If you’re anything like me, right now, you can’t stop thinking about summer: sleeping in, going to the beach, and most importantly, no more homework. But obviously, here in Florida, it can get pretty stifling in the summer months. Luckily, Hyppo Pops offers the perfect solution.
The Hyppo is a charming little shop that sells “gourmet ice pops,” with five locations that are local to the state of Florida. The closest one is a cute little storefront in Hyde Park, and it’s the perfect place to go when window shopping on a hot day. The company also owns a Hyppo truck, which you may have seen driving around neighborhoods and attracting crowds of little kids, and you can even order pops online for parties or summer gatherings. The cheerful, fruity vibe of the store only adds to its appeal in the summer.
Not many people have heard about Hyppo, and most would be surprised by the concept of a store that sells only ice pops, but the popsicles it sells are truly some of the best I’ve ever had. They combine the traditional fruits with dairy to make them taste almost like ice cream on a stick, and add interesting, unexpected flavors with herbs, honey and even alcohol. They also boast an extremely wide variety and an astonishing number of flavors: over 290.
They’re displayed in the store’s large freezers that serve as an employee counter, and murals of fruit and colorful animals cover the walls behind them. These flavors range from more traditional popsicles like Black Cherry and Pineapple Mango, all the way to Nutella, Rosemary Lemon Creme and Cantaloupe Chili. When I went recently, I bought the Strawberry Cheesecake popsicle, and it perfectly lived up to its name.
The one thing about Hyppo is that it can get a bit expensive. Each popsicle costs around $5 to $7, which is a little much for just one popsicle. On the same note, every pop is pre-wrapped in its own plastic, which isn’t the best thing for the environment.
Despite these things, however, I love the atmosphere of the store, the unique concept and, of course, the popsicles themselves. I think that Hyppo Pops are the perfect, once-in-a-while treat for the heat. So, when you’re feeling ready for summer, give this charming business a try.