Children's Fast Food Under Scrutiny: "Heavily Refined Meal Options for Kids"
In a recent study, the Trade Union (AK) Upper Austria has raised concerns about the nutritional value of fruit or fruit-milk purées, despite claims of no added sugar. The organisation tested 20 fruit or fruit-milk mixtures in squeeze pouches, finding that these snacks contain between 6.7 and ten grams of sugar per 100 grams.
The study found that all unchilled products were organic and had no added flavors, additives, or sugar. However, the label "no added sugar" is legally permissible due to the natural sweetness of fruits. Despite this, the AK criticises the high cost, additives, and packaging waste in these products.
The AK also found mold in four oat products during their testing. From a nutritional standpoint, the squeeze pouches offer no added value, according to consumer advocates. Fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, or baked goods are the healthier and cheaper alternative to these snacks.
The unchilled fruit or fruit-milk purées were specifically designed for babies between six months and one year. However, purées should only be used occasionally. As children grow older, it is important to encourage them to chew solid food, as purées are often unnecessary and can hinder the development of chewing muscles and speech.
Consumer advocates recommend several healthier alternatives to fruit or fruit-milk purées for children's snacks. These options emphasise natural ingredients and avoid added sugars. Fresh fruit snacks such as fruit kabobs made from melon, pineapple, grapes, and berries, smoothies blending fresh or frozen fruit with yogurt or milk, and fruit and yogurt parfaits layered with granola are all encouraged.
Pre-packaged fruit cups with no added sugars, ideally packed in water or 100% fruit juice rather than syrup or added sweeteners, are also recommended. Freeze-dried fruits are a convenient and nutritious option for toddlers.
Swapping traditional fruit-milk purée products with no added sugar real fruit pouches, like "Once Upon A Farm Pouches," or 100% fruit snacks such as Bear Fruit Bites instead of sugary GoGurt or Welch’s fruit snacks are also encouraged. Whole fresh fruits like bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and sliced apples are recommended simple school snack options.
Snacks that combine fruits with vegetables and other nutrient sources, for example, fruit salsas paired with homemade cinnamon chips, or blends like apples, kale, and mango in organic pouches, are also encouraged for variety and nutrition.
The overarching focus is on minimising added sugars and using whole fruit or fruit with natural ingredients to provide balanced nutrition for children’s snacks according to dietitians and consumer health advocates. The AK advises caution when consuming fruit or fruit-milk purées, despite claims of no added sugar.
- The United States food-and-drink industry is under scrutiny by consumer advocates for pre-packaged fruit and fruit-milk purées marketed as having no added sugar, but containing significant amounts of natural sugar.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, it's recommended for parents to consider alternatives to fruit purées for their children's lifestyle, such as fresh fruit snacks, smoothies, fruit and yogurt parfaits, and freeze-dried fruits, which emphasize natural ingredients and avoid added sugars.
- When it comes to the science of nutrition for children, dietitians and consumer health advocates recommend limiting the consumption of fruit-milk purées, even those labeled as having no added sugar, and instead focusing on a varied diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for balanced nutrition.
