SA’s Low-Calorie Ice-Cream Brand Takes the Guilt Out of Frozen Treats

For those looking for a treat that delivers the goods without many of the drawbacks that such sweet indulgences come with, Popco is a proudly South African company bringing low calorie, low sugar ice-creams to locals.

In addition to cutting the calorie count of each frozen treat, the ice cream and sorbet popsicle brand also uses real fruit and zero colourants.

Didi and Tim Deane are the dynamic duo behind the rapidly scaling business that brings joy to customers (young and old) and showcases all the delicious fruit and ingredients we are so lucky to have here in South Africa.

Their sorbet and ice cream brand Popco has grown rapidly since its inception in 2018 and is now stocked in more than 150 outlets countrywide.

So how did a chemical engineer and a retail exec with a Yale MBA end up founding one of SA’s most innovative new brands?

“When we were on holiday in South America, we discovered the real-fruit sorbets and ice-cream popsicles sold on almost every corner. We couldn’t understand why there wasn’t an equivalent with the same amazing taste and light, smooth mouthfeel on the SA market. Tim and I had been looking to take our 20+ years of experience in the corporate world and start a business together… we realised that this was it!” said Didi.

What followed, Tim explains, was a great deal of research, business plan refinement and projections. The couple also flew back to Brazil to learn recipe development and to procure the required equipment and machinery.

Back in Cape Town, they got to work using Didi’s kitchen blender and fresh fruit bought at the local market. “The study became our prep kitchen, the dining room table – our workspace, and there was fruit everywhere you looked. Once, when watermelon stocks were about to run out, Tim returned from the market with half a tonne of them.”

Within just 8 months, volumes and demand had increased to such an extent that the business moved into a professional production kitchen in Salt River.

The Popco products are now available in 150 stockists, from Spar branches to cafes, Popco is actively building out their presence nationwide. Furthermore, you can also purchase online via the Popco website and have them delivered right to your door.

As for flavours, everyone is catered for in their three ranges: Creamy Decadence range, Fruit Sorbets and Creamy Vegan (made with oat-milk or coconut milk). All are lower in calories and sugar than other options on the market and there are sugar-free options too. Additionally, nuts are not used in any of the popsicles.

You can check out more on the Popco website.