July 25, 2025 – Mexican paletas are a beloved summertime treat—colorful, refreshing, and bursting with real flavor. Just dont call them ‘popsicles’. Paletas are packed with real ingredients and bear little resemblance to popsicles.
Popsicles are typically made from a mixture of water, sugar, and flavorings, sometimes with added fruit juice or purees. They may also include stabilizers like guar gum or locust bean gum to improve texture and prevent ice crystals. Commercial popsicles often utilize high fructose corn syrup.
You can expect flavors like mango with chili, tamarind, lime, or strawberry are both sweet and tangy, often with bits of real fruit mixed in. Kids love bubblegum flavor, and don’t forget Nutella or coconut cream versions.
Milk-based paletas are creamy and indulgent, made with ingredients like condensed milk, cream, or yogurt. These include flavors such as coconut, rice pudding (arroz con leche), chocolate, or caramel. Many versions also incorporate chunks of fruit, nuts, or even cookies for added texture and flavor.
What sets paletas apart is their emphasis on fresh, natural ingredients and creative combinations. In Mexico, they’re often sold from paleterías or street carts, offering a colorful array of choices. Their popularity has grown internationally, celebrated for their handcrafted feel and nostalgic appeal. They differ from ice cream in that they are not whipped, contain little air and therefore have more flavor.
You can enjoy authentic paletas this weekend at Celebration Market in Sulphur Springs. Soni’s Juices will be selling palettas Saturday evening, until she sells out. Her paletas are extra special in that her family makes them at their family owned snack shop located in Conway Arkansas. Soni drives to Arkansas as needed to keep her cart stocked with the best of the best.
Soni is super passionate about paletas, and about health and wellbeing in general. Soni follows a healthy lifestyle but admits that, ‘everyone needs a little sugar now and then’. She also sells various juice shots, and agua frescas like horchata. Soni also caters events, and considers ‘Health Caterer’ to be an apt title for herself. She gets immense joy from watching people taste her curated treats and juices.
Soni will also be part of the upcoming Uncorked: Wine, Music & Art Festival on October 11, 2025. A paleta with wine inside, sources say yes.
