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So-called fruit snacks have become increasingly popular among children and adults in recent years. But how healthy are the various products and where can the health benefits possibly be improved?
A new study by experts at the University of Massachusetts conducted a nutritional evaluation of a variety of fruit snacks. The results can be read in the English-language specialist magazine “Nutrients”.
Fresh fruit healthiest option
There’s no question that eating fresh fruit is the healthiest option for a fruity snack. However, since many people eat far too little fresh fruit, increasing consumption of nutrient-rich fruit snacks could be an effective strategy for increasing fruit consumption, the team explains.
“It’s not the fresh fruits, but the snack products that people commonly consume,” adds study author Amanda Kinchla in a recent press release.
Are fruit snacks healthy?
In general, according to the researchers, fruit snacks definitely have the potential to contribute to a balanced diet. However, it should be noted that such products made from fruits and fruit juices may contain added sugar, artificial colors and flavors as well as preservatives.
For the new study, the team collected and analyzed the nutritional content of a total of 1,497 fruit snacks, defined as non-frozen and non-drink foods consisting primarily of fruit ingredients.
The fruit snacks studied were then divided into nine different categories: dried fruit, fruit-based bars, dried flavored fruit, canned fruit, fruit-flavored snacks, fruit puree, fruit chips, molded fruit products, and canned fruit with juice.
To compare the health value of the fruit snacks, the researchers used the so-called Nutrient Rich Foods (NRF) Index. This model takes into account both desirable nutrients such as protein and fiber as well as unhealthy nutrients such as saturated fats and added sugars.
The team not only determined the nutritional value per fruit snack serving, but also calculated the added sugar and fiber content per consumption occasion.
Dried fruits healthiest fruit snack
It turned out that when comparing fruit snacks, the dried fruits had the best overall nutritional profile, meaning they contained the highest nutrient density and the highest fiber content with the lowest amount of added sugar, the experts explain.
In contrast, fruit-flavored snacks had the lowest nutrient density and fiber content, as well as the highest amount of added sugar, the researchers added.
Lower sugar content required
According to the researchers, the results overall indicate that a reformulation of fruit snacks is necessary. The sugar content in many products should be reduced to make them a healthier snack.
According to the researchers, greater reformulation is particularly necessary for fruit preserves (with added sugar) and fruit-flavored snacks, which have low nutrient density, low fiber content and high added sugar.
“Future direction of the fruit snacks category should consider reducing added sugar content, increasing fiber content and improving the sensory profile to improve overall nutrient density,” the research team concluded. (as)