From mama-shop ice pops, Paddle Pop to F&N’s Ice Cream Soda, well-loved childhood cold treats are sweet pleasures that many never grow out of. In fact, nostalgia – or in this case, nostalgic food – has been known to relief stress. See how these childhood favourites still stay the same today, but with a little touch of hipster.

THEN:

Ice Pops

Apart from Mamee, Twisties, Super Ring (and an unending list of tidbits), mama shops at the void deck would never be the same without these colorful ice pops that was perfect for a hot day.

NOW:

1. Popaganda

Made with no sugar or preservatives, these popsicles from Popaganda are made instead from whole fruit, fresh coconut water and organic raw blue agave nectar. Their available flavours change constantly, but some of their well-loved alcoholic popsicles include Pinacolada ($5) and Passion Fruit Caipirinha ($5). Digging into these delicious dairy-free, 100% vegetarian popsicles is also for a good cause – Popaganda has always redirected part of its sales back to the community, be it charities or other non-profit organizations. Its food that is good in every way! Check out their website to view the cafes around Singapore that offer their sweet treats. (Image: Popaganda’s website)

2. Sng Bao Society

The Sng Bao Society literally "brings nostalgia back in the coolest form" (that’s their tagline), and honestly we really do have flashbacks of those walking-home-with-an-ice-pop-from-the-mama-shop days just from the photo above. Their top-sellers include Thai Milk Tea ($3), Watermelon Soju ($5), Baileys Green Tea ($5) and Lim-o-Gini ($5). Customers can contact theneuesociety@gmail.com or call the TSBS hotline @ 9855 8970 to grab one for themselves, or order a dozen for family and friends. (Image: The Sng Bao Society’s Facebook)

3. Momolato

SMU has got a popsicle stall right in their school compound, and with a cute name too. Momolato – another home-grown popsicle brand that promises no artificial colourings or preservatives – has been making waves with its pretty, colourful popsicles that definitely score for a hipster photo on Instagram. We recommend the Coconut and Red Kiwi ($3.50) for a lovely combination between two strong flavours: thick, milky coconut goodness, coupled with tanginess of the kiwi or the Watermelon Kiwi Popsicle ($3.50) as the ultimate thirst quencher for a hot day. On a side note, Momolato actually stands for “more, more gelato”, and offers artisan gelato and waffles if you don’t happen to be in the mood for popsicles. And perks for having Momolato in your school: SMU students get a discount off all prices. Momolato, SMU, 90 Stamford Road, #01-73, Singapore 178903 (Image: Momolato’s Facebook page)

4. Frostbite

Situated at touristy location Merlion Park, Frostbite caters largely to a non-Singaporean crowd (likely explaining its price). Its must-tries include Mango Lychee ($6.40), where we could taste the use of real fruits – bits of lychee and mango – within the popsicle, which wasn’t too sweet, but just right, with a well-balanced fruity flavour. Frostbite, One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Road, #01-11, Singapore 049213 (Image: Frostbite’s Facebook page)

THEN:

Classic Soft Drinks - Coke, Kickapoo, Qoo

Most Singaporeans wouldn't deny growing up with soft drinks as part of their childhood. When cold pressed fruit juices, coffees and the like weren't popular yet, our choice slurps often circled round these family-known drink brands: Coke, Kickapoo, 7 Up, Qoo, Mountain Dew, Sarsi and F&N Grape. Remember the time confusion sparked when our friends said they wanted Whatever or Anything? Such sweet memories.

NOW:

5. Citizen Pop

Fun fact: Citizen Pop was founded by two ex-university mates who left their nine to five desk jobs to pursue their love for food. More so, it wasn’t just for the love to eat, but to eat and drink well – not letting Giants define the soft drink vocabulary, but to create handmade sparkling fruit juices where only natural ingredients, herbs and spices are used. We liked the Apple & Ginger ($5.50), a refreshing soda with a fruity combination that’s incredibly pleasing to the taste buds. Citizen Pop can be found at these shops; pre-orders are available too. (Image: Citizen Pop’s Facebook page)

6. The Kombucha Co.

Have you heard of Kombucha? It is a drink that’s naturally carbonated, and tastes slightly sweet (just like soda). In fact, it’s been around for thousands of years, originating from Northern China and made from tea, sugar and a mixture of bacteria and yeast. The Kombucha Co. is a local Kombucha Brewer with a small range of healthy and tasty drinks. We recommend the Green Tea Kombucha ($25, for a pack of 6), for a treat that tastes just like beer at first sip (it’s really quite unlike any other drink that you’d tasted), but will definitely rejuvenate any tired soul. Drink it chilled for an even better taste. Place your orders here. (Image: The Kombucha Co’s Facebook page)

THEN:

Paddle Pop

This swirly rainbow-colored vanilla flavored ice cream is quite definitely one of the "first" ice creams we would have ever tried as kids. Nostalgic much?

NOW:

7. Neh Neh Pop

Neh Neh Pop (as its playful name suggests) does well to purposefully whet your appetite with hit local delights made tastefully into a creamsicle. Just imagine Mango Sticky Rice ($7) on a stick (pictured, second from the right) – coconut rice pudding ice-cream with fresh mango chunks, encased in a white chocolate dip and sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes and rice crispies – we kinda want a stick right now too. Treat yourself to these unique double-coated creamsicles only available at Artichoke Café & Bar. Artichoke Café & Bar, Sculpture Square, 161 Middle Road, Singapore 188978 (Image: Neh Neh Pop’s Facebook page)

8. Stick House

At Stick House, three steps come into play when making your purchase. First, you get to choose your base (Gelato, Sorbet, $3.50; Yogurt $4), from a wide variety of flavours (Gelato: Green Tea, Pistachio; Sorbet: Raspberry, Lychee, Pomegranate; Yoghurt: Strawberry, Raspberry, Mango). Next, dip them in your favourite chocolate sauce: Milk, Premium Dark or White Chocolate (half dip $0.30; full dip $0.50). Lastly, a topping can be picked from a wide selection of nuts, such as Hazelnuts, Pistachios and even Shredded Coconut (half topping $0.30; full topping $0.50). Made from 100% natural ingredients, these aesthetically beautiful, handcrafted artisan creamiscles from Stick House promises a new experience to gelato fans: creative, fun and delicious. *Do note that the bases and flavours are not limited to those mentioned in the article. Stick House, JCube, 2 Jurong East Central 1, #B1-K14, Singapore 609731 (Image: Stick House's Facebook page) See also: Popular dishes in Singapore Best hawker dishes in Singapore

Written by Eunice Tang