Technically, summer begins this year on June 21st. But based on how excited people are for the change in seasons, it’s hard to comprehend that we still have a ways to go. Everyone’s too busy busting out their shorts and slathering on the sunscreen.
Summer is a great season, especially because it’s time to eat ice cream and ice pops again. Sure, nothing was stopping you before. But much like hot chocolate is best enjoyed when there’s a snowstorm outside, ice pops taste best when it’s at least 80 degrees outside. For me, the kind that you pop in the freezer were an ultimate part of childhood. They may have just been cold sugar water or fruit juice, but they were perfect after a long day in the sun.
But here’s the real question — what do you call them? For me, they were called “freezer pops.” But, we weren’t typically a household that stored them. The neighborhood kids down the street always did, and they called them “Otter Pops.”
And, that’s fine. It’s normal to have two names… If it were only two.
Suddenly, people on Twitter are arguing that the popular ice pops are actually called Zooper Doopers — among other things. Sure, it makes sense for these pops to have different names throughout regions, but since it’s a nostalgic classic, it’s become a heated debate.
Excuse me??? What Americans are out here calling freezer pops “Otter Pops”???? pic.twitter.com/f0hUEFCFBF
— Brittnee’ 🐘🔺 (@BrittneeRay) May 27, 2019
While people are truly fighting for “Otter Pops” to win the naming fight, people can’t help but throw their own names into the ring. The good news is that these tweets of support usually come with sweet childhood memories attached.
LOL. I remember calling them "Freezies" when I was growing up.
— Richard Suchit (@animatedbreak) May 27, 2019
After playing baseball with my dad, we'd hit up the corner shop and grab a bunch. pic.twitter.com/JygroaVKVe
Fla-Vor-Ice is also a big contender. When the name’s right on the box, it’s hard to deny that plenty of people probably referred to them this way.
So I see that Otter Pops is trending... Man, these fans are the most critical, opinionated, judgemental people ever! Almost as bad as the anti-pineapple on pizza trolls!
— Leapin Lizard🦎 (@Leapin_Lizard) May 27, 2019
Where Im from we didn't have Otter Pops, they were called Fla-Vor-Ice and we called them Ice-Pops or Freezies pic.twitter.com/COJcCAhD25
As expected, people got a little heated. Almost like their own childhoods would be wiped away if it was proven that these freezer pops had any other name.
People who lived in or around Mexico often knew them best as Bolis. The package looks similar enough to the others.
The actual Otter Pops had real otters on them (because, of course). They also had cute names, like “Sir Isaac Lime” and “Little Orphan Orange.”
Other versions seemed way less cute. Still delicious and refreshing, but sans otter.
Lemme just say I never called these ice pops our otter pops. But instead popsicles pic.twitter.com/yVPZ5N3S24
— Karry⁷ (@karryckd) May 27, 2019
From what I can tell, it was a bit of a phenomenon. There are other tissues in the world, but a lot of us refer to the product in general as a “Kleenex,” which is an official brand.
Cheap imitation Otter Pops! Real Otter Pops had juicy flavor and attitude. Sir Isaac Lime was the best 💚💚 pic.twitter.com/GO7ZpQdJXi
— DeAnn Sweeney (@deedles722) May 27, 2019
Thus, even though plenty of other ice pops have existed in the world, some of us may have gone right to “Otter Pops” since the product serves the same function.
The design may be different, but if it was a colorful treat in plastic wrap, the taste was likely predictable. Let’s just say, nobody would ask for an Otter Pop but then pass up a Fla-Vor-Ice.
But, Zooper Doopers? They may be another story.
Yes, it’s the same concept. The name is just a little too complicated for what it actually is.
One bonus is that they seemingly have a Bubblegum flavor. Otter Pops, on the other hand, are made of juice and reflect those flavors accordingly.
Zooper Doopers are better known in Australia. So if you’re from The United States, you have a legit reason to be puzzled.
So, long story short: They’re known as different things in different countries. Nobody is wrong here.
Even though the debate is fun, the most important thing to remember is that these popsicles happen to bring us all together. It’s a rarity to find someone who’s never tried one.
If you’re looking for the perfect, inexpensive way to welcome summer, these will always be your best bet. Regardless of how they’re packaged.
