Popsicles have served as a sweet treat for a hot day for more than 100 years, but they were actually the accidental discovery of an 11-year-old boy. Today, more than 2 billion of the ice pops are sold each year, according to Unilever, which owns and produces Popsicles. Popsicle brand Popsicles are available in several flavors, including cherry, orange, grape, watermelon, strawberry, banana and root beer. Different boxes contain different combinations of flavors. Before you grab one to beat the heat, it's important to understand how it will affect your diet.
Calories
All flavors of Popsicles contain 45 calories. The calories in a food represent how much energy it contains, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Your daily calorie intake needs will vary depending on your size, age and activity level. If you eat 2,000 calories a day, a Popsicle amounts to 2.25 percent of your total daily calories.
Fat
Popsicles are a fat-free food and also contain no cholesterol. As a general guideline, total fat intake should be limited to 65 g or less if you eat a 2,000-calorie diet. Intake of saturated fat -- an unhealthy fat that can contribute to obesity when consumed in large quantities -- should be restricted to no more than one-third of your total fat intake, the U.S. Department of Agriculture advises.
Sodium
Popsicles are also a sodium-free food, although most of the other foods you eat will likely contain at least a small amount of sodium. Your body needs sodium for vital cellular activities, but too much can contribute to high blood pressure. The USDA's Food Guide Pyramid recommends restricting sodium intake to no more than 2,400 mg daily.
Carbohydrates
All flavors of Popsicles contain 11 g of total carbohydrates. The majority of the carbs in a Popsicle are in the form of sugars -- 8 g per ice pop, according to the nutrition label. Popsicles do not contain any dietary fiber. The total carb content of one Popsicle is equal to 4 percent of the recommended daily intake if you eat 2,000 calories a day.
Protein
Popsicles do not contain any protein. However, despite this, you likely are not at risk for a protein deficiency because of how abundant it is in the average American diet. In fact, protein deficiencies are so rare that the Food Guide Pyramid does not even include a recommended intake as it does for other nutrients, the FDA reports.
Vitamins and Minerals
Popsicles aren't generally thought of as nutritious snacks that provide healthy doses of essential vitamins and minerals. Each ice pop does, though, contain 10 percent of the recommended daily intake for vitamin C.
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