The Guilt-Free Guide to Cooling Down in Philly: 10 Healthier Ice-Cold Treats to Eat

10 icy treats from Philly eateries that you won't regret eating for a second.

Summer weather has arrived, people. Which means the season of frozen treats filling freezers has arrived, too. But while a tub of Ben and Jerry’s is a tried-and-true standby, Philly is stocked with all sorts of other — healthier — cool-down treats, too. We’ve scouted out the frozen and iced-snack scene and gathered up a few of our favorites. Here, 10 guilt-free ways to stay cool in Philly this summer.

When you’re craving soft-serve ice cream … 

What: Banana Whip from The Chilly Banana
We don’t know what kind of sorcery they employ to do it, but this food truck dishes out soft serve-esque deliciousness made from frozen bananas. And this summer they’re teaming up with another local favorite, Crust Vegan Bakery, to bring you the tastiest nice cream sandwiches ever.
Where: You can stay updated on the truck’s whereabouts on their Instagram.

When you want an iced chai latte from Starbucks …

What: Iced Golden Latte from Bluestone Lane
Turmeric has blown up lately, thanks to its anti-inflammatory powers. And now you can down the root in latte form over ice. Mmmmmm.
Where: 1701 Locust Street, Rittenhouse, 1 South Penn Square, Center City.

When you’re hankering for a Unicorn Frappuccino … 

What: Point Break Smoothie Bowl from Stripp’d Juice
The folks over at Stripp’d make smoothie bowls that are way prettier than a Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino. And way healthier, too. Try out their Point Break bowl, a frozen Blue Majik creation available at their Fishtown outpost. 
Where: 
530 East Girard Avenue, Fishtown.

When you just need a chocolate milkshake …

What: Almond Elvis from P.S. & Co.
On the menu under “Protein Shakes,” this protein-packed drink is loaded with chocolate-y and almond-buttery flavors guaranteed to nip your milkshake craving in the bud.
Where: 1706 Locust Street, Rittenhouse.

When you’re parched for lemonade …

What: Pineapple Charcoal Lemon-aid from Sip-N-Glo Juicery
Lemonade is the quintessential summer drink. And sorry, kids, but your lemonade stands just don’t compare to Sip-N-Glo‘s charcoal-spiked take on the classic drink.
Where: Multiple locations.

When you want some homemade, hand-scooped ice cream on a sugar cone …

What: Vegan Ice Cream from Little Baby’s Ice Cream
Little Baby’s Ice Cream serves up a whole slew of vegan ice cream flavors — think: coconut chai, cucumber dill, chipotle chocolate and many more — made with coconut cream. So … you’re right: It’s still ice cream, but if dairy gives you a stomachache, it’s definitely a more feel-good option.
Where: 2311 Frankford Avenue, Fishtown and 4903 Katharine Street, West Philly

When you just want a popsicle from an ice cream truck …

What: Fruit-Based Popsicles from Lil Pop Shop
Popsicles are usually a pretty low-calorie sweet treat, but they’re also usually sugar-loaded. Lil Pop Shop brings you the ice-cold goodness of a sugary pop, but some of their options are entirely made of fruit, with no added sugar.
Where: 265 South 44th Street, West Philly and 229 South 20th Street, Rittenhouse.

When you want straight-up fruit … 

What: Honeybar from Honeygrow
If you didn’t know your favorite fast-casual salad-and-noodle joint serves up sweet treats, you are behind the curve, my friend. Get familiar with the Honeybar: You pick three of Honeygrow’s seasonal fruits, a local honey drizzle, and two toppings, ranging from whipped cream, to chocolate chips, to yogurt.
Where: Multiple locations.

When you need Italian Ice …

What: Mango Ice from Franklin Fountain
Two words: Frozen mangoes. Does it get more refreshing? We think not.
Where: 116 Market Street, Old City.

When you’re itching for an avocado fix …

What: Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream from Pure Fare
Forget avocado toast, avocado ice cream is definitely the way to eat your avocados. Pure Fare’s got a bunch of awesome vegan ice cream flavors lined up for this summer, but the Chocolate Avocado is especially rich, as it’s made with real avocado. Some of grab-and-go spot’s other ice cream ingredients include activated charcoal and turmeric.
Where: 119 South 21st Street, Rittenhouse.

Like what you’re reading? Stay in touch with Be Well Philly—here’s how: