The Electropops Story.
Electropops was born through a passion for healthy natural treats and are now available for all to enjoy!
When illness struck her family, Annabel Langley was inspired to create an alternative to electrolyte ice blocks, without all of the hidden nasties. The end result is a healthy, all-natural fruit ice block, loaded with electrolytes. Since Electropops’ release in 2018, these flavour bombs have become popular not only with kids, but also athletes, pregnant women, and adults nursing a hangover!
The old adage, ‘If you want something done properly, do it yourself,’ certainly rings true for mother-of-three Annabel Langley.
Since having children, Annabel and her husband Scott became more health conscious and grew increasingly concerned by what their kids were being offered in the ice block department.
The quest for a healthy alternative was further solidified when Scott became chronically ill, with symptoms ranging from chronic fatigue to seizures, forcing him out of work for a number of years. A healthy diet and good nutrition was needed to help him pull through.
At the same time, their eldest son wound up in hospital with recurring tonsillitis and despite being given electrolyte ice blocks, Annabel says he still came home severely dehydrated. Not only that, he did not like the taste of them and Annabel was concerned with the ingredients.
“We also went to sports days and I noticed at his school, they were constantly giving the kids ice blocks – again with hideous ingredients. So we started making our own at home, choosing natural ingredients that had no additives,” she says.
At the time, Annabel was running a family daycare and not only did all of the kids enjoy the healthy ice blocks, the parents loved them too. They were also great for Scott, who was on a strict eating regime, and when Annabel fell pregnant with their third child in 2017, she found they helped ease her morning sickness.
Before launching Electropops in 2018, Annabel spent two years conducting market research, testing recipes and working with a food technician to ensure they met the Australian electrolyte standards – without compromising taste of course.
“I played around with many different ingredients, particularly pomegranate and pineapple, which I found had many added health benefits. I also included coconut water because it has five naturally occurring electrolytes,” she says.
“We used real Australian fruit juice not concentrate, this was hugely important to us, fibre from fruit pectin and locust bean gum (ground up carob seeds) to help reduce any sugar spikes, and monk fruit juice for sweetness, but also its multitude of health benefits.
“All of the pops are under 10g of sugar per 100g, so this makes them diabetic friendly. They are also good for gut health.”
Furthermore, Annabel says we all need electrolytes for healthy cells, nerve and muscle function – a body depleted of electrolytes simply shuts down.
“Electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium and calcium, actually charge the 50 trillion cells in your body, they also play a key role in controlling the water inside your cells and blood vessels,” she says.
While electrolytes are naturally found in healthy food, unfortunately the average Australian doesn’t eat enough fruit and vegetables to provide the electrolytes we need and as a result, our cells are significantly under-charged, which leads to a lack of energy and brain function.
“Scientific studies have shown that even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, increased headaches, sleepiness and concentration difficulties equivalent to driving over the limit,” Annabel says.
Electropops come in four flavours – Pomegranate, Mango Passionfruit, Pineapple Lime and Raspberry Coconut, they also cater to a whole host of allergies and intolerances being dairy free, gluten free and vegan.
Clearly a hit with the kids, Annabel has received positive feedback from schools, surf clubs, gyms, health food shops and pharmacies. They’ve also proven to be popular with athletes in their recovery after training or competition, as well as adults nursing a hangover.
The Forest Glen-based business was one of 13 participants in this year’s GrowCoastal program at the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast, delivered in partnership with the Food & Agribusiness Network, where Annabel honed her business skills to implement further success.
Having grown remarkably in its first year of operation, Electropops is on the cusp of big things, having made contact with Woolworths and IGA supermarkets.
Electropops are currently available at a range of health food shops, gyms, pharmacies and schools on the Sunshine Coast, to find one near you visit our Stockist page
Electropops available now!
Annabel has experimented with flavours and ingredients to come up with a range that meets the tastes and choices of most people, working with premium quality fruits that had known health benefits.
Manufacturing the ice block proved to be a bit of an obstacle, and with options in Australia limited, Annabel and her husband made the decision to manufacture the ice blocks themselves in a purpose built facility on the Sunshine Coast.
This has been a huge outlay and commitment but has given Annabel the potential to make the highest quality ice blocks she can, learning much about every aspect of manufacturing in the process.
What seemed like a simple idea has snowballed into a huge process!!!
Under the brand of Electropos, Annabel has developed a natural, healthy, electrolyte ice block that is gluten free, dairy free, has no artificial colours or flavours, no added sugar, (less than 10g per 100g of sugar – suitable for diabetics) and is made from real fruit juices – not concentrates. They have even managed to source organic coconut water.
“I am extremely confident to give Electropops to my family and hope that you can make Electropops a regular part of yours.”
~Annabel Langley~