Blue Spirulina Coconut Ice

Coconut Ice is a bit of an old favourite. It was a regular feature on the tables and goodie bags of the parties I used to go to as a kid, and was definitely something I would absolutely scoff down at the school fair or occasions such as The Easter Show. Really, it was so much yum.

The conventional recipe calls for butter, milk (and sometimes, sweetened condensed milk), icing sugar, salt, coconut and red food colouring. And when I say sugar, I really mean sugar – a whooping 6 cups icing sugar in a standard recipe!

A quick search of a classic recipe gives this line up:

Icing sugar, dairy milk, butter, desiccated coconut, coconut essence (flavour, water, preservative 202), salt, red food colouring (water, food colour 122, citric acid 330, potassium sorbate 202, sodium benzoate 211).

I should put measurements on those though, to really put things in perspective:

6 cups icing sugar, ½ cup butter, 1 cup full fat dairy milk, 1 cup desiccated coconut, 4 drops red food colour.

Quite apart from it being an absolute sugar and fat bomb, it’s also topped off with synthetic red food colouring, otherwise known as food colour 122 or azorubine.

Research has found moderate to severe changes in ovary function and hormone levels with azorubine consumption, and is a significant cause of infertility and hormonal disturbance and that it should be banned from the food industry.

Ahh… the things we ate! All in all, a super fun thing from our childhood, but really not something we wanting to be repeating as adults (or giving to our kids).

Fortunately, all of the above can be given a jolly good make over and this ‘healthified’ recipe does away with the refined sugars and uses natural means for colour.

An easy substitution for butter and milk can be made with coconut butter and coconut milk, and beetroot powder or juice makes a far healthier alternative to the red food colouring.

But this coconut ice is not pink, its blue. An incredible vibrant blue and this has been achieved with Blue Spirulina powder.

Blue Spirulina,  a well-known antioxidant superfood, is the magic ingredient that makes any food look Instagramable (#trendy). This intense deep blue pigment is known as phycocyanin and is extracted from spirulina (blue-green algae).

It is super healthy, rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, iron, carotenoids and antioxidants and helps protect cells from damage. It is freeze dried to preserve its natural colour and nutrients.

You can get creative and add this beautiful nature product to literally anything for a heavenly nutritional boost and some epic blue instaworthy pictures!

You can add it to water, juices, smoothies, breakfast food, baked food, sweets, yoghurts, cereals or any other foods. For light blue shades, use just a pinch and for a more brilliant blue, use up to the full teaspoon (or more).

Its known to have high nutritional value and boosts the immune system, increases metabolism and improves digestion! Contains an abundance of B vitamins which can enhance energy levels.

Who knew algae could be so wonderful?

These little bite sized treats pack and travel well and because they taste amazing - natural sugars from coconut and honey will satisfy any sweet tooth - kids love them too.

Pack them in the school lunchbox to help sustain kids' energy levels. Freeze them for longer storage and enjoy them straight from the freezer for a cool treat or enjoy as a healthy snack or post-workout treat.

Coconut ice will always have my heart but this refined sugar free, easy, no-bake, no heat alternative to traditional coconut ice is so much healthier than the version we grew up eating!

Why you will love it:

 * A smooth fudgy near-perfect replica of the classic coco ice texture

* Creamy and sweet, but with a fraction of the sugar in most recipes

 * No artificial food colourings, preservatives, or unwanted hangers on

All you need is 10 minutes, 6 ingredients and a food processor, and you will see how easy it is.Then make yourself a slice of nostalgia this weekend and treat yo-self!

 

Course Dessert, Snack

Keyword blue spirulina coconut ice, clean eating candy, clean eating snack, healhty coconut ice, healthy candy

Ingredients

• 3 cups desiccated coconut
• 3/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon honey, maple syrup or rice malt syrup
• 1 teaspoon blue spirulina powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Line the base of a 8 x 4 inch loaf pan or similar size dish or silicon pan.

  In a saucepan over low heat place the coconut oil, coconut milk, rice malt syrup and vanilla. Stir until melted and combined.

  Remove from heat and add desiccated coconut. Mix well until combined.

  Press half the mixture into the prepared tin and spread out evenly with a spatula or back of a spoon.

  To the second half of the mixture left in the food processor add the blue spirulina powder and process again until well combined.

  Press the blue mixture on top of the white. Place into the freezer until firm (about 30 minutes).

   Cut into small slices to serve.

   

Print Recipe

If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites