Gelato goes guilt-free – Noosa’s Happy Pops arrives at South Bank
We know, winter hasn’t bid us farewell just yet, but as far as we’re concerned gelato is good all year round. A popular Noosa concept is delivering a tantalising take on popsicles and creamy gelato to South Bank this week, as Happy Pops sets up shop on Stanley Street Plaza. In addition to its range of artisanal frozen treats (all made using natural ingredients), Happy Pops is also bringing some beachy vibes to the bustling South Bank strip. Bring on the summer vibes!
The story
The story of Happy Pops began in the early days of 2018 when chef Augusta Puttkammer and husband Ian Offering first opened their artisan dessert concept on Hastings Street. The simple concept – premium gourmet gelato served on a stick – resonated immediately, with Noosa locals quickly falling head over heels for Augusta’s pops made from all-natural ingredients. Praise for Happy Pops only increased over the months, and when Augusta’s product started winning awards (Happy Pops won gold and silver awards at the 2019 Royal Queensland Food & Wine Show) the demand to expand south became too hard to ignore. An opportunity presented itself in South Bank – right in the heart of the area’s booming riverside hub near Streets Beach. The space (formerly home to treat dispensary Nitrogenie) proved perfect for Augusta and Ian’s needs, and after an aesthetic overhaul and installation of some specialty display cabinets, Happy Pops is opening to the public today, Thursday August 15.
The gelato
The success of any dessert destination is predicated on its product, and Happy Pops prides itself on the quality of its gelato. Happy Pops gelato is handcrafted using all natural and preservative-free ingredients. Milk from Maleny Dairies is employed for the creamy goodies, while other ingredients (such as homemade Belgium chocolate, real vanilla and locally sourced fruit) are infused at the exact time of creation to maximise depth of flavour. It’s important to point out that vegans are also well taken care of, with vegan pops made using milk alternatives (soy, rice and coconut milks) readily available for dairy-free consumers.
The menu
Happy Pops offers dessert seekers a plethora of pre-made pops to choose from, as well as the ability to craft their own custom treat. Pre-made flavours include Hokey Pokey with Australian honeycomb, homemade caramel sauce and Belgian chocolate, fruit pavlova with vanilla gelato, Belgian white chocolate, freeze-dried raspberries and real passionfruit, and the salted caramel with caramel sauce, chocolate and Murray River pink salt. Those looking to get DIY can skip the pre-made batch and go deep into customisation mode. The first step is to select your pop – guests can choose between gelato, sorbet and yoghurt pops, while those seeking something a little less cold can opt for a waffle or brownie pop instead. Second, you’ll need to choose a dip – opt for a half, full dip or drizzle of chocolate or white chocolate on your pop, then it’s time for toppings. This is where you can get truly creative – Happy Pops lets you pick three toppings, with a selection including freeze-dried raspberries, hazelnuts, M&Ms, sprinkles, macadamia nuts, pistachios, nerds and popcorn. New seasonal flavour will pop in and out throughout the year, while the brand’s signature Happy Shake (made with real vanilla gelato, soft serve and toppings) are also available.
Is your sweet tooth tingling? Happy Pops is open from today – head to the Stumble Guide for opening hours and more information.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Brisbane dining guide with more than 2400 places to eat, drink, shop and play.