Usually, I can make quick decisions. However when it comes to Steel City Pops, I think, “What if I don’t like it? I will have wasted a good chance to enjoy a popsicle.” Then there’s the whole cookie-pop situation (cookies and brownies supplied by Unrefined Bakery), which is an entirely separate and delicious realm of popsicle, if you ask me.
To help all of you fellow Steel City Pops fans out there who struggle with wanting to branch out from your typical peanut butter pop into something more crazy like orange mint green tea, this is for you.
I spent two hours at Steel City Pops sampling their gluten-free pops and handing out surveys to customers (from about 10-70 years in age). We asked five questions, all on a rating scale of 1 (the worst) to 5 (the best). They were:
1. How would you compare the flavor of this popsicle to actually enjoying the real ingredient with which it was made?
2. How would you rate the color on this pop?
3. Do you like the texture of this pop?
4. Would you eat this pop again?
5. Would you recommend this flavor to your friends?
I then calculated the results and have come up with best flavors for both creamy and fruity. Many were a close call, so I also included some comments from the customers we surveyed. Remember, these are just the flavors that were available that day. Prepare yourself for greatness.
Top 10 Creamy Flavors
10. Chocolate with Brownie: 3.8
Photo by Ashley Peek
It’s easy to be a little bit skeptical when the term “gluten free” is paired with the term “brownie.” Have no fear, though…this pop was described as “dank” by one happy customer.
9. Buttermilk: 4.16
Photo by Ashley Peek
This popsicle tastes like cheescake on a stick. One customer mentioned it was “for the over 50 crowd” with a subtle laugh as she left the store. Who knows what she really meant, but you can take it as you wish.
8. Vanilla Bean: 4.2
Photo by Ashley Peek
Ahh, classic vanilla bean. You can’t lose with this one.
7. Chocolate with Peanut Butter: 4.3
Photo by Ashley Peek
My personal favorite. This pop isn’t overwhelmingly chocolate-y, which lets the peanut butter power shine through. You can taste a bit of both in every bite.
6. Vanilla with Brownie: 4.4
Photo by Ashley Peek
Again with the brownie…it’s hard to resist. For many, this pop seemed like a “brownie sundae on a stick.”
5. Coconut: 4.64
Photo by Ashley Peek
This popsicle has coconut flakes in it and could only be described as having the “great taste” of that trip to Hawaii you’ve always dreamed about.
4. Coffee: 4.8
Photo by Ashley Peek
Made with real coffee beans, its basically a frappuccino on a stick. You should probably ditch your daily cup of joe and trade it in for the coffee pop…just call it a “cold brew” and you won’t actually feel bad about it.
3. Coffee Brownie: 4.85
Photo by Ashley Peek
If you’re into the cold brew and the brownie, you’ve gotta try this one. Really though, does it get better?
2. Strawberry Cream: 4.9
Photo by Ashley Peek
Apparently it does get better. If you were that kid who grabbed a pink milk carton from the big cooler in the elementary school cafeteria, this one’s for you.
1. Vanilla Chocolate Chip: 5
Photo by Ashley Peek
I don’t care who you are, it’s incredibly hard to turn down cookies and a glass of milk, and this pop makes it just that much harder.
Top 12 Fruity Flavors
12. Cantaloupe: 3
Photo by Ashley Peek
This pop is made with cantaloupe, but tastes just slightly different. Although still good, it’s at the bottom of the fruity flavors.
11. Strawberry Balsamic: 3
Photo courtesy of peenybeefinds.com
This sweet strawberry pop has just a tang of sour from the balsamic.
10. Lime: 3.5
Photo By Alli Forrester
This pop is reminiscent of a limeade, not quite as sour but definitely refreshing.
9. Blackberry: 3.6
Photo by Ashley Peek
“I feel like I’m getting a full serving a fruit with this popsicle. I can even taste some seeds.” The comment speaks for itself.
8. Orange Mint Green Tea: 4.2
Photo by Ashley Peek
Almost a bit Asian tasting with the green tea flavor, it’s not quite what you would expect from a popsicle. It almost confuses your taste buds but strangely leaves you wanting more.
7. Strawberry Lemonade: 4.38
Photo by Ashley Peek
As one customer said, it “reminds me of my childhood.” If you were a frequent customer to the lemonade stand, give this one a shot.
6. Cucumber Lime: 4.6
Photo by Ashley Peek
Refreshing and unlike any other popsicle, this one is a perfect summer fit.
5. Strawberry: 4.6
Photo by Ashley Peek
How can you go wrong with a classic strawberry popscicle? You just can’t.
4. Passion Fruit: 4.8
Photo by Ashley Peek
I asked one customer what he thought of the taste and if it was similar to a real passion fruit. He said, “Well, I’ve never had passion fruit so I don’t know. But it’s good!” So, I’ll leave you with that.
3. Pineapple: 4.9
Photo by Ashley Peek
“It’s SO good.” Just about as good as freshly-cut pineapple on a hot summer day.
2. Hibiscus: 5
Photo by Ashley Peek
Think hibiscus tea…without the tea.
1. Blood Orange: 5
Photo courtesy of afar.com
The guy working at the counter had bright orange hair. He said this pop was his all time favorite and the best flavor they had. Was it a coincidence that his hair color genes matched his pop preference? I think not.
Now you know what to choose next time you take a field trip to Steel City Pops. I would like to thank them for letting us pester their customers for two hours. They were very supportive of our article and were “pop stars” when it came to friendliness.
As was expected, many customers told us Steel City Pops was their favorite place in Fort Worth. If you haven’t checked them out yet, get in your car and go there now.
Also, don’t forget to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Sometimes they surprise POP into businesses and classrooms to give away free popsicles.
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