I think it's about time some of these label messages need to be explained. Take for example this new product range from Uncle Toby's - Fruit Fix. The product description says they are 99% fruit ingredients, each snack counts as one serve of fruit, contains no artificial colours or ingredients, are a source of Vitamin C, folate and fibre, and are Heart Foundation Tick Approved.
So...you're thinking these snacks are healthy right? Well look at what these claims really mean and make up your own mind.So lets start with 99% fruit ingredients. Think that's pureed real fruit? Guess again. Fruit ingredients can range from the sugars found in fruit through to parts of the flesh. So when the first ingredient says 'fruit juice concentrate' this simply means concentrated fruit juice. And we all know fruit juice is loaded with sugar albeit natural sugars, so when in concentrated form - this just means they are using the fruit juice as sugar to sweeten it - naturally.
One serve of fruit is equivalent to 125ml of fruit juice or one medium piece when it comes to Australian guidelines and Food Law. So as long as a product contains this quantity of 'fruit ingredients' it can say just that. What you're missing out on from eating these processed fruit products is all the fibre and antioxidant benefits in the skin and flesh.
I find it funny that company's push these products and then write comments like "when choosing a snack, we believe fruit is the best choice" but these products "can add variety and enjoyment to your day". It's like they feel some guilt in leading the consumer to purchase these products thinking they are a healthy substitute for fruit.
So do I see these as an equivalent to a piece of fruit - no, no i do not. Not only do they resemble a lolly in the chewy sweet texture and mouth feel, but they bear no physical resemblance to the fruit they contain. Who has ever seen a stick shaped pear? What messages are we sending the children of tomorrow. And how are we affecting their development? Without chewing 'real' foods their jaw and tongue muscle development can be delayed affecting speech. Not to mention having the potential to increase dental caries because of all the concentrated sugars and stickiness of the product getting trapped between teeth.
But then there is a flip side. In lunch boxes these products keep well. They dont get bruised or change appeal and usually get eaten. With 61% of 4-8year olds not eating enough fruit (according to CSIRO) and only 1% of 14-16year olds eating their recommended intakes, these products may have a purpose.
So whats the verdict? If you have the choice of eating fresh fruit over these processed fruit containing products - pick the fresh. Use these products as treat products - meaning occasionally include them in your diet.
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