Paletas vs. Popsicles: A Flavorful Choice in Authentic Frozen Treats

Paletas: A Mexican Tradition That’s Inspiring a Modern Frozen Dessert Trend 

A new trend seems to be appearing in the world of ice cream shops: paletas. But is it really new? It would appear that paletas have been around for nearly a century, and have gradually made their way into the mainstream.  

In this article, we explore the history of paletas, how they differ from popsicles, and how this traditional treat is evolving with modern tastes, including plant-based options. 

Here’s what we’ve discovered! 

✨ A Brief History of Paletas 

Frozen desserts known as paletas in Spanish were first created in Tocumbo, a very small town, in Michoacán, Mexico in the 1930s.  

Credit is often given to Rafael Malfavón Andrade for developing the concept of the fruit-based frozen treat on a stick.  

From these humble beginnings, paletas began to find their way to other Mexican towns until they began to appear in bigger cities such as Guadalajara and Mexico City in the 1940s and 1950s. 

The way businesses were opened and the knowledge of making paletas, and later ice cream often known as “nieves” grew through a loosely organized family-to-family support system, that usually carried the name “La Michoacana” in the business.  

By the 1950s and 60s, “La Michoacana” ice cream shops began to appear in the United States, due to the large populations of Mexican and Mexican-Americans that have always lived in the United States. 

As a result, there are now many groups and subgroups of “La Michoacana” ice cream shops throughout Mexico and the United States. In fact, there are tens of thousands of such shops that sell paletas, and other types of treats.  

In recent years, “paletas” have started to enter the mainstream consciousness of ice cream businesses — those that are not in any way affiliated with “La Michoacana” or its Mexican roots. 

✨ Paletas vs. Popsicles: What’s the Difference? 

Though similar in form, paletas and popsicles differ in ingredients, production, and presentation. 

Paletas are typically: 

• Handcrafted in small batches, often made on-site at local shops 

• Made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients (fruits) 

• Known for including visible chunks of fruit, nuts, or cookies 

• Wrapped in clear plastic to showcase their vibrant colors and textures 

• Focused on flavor quality over novelty shapes (usually rectangular-shaped) 

Popsicles, in contrast, are usually: 

• Mass-produced in factories and distributed widely 

• Made with water, sugar, and artificial flavorings and colors 

• Packaged in opaque wrappers that hide the product 

• Available in many fun shapes, but with less focus on real ingredients 

• Less artisanal and more commercial in appearance and formulation 

Paletas come in two main types: 

• Water-based: Naturally vegan and dairy-free; commonly fruit-flavored. 

• Milk-based: Includes dairy and may feature cookie, chocolate, or caramel inclusions. 

✨ Cultural Relevance and Modern Trends  

Since 1989, Tocumbo established the annual “Feria de Paleta” or Paleta Festival in late December. This is an ongoing Festival that celebrates the craft and flavors of this traditional dessert, and it is visited by tens of thousands of people every year. 

Although some subgroups of “La Michoacana” have started to franchise their operations, there are still many businesses that receive the family-to-family support system that has created paletas and other Mexican-developed frozen desserts. 

In addition to water-based (vegan and non-dairy) paletas, some shops are beginning to offer milk-alternative paletas that are coconut or oat-based. Froconut® works especially well as a base for paletas. 

As paletas make their way into mainstream American shops, it is worth acknowledging the roots and development of this popular treat.  

As more ice cream and frozen dessert makers look to add innovative, inclusive, and culturally rich options to their menus, paletas offer both a story and a flavor profile worth exploring. 

✅ Takeaway for Frozen Dessert Businesses 

Paletas are more than just a trend — they’re an opportunity to: 

• Offer plant-based, vegan, and dairy-free menu options 

• Showcase cultural diversity and artisanal craft 

• Differentiate your business with authenticity and visual appeal 

If you're considering introducing paletas into your shop, we recommend visiting a local Mexican-owned paletería to experience the flavors, techniques, and tradition firsthand. 

At Mami’s Gelato 

We’re committed to helping food service businesses grow by embracing innovation while honoring tradition. With vegan bases like Froconut®, creating your own paletas has never been easier. 

Whether you’re a seasoned-frozen dessert maker or just beginning to explore new offerings, we’re here to support your journey with ingredients that meet modern tastes — and respect cultural roots. 

 

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Photo credit 

Photo by Lindsay Moe on Unsplash