Buying banana products: how to choose banana crisps, mochi, purée and drinks

If you want to buy banana products online, you’ll quickly find a wide range to choose from, including banana crisps, plantain crisps, banana mochi, banana drinks and fruit purée. These products differ not only in taste, but also in their ingredients, portion sizes, storage requirements and suitability for children.

Attractive packaging doesn’t tell you much about what you’re actually buying. So always check the product information and compare products using objective criteria.

Common pitfalls when buying banana products

1. “Banana” doesn’t always mean it’s mostly banana

In products made with a mix of ingredients, the banana content may be limited. For example, G’woon Banana Apple Squeeze Fruit contains 75% apple purée and 25% banana purée. Maaza Banana Drink contains 23% banana purée, alongside ingredients including sugar and lemon juice.

So check the ingredients list and percentages. The order of the ingredients shows which ones are present in the largest amounts.

2. A fruit snack can contain a lot of sugar or fat

Dried bananas and banana crisps contain less water than fresh fruit. This means their calories and sugars can be more concentrated per 100 g. Fried crisps also often contain oil. For example, Be&Cheery Banana Crisps lists banana, vegetable oil, sugar and salt as ingredients.

Terms such as “natural” or “lightly sweetened” are no substitute for a nutrition table. Compare energy, fat, saturates, carbohydrates, sugars and salt per 100 g.

3. Age guidance, allergens and storage instructions are sometimes overlooked

Baby food containing banana isn’t the same as ordinary fruit purée. Check the recommended age, preparation instructions and how long it can be kept after opening. For example, the Olvarit products in this guide are intended for babies aged 6, 8 or 12 months and over, depending on the variety.

Check for allergens too. Mochi may contain ingredients such as soya, milk, egg or sulphites. A product that doesn’t contain any of the 14 main EU allergens may still contain other ingredients relevant to your household. So always read the label on the packaging.

Things to consider before buying banana products

Ingredients and banana content

First, think about what you’re buying the product for:

• As a snack: check the banana content, added sugar and type of oil used.
• For breakfast or dessert: dried banana can work well as a topping for yoghurt, granola or ice cream.
• For when you’re out and about: a squeeze pouch or individually wrapped snack is practical.
• For babies: only choose a product with a suitable age recommendation and follow the instructions for use.

Plantain crisps are generally made from cooking bananas, which are firmer and less sweet than ripe dessert bananas. This can give them a savourier, more starchy flavour.

Texture and preparation method

The way a product is made affects how it tastes and feels:

• Dried banana: usually soft or chewy, depending on the drying process.
• Banana crisps: crunchy and often fried in palm, coconut or another vegetable oil.
• Plantain crisps: savoury and crunchy, often seasoned or salted.
• Banana mochi: soft and stretchy, with a sweet filling.
• Banana drink: liquid and intended to be served chilled.
• Banana purée: smooth and easy to portion.

Check the packaging for crunchy snacks. A resealable bag helps keep them fresh and crisp after opening, but it doesn’t replace the storage instructions on the label.

Packaging, portions and shelf life

Compare the net weight with the number of portions. A large bag may seem like good value, but it’s less practical if you use the product slowly and the packaging doesn’t seal properly.

Store products according to the label, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Opened baby food generally needs to be refrigerated and used within the stated period. Before use, also check the best-before date and make sure the packaging is undamaged.

Recommended choices by shopper type

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

G'Woon Squeezable Banana Apple Fruit - 4 pcs, 360 g

Why it suits this shopper: Four portions of fruit purée are handy for when you’re out and about or as a simple addition to breakfast or lunch. The product description states that it contains 75% apple purée and 25% banana purée.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients and nutritional values are clearly listed. You can see that apple is the main ingredient and avoid expecting a product made purely from bananas.

Main benefit and highlights

Four individual portions, 360 g in total and, according to the product information, free from the 14 main EU allergens.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

BAMBOO HOUSE Double Filling Banana Mochi 180g

Why it suits this shopper: This Taiwanese mochi combines a banana filling with a milky layer. It’s a good fit for anyone who enjoys soft, sweet Asian snacks with contrasting textures.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifically identifies milk and egg allergens and states the 180 g weight. Always check the current label too.

Main benefit and highlights

Double filling, a soft mochi texture and a clearly stated net weight of 180 g.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent snackers

Three Squirrels Banana Chips Value Pack 250g

Why it suits this shopper: The 250 g pack is designed for sharing or regular use. According to the product description, it contains 72.6% banana, coconut oil and sugar.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The banana percentage and nutritional values are available, so you can assess the oil, sugar and portion size before buying.

Main benefit and highlights

250 g, resealable packaging according to the product information, and suitable as a snack or topping.

Frequently asked questions about buying banana products

What’s the difference between banana crisps and plantain crisps?

Banana crisps are often made from regular bananas and have a sweeter flavour. Plantain crisps are made from cooking bananas and are usually firmer, starchier and more savoury. Check the ingredients and nutritional values, as both types may be fried in oil.

How should I store dried banana and mochi?

Store both products unopened according to the packaging instructions, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal an opened bag properly. Mochi can become sticky in warm conditions, so don’t store it in direct sunlight or near a heat source.

Which banana products are suitable for babies?

Only choose baby food with a clear age recommendation, such as 6+, 8+ or 12+ months. Read the preparation and storage instructions and check for allergens. Product information on a webshop may differ from the current packaging, so always follow the label.