Are Fruit Snacks Healthy?

Fruit snacks are a popular snack, especially among children. They are brightly colored and come in a variety of shapes and flavors, which makes them appealing and fun to eat. But are they actually healthy? Let's take a closer look.

What Are Fruit Snacks?

Fruit snacks are usually small, bite-sized pieces of gummy candy made with fruit juice and other ingredients, like sugar, corn syrup, and natural and artificial flavors. They come in a variety of shapes, including gummy bears, worms, and stars, and are often coated with sugar. They are usually packaged like other snacks, in boxes and bags.

Nutritional Content

Fruit snacks typically contain between 70 and 90 calories per one-ounce serving, with some containing more than 100 calories. They also contain about 14 grams of total carbohydrates, including 12 grams of sugar. Most brands also contain 2 to 4 grams of fat per serving. As for vitamins and minerals, you'll find some, but not a lot, in most fruit snacks. Depending on the brand, you might find small amounts of vitamins A, C, and D, as well as some calcium.

Are They Healthy?

Fruit snacks may contain some vitamins and minerals, but overall, they are not a healthy snack option. In fact, some brands contain more sugar than a regular chocolate bar. While they may contain some natural fruit juice, most brands also contain high amounts of added sugar, corn syrup, and other unhealthy ingredients.

Moreover, many brands of fruit snacks contain artificial colors and flavors, which have been linked to various health issues, including allergies, hyperactivity, and cancer. For this reason, it's best to avoid them as much as possible.

Healthier Alternatives

If you want to give your children a healthy snack, there are plenty of options out there. Fresh fruit, such as apples, grapes, and oranges, is always a healthier alternative to fruit snacks. Dried fruit, like raisins and dates, is another option. Other healthy snacks include nuts, seeds, yogurt, and granola bars.

Conclusion

Fruit snacks may look like a healthy snack option, but they are not. They are usually loaded with sugar and other unhealthy ingredients, and some brands contain artificial colors and flavors. If you want to give your children a healthy snack, opt for fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, yogurt, or granola bars.