Refreshing Paletas in Playas, Tijuana

One of the best perks of being a product photographer is sampling the products. So when @MeltyHelados in Playas de Tijuana, Mexico called Jose Juan, the whole family cheered!

Although it was difficult keeping the paletas or popsicles cold during the photoshoot, we think a little melting actually enhanced the photos. What do you think?

You could always go to a local Michoacana for ice-cold aqua fresca, tamarindo water or a chocolate covered frozen banana. There are so many unique ice cream and raspados locations in Tijuana it will make your head spin.

There is the infamous Tepoznieves located near Sam’s club in Zona Urbana Tijuana, which is famous for unusual Mexico-inspired flavors like Apricot or Avocado. And Thrifty stores are everywhere (and a nice equivalent to the Baskin-Robbins style ice cream flavors).

But if you are already in Playas near the beach, you can try a modern spin on traditional Mexican nieves.

Some of the most interesting flavors at Meltys include red wine, caramel popcorn and even beer flavor (created by using the local Tijuana Cucupah craft brewery special brew).

Our favorite flavors by consensus, after several tastings through the year, hands down:

1) Banana chocolate

2) Nutella covered chocolate

3) Mango chamoy

4) Tied for fourth place: Caramel popcorn and Mazapan peanut butter flavor. (Bonus!: ask for them to be covered in chocolate)

The coolest thing, is the owners are quite creative and always looking for new flavors. If you visit Playas de Tijuana soon, or drive through to Rosarito or Ensenada, stop by the Los Barriles location first and ask for a Melty.

They are near the baseball field at Parque Azteca. You can get an ice-cold Melty and watch a baseball game to pass the time.