Popsicle is the most popular brand of ice pop in the U.S. and Canada. Popsicle is a trademark owned by Unilever, although it has entered the general vernacular in North America. It was founded in Michigan. The Popsicle was first made (But not patented) in 1905 by Frank Epperson, who was only 11 years old at that time.

In 1905, Frank Epperson, then only 11 years old, left a stir stick in a mixture of powdered flavored soda[disambiguation needed] and water out on the porch. That night, temperatures in San Francisco reached a record low. When Epperson woke the next morning, he discovered the drink had frozen to the stir stick, creating a fruit flavored ‘icicle,’ a treat he had named the Epsicle. Eighteen years later, in 1923, Epperson introduced the Epsicle to the public for the first time at an Alameda, California amusement park, Neptune Beach. In 1924, Epperson applied for a patent for his “frozen confectionery” called the Epsicle ice pop. He renamed it the Popsicle, allegedly at the insistence of his children. It was originally available in seven flavors and marketed as a “frozen drink on a stick.” In 1925, Epperson sold the rights to the Popsicle to the Joe Lowe Company of New York. Good Humor, a subsidiary of Unilever, bought the rights in 1989.[citation needed]

In April 1939, a mascot named Popsicle Pete was introduced on the radio program Buck Rogers in the 25th Century as having won the “Typical American Boy Contest.”[1] The character told listeners that they could win presents if they sent packaging from Popsicle products to the manufacturer. He appeared in print and television advertisements, and activity books until 1995.

In June 2006, Popsicles with “natural flavors and colors” were introduced, replacing the original versions in some cases. In addition, Popsicle provides several sugar free flavors.