There’s no shortage of sweet treats in Indian summers, but one street vendor in Ahmedabad has taken things to the next level—earning viral fame and sparking debate with his colorful, over-the-top creation: the fruit gola.

Street Food Meets Spectacle

Shared by food vlogger Krupali Patel on April 9, the video of the so-called ‘fruit gola’ has already racked up over 50.8 million views. The vendor’s process? Dip popsicles into an array of vivid syrups—think pomegranate, raw mango, kiwi, and more—then decorate the ice slab with bits of candy, gummy bears, and sweet toppings. The result is as theatrical as it is sugary.

While some viewers were impressed by the creativity, others were quick to call it out. “50 shades of sugar,” joked one user. Another remarked, “Cancer Gola with food coloring.” Comments poured in, with many questioning the health and hygiene standards. One person even noted, “Is no one else tripping on the fact that he scraped her thumb on that spoon and put it back?”

The Internet Reacts: Sweet Treat or Sugar Bomb?

The presentation may be Instagram-worthy, but not everyone’s buying in. Several users expressed concern over the sugar content and artificial colors. “Where’s the fruit in this? Only colored sugar syrup,” one wrote. Another added, “I was about to go eat this after seeing the reel, but after reading the comments…”

This isn’t the first time an outlandish gola has gone viral. In 2024, a stall made waves for its Cheese Ice Gola—an unusual twist featuring grated cheese atop a syrupy base. Food blogger Siddharth Shah highlighted the concoction, complete with cream, dried fruits, and even more syrup.

Food Trends or Food Theater?

As market trends increasingly spotlight quirky culinary experiences, these viral golas walk a fine line between innovation and excess. The buzz may be good for business, but reactions suggest that not everyone’s buying the hype—or the sugar crash that might follow. Whether it’s the vibrant colors or the eyebrow-raising ingredients, these street food experiments are certainly keeping conversations spicy online.