3.70 billion on frozen desserts and treats in 2019, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato and popsicles. However, sales of ice cream are in steady decline as people search out healthier alternatives that contain less sugar and lower fat content.
Statista data shows that Canadians’ consumption of ice cream has fallen 45% over the past 15 years, dropping from a peak reached in 2005. At the same time, the market for healthy frozen alternatives has boomed during the same period.
“Canadians today are more health–conscious than ever before, and I think this is reflected in the food they choose to purchase and consume,” says Ms. Kwitko, who runs Fressy Bessie out of a certified commercial kitchen in Toronto using only fresh, certified–organic ingredients. “Parents especially want to give their children healthy snacks that they will enjoy and appreciate.”
With the support of her husband and daughter, Ms. Kwitko has managed to capitalize on the growing popularity of Fressy Bessie’s ice lollies, establishing agreements to sell the product in national grocery store chains such as Metro, Longo’s, as well as health-focused retailers such as Whole Foods in Canada, Metro Ontario, Sweet Potato, Fiesta Farms, Fresh Street Market (BC) Community Natural Foods (Alberta) and Nature’s Emporium.
The end goal, says Ms. Kwitko, is to provide Canadians in every region of the country with a wholesome product that they can enjoy with their family.