With Halloween in the air, it only seemed right to choose a treat for this month’s food truck review. I
happened across Joy Popsicles after going out for dinner. Since the desserts at the restaurant hadn’t
really stood out, this felt serendipitous, and I had to give it a try.
Joy Popsicles is a light blue 1969 ice cream truck that does one thing and does it very well. And, at $3.50
apiece, Joy Popsicles has to be in the running for one of the least expensive food truck options. But don’t
let the low price fool you – they’re not slinging Otter Pops or any of the other dyed and frozen sugar
water concoctions from your youth – these popsicles are gourmet and incredibly satisfying.
While the truck is called Joy Popsicles, their website specifies that these are paletas. Paletas originated
in the 1940s in the town of Tocumbo, Mexico. They are known for their intense flavors due to the use of
premium ingredients such as fresh fruit, chocolate, nuts, milk, cream, etc. And, unlike American popsicles which are generally one flavor, paletas play with a variety of textures and flavors in each dessert.
Joy Popsicles started a few years ago after the owner Kalli, who was 17 at the time, fell in love with
paletas on a family vacation to the Dominican Republic. The store there was called Joy Nutritional Pop
and she went back after the vacation to learn how they made their magic. Upon opening her version in
Utah, Kalli named the company Joy Popsicles in honor of the company in the Dominican Republic.
While there are 25 flavors shown on their website, the flavors rotate. On the day I went, Joy Popsicles
was offering eight flavors: coconut, watermelon, passion fruit, cinnamon crunch, fruity pebbles, tropical,
cookies & cream, and berry cheesecake. They can be divided into three categories depending on the
base they are built upon: the cream-based popsicles (coconut, passion fruit, cinnamon crunch, fruity
pebbles, and cookies & cream), the fruit-based popsicles (watermelon and tropical), and the cream
cheese-based popsicles (berry cheesecake). Wanting to try a couple different bases, I went for the berry
cheesecake and the cinnamon crunch.
So, how were they? Refreshing, indulgent, and delicious! The cinnamon crunch, which is cream-based
with cinnamon cereal inside, was reminiscent of Milk Bar’s famous cereal milk – addictive, nostalgic,
with just the right balance of cinnamon and cream. The berry cheesecake was even better. The cream
cheese base was perfectly smooth and silky, and the homemade berry jam mixed into it was flavorful
and bright. Imagine a piece of cheesecake in popsicle form and you’re getting close. I’d absolutely go
back and am intrigued by many of their flavors.
Know Before You Go: Joy Popsicles has a number of catering options – custom pick-up orders, pink push
carts, and their food truck is available for catering as well. Check out the list of flavors – with pictures –
on their website www.joypopsicles.com. It should be noted that their truck is now closed for the season
– popsicles lend themselves to warmer weather – and will be reopening in Spring.
