Juicery Pops

A summer pop-up shop brought to you by local health-focused eateries The Juicery and Maine Squeeze Juice Cafe, Juicery Pops (find them on Facebook and Instagram @juicerypops) features a full line of handcrafted vegan and gluten-free popsicles made in small batches in a variety of flavors with fresh ingredients. The shop launched last year inside The Juicery’s sister restaurant, The Soupery, at 51 Hanover St. in downtown Portsmouth. But according to marketing manager Emma Ward, Juicery Pops has been a concept several years in the making — the shop’s offerings range from fruit-based flavors like lavender lemonade, strawberry rhubarb and raspberry mango to sweeter dessert options like mint chocolate and “fudgezicle.” New flavors may be in store for this season too, like an orange creamsicle pop. Each of the pops is individually wrapped and available to order from a takeout window in front of the shop. The Scene recently caught up with Ward to talk about some of her favorite Juicery Pops flavors and what you can expect when you visit.

How long has Juicery Pops been around?

Last summer was our first. The Juicery has been around since 2008 and the mission has always been to provide healthy on-the-go options. Juicery Pops came about when [owner] Alex [Vandermark] had the idea to start a line of health-forward pops, and last year was when we decided to give it a try. I believe it was one of the first weeks in June, and then we stopped in October, went into hibernation for a little while, and we relaunched it for this year on May 5.

What makes Juicery Pops unique?

All of the pops are made in small batches by hand, so they’re all made from scratch in our kitchen and not mass-produced from anywhere or stored in a freezer for long. We also use simple but clean and good-quality ingredients.

What is your personal favorite Juicery Pops flavor?

That would be the fudge pop, because I’m a sucker for chocolate. It’s very refreshing to enjoy after your lunch or just on a super-hot day.

Which Juicery Pops flavor should everyone try?

I would say the lavender lemonade, because it’s just so unique and a lot of people are drawn to it. … The lemonade is obviously refreshing, but the lavender gives it a really nice combination of flavor.

What celebrity would you like to see visiting Juicery Pops?

I think Taylor Swift would love them. She would write a good song about them!

What is an essential skill to managing this type of business?

Rolling with the punches and being able to adapt and take on whatever is thrown your way. The past year has been a great learning experience for that.

What is your favorite thing about being on the Seacoast?

I’m a beach girl, so I love being so close to the beach and being outside in the summer. I also just love that there are so many things to do on the Seacoast.

— Matt Ingersoll

Featured photo: Courtesy photos.