By Rustina, Contributing Writer
Some days, you just need a quick, wholesome snack that won’t leave your kids bouncing off the walls – or crashing in the middle of math. These homemade frozen yogurt drops are a simple, nutrient-packed treat made with real food ingredients that support energy, digestion, and immunity. Packed with protein-rich Greek yogurt, antioxidant-loaded fruit, and a touch of natural sweetness, they offer a fun and easy way to nourish growing bodies.
Plus, they’re completely customizable – perfect for introducing or reinforcing extra nutrients like immune-supporting elderberry or a little extra calm with magnesium-rich cocoa. Whether you’re fueling up for a busy day or just need a refreshing, guilt-free treat, these yogurt drops are a mom-approved win!
About the Ingredients
Yogurt: Provides protein, calcium, and probiotics
Fruits: Most fruits have great antioxidant and vitamin content. (Strawberries are excellent sources of vitamin C).
Honey: Natural antioxidant plus the lower glycemic index may help moderate blood sugar spikes, making it a gentler option for energy regulation and avoiding sugar rushes and crashes!
Optional mix-ins: Add food powders or tinctures for added health support!
Homemade Frozen Yogurt Drops
(No Freeze Dryer Needed)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (Greek yogurt works best because it is a little thicker.)
- 1/4 cup fruit puree (raspberries, strawberries, bananas – can add some veggie puree too carrots, sweet potato, or another veggie)
- 1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional – sweetens it up, not necessary)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional – adds a warm, comforting flavor)
- Optional mix-ins:
- ¼ cup of crushed freeze-dried fruit (like strawberries) or a pinch of cinnamon
- ¼ cup of Super Foods Powder, Cocoa Calm, or Immune Aid Powder
- 3 droppers of tinctures – Elderberry Elixir, Nourish Me Naturally, Adaptogenic Immunity, or any Earthley tincture.
Supplies:
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- Piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner snipped (can drop it on with a spoon if you don’t have a baggie available)
- Baking sheet or plate that fits in your freezer (and the coordinating space in the freezer is available)
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
Directions:
Step 1: In a bowl, stir Greek yogurt, honey (if using), tinctures (if using), and vanilla until smooth.
Step 2: Mix in fruit puree and powders (if using). If the mixture is too runny off the spoon, add a bit more yogurt or powder. If it is too thick, add more yogurt or puree.
Step 3: Spoon the mix into a piping bag or zip-top bag. Snip a small corner (dime-sized hole) to squeeze out drops onto the parchment.
Step 4: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Pipe small blobs, nickel-sized “drops” of yogurt, spacing them apart so they don’t spread out into each other.
Step 5: Pop the sheet in the freezer for 2 hours until solid.
Step 6: Peel the drops off the parchment and toss them into an airtight container or freezer bag. Keep frozen — they’ll be good for a couple of months.
Step 7: Eat it fresh out of the freezer or let it sit 3-5 minutes at room temperature before handing it to kids, however they prefer.
Can You Dehydrate Yogurt Drops?
Yes, you can dehydrate yogurt drops using a standard dehydrator (or even an oven on low), but the results won’t be like freeze-dried drops.
Why? What Happens If You Dehydrate Them?
Dehydration pulls water out with low heat (usually 95-135°F) and air circulation over hours. Freeze-drying, though, freezes first, then sucks water out as vapor under vacuum — keeping structure light and crisp. Even if you freeze first, and then put them in your standard dehydrator, it will melt them first so it doesn’t make a difference. The processes are different.
At 115°F (safe for probiotics) for 8-12 hours, they’ll dry on the outside but stay soft inside — more like chewy candy than a dry drop. Push it hotter (135°F+), and you might get crispier edges, but the center stays tacky, and the probiotics die off.
Without freezing first, yogurt drops dehydrate into a leathery or gummy texture like fruit leather. The proteins and sugars (from yogurt, honey, fruit) concentrate, making it sticky or tough instead of melt-in-your-mouth. Freeze-dried drops have about 2-5% moisture with a crisp, powdery texture. Dehydrated drops make it as low as 10-20% at best, leaving moisture and a gummier or jerky-like feel.
What’s your favorite mix?
