Choosing fruit snacks without disappointment: a practical guide for every craving

A packet showing strawberries, mango or blueberries on the front can quickly look like a fruity snack. Yet not every product with a fruit name contains much fruit. Some fruit snacks are mainly sweets, while others are dried fruit, fruit purée or a nut and fruit mix. If you rely only on the picture or name, you could end up buying more sugar, sweeteners or allergens than expected.

With this guide, you can compare fruit snacks based on ingredients, nutritional value, portion size, storage instructions and suitability for children.

Three common pitfalls when choosing fruit snacks

1. A fruit name says nothing about the percentage of fruit

“Fruit toffee”, “fruit jelly” and “fruit sweets” may contain fruit, but the amount varies considerably. So check the ingredients list. In the EU, ingredients are generally listed in order of weight. If sugar or glucose syrup appears first, it is a more significant ingredient than the fruit named on the packaging.

For example, Fruittella Berries and Cherry Toffees contains, among other ingredients, glucose syrup, sugar and 3% fruit juices from raspberry, blackberry, strawberry and cherry. That makes it a fruity toffee, not a substitute for fresh fruit.

2. “Natural” does not automatically mean low in sugar

Comparing products is important when buying dried fruit and fruit products online too. Removing water makes dried fruit taste more concentrated, meaning that a small portion can contain relatively high amounts of carbohydrates. Fruit sweets often also contain sugar, glucose syrup or sweeteners.

So always check the nutritional information per 100 grams and per portion. A small packet may seem good value, but a large bag can quietly contain several eating occasions.

3. Age suitability, allergens and additives are sometimes overlooked

A fruit snack for children should be suitable for their age and the occasion. For baby fruit purée, check the age indication, ingredients and storage time after opening. According to the product information, Olvarit Fruit Snack Peach Banana Kiwi is suitable from 6 months. Olvarit Apple Pear Raspberry is intended for children from 12 months.

Also look out for allergens. Nut and fruit mixes often contain almonds, walnuts or cashew nuts. Some sweets contain gelatine. For products containing colourings, read the warning on the label. For example, Be&Cheery Many Kinds of Hawthorn lists Allura Red AC (E129) together with the legally required warning about activity and attention in children.

What should you look for when comparing products?

Ingredients and fruit percentage

First decide what type of fruit snack you are looking for:

• Fruit purée: check the proportion of apple, pear, banana or other fruit, as well as the age indication.
• Dried fruit: check whether sugar, oil or other ingredients have been added.
• Fruit sweets and fruit toffees: assess the fruit content, sweeteners, colourings and gelatine.
• Fruit jelly: look for fruit juice or fruit purée, portion size and gelling agents.
• Nut and fruit mix: check the ratio of fruit to nuts and read the allergen information.
• Frozen fruit: check the instructions for frozen storage and refreezing.

According to the product information, G’woon Banana Apple Squeeze Fruit contains 75% apple purée and 25% banana purée. This is more transparent than a product that only mentions a fruit flavour.

Nutritional value per 100 grams

Do not compare calories alone. Also pay attention to:

• Sugars: particularly relevant for sweets, toffees, jelly and sweetened dried fruit.
• Fat: especially important for chocolate-coated products and nut mixes.
• Salt: this may be higher in seasoned or preserved plum snacks.
• Fibre: this information can help you compare different fruit products more effectively.

Sihong Gray Dates with Walnuts consists only of grey dates and walnuts, but these ingredients mean it contains 32.7 grams of fat and 549 kcal per 100 grams. A simple ingredients list therefore does not tell the whole story; the nutritional table remains important.

Packaging and use

Choose the packaging based on how you plan to use it:

• Individually wrapped sweets are convenient for sharing.
• A resealable bag is suitable for several small portions.
• A 500-gram tub or bag is suitable for sharing, but requires extra attention to portion size.
• Baby food should be refrigerated after opening in accordance with the label and used within the stated time limit.
• Frozen fruit must remain frozen until you use it; after thawing, follow the instructions on the packaging.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Fruitella Berries and Cherry Toffees - 200g

Why it suits this profile: A familiar 200-gram bag of individually wrapped toffees for anyone looking for a fruity treat without buying several smaller packets.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that it contains 3% fruit juices, natural colourings and natural flavourings. This makes it clear that it is a fruit-flavoured sweet, not a fruit purée.

Key benefit & advantages

200 grams, individually wrapped, vegan according to the product description and free from the 14 main EU allergens.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

Sihong Gray Dates with Walnuts 208g

Why it suits this profile: For shoppers who value a short ingredients list and a combination of dried fruit and nuts more than the texture of sweets.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list names only grey dates and walnut. No preservatives or additional flavourings are listed.

Key benefit & advantages

Two ingredients, 208 grams of contents and a clear indication that walnut is an allergen.

Suitable for: Specific use & frequent users

G'Woon Blueberries & Raspberries - 250 g

Why it suits this profile: Suitable for families who want to add fruit to yoghurt, smoothies or desserts and have space to store a supply in the freezer.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition is simple: 50% blueberries and 50% raspberries. The packaging clearly states that the product must remain frozen.

Key benefit & advantages

250 grams, an equal proportion of both types of fruit and suitable for use straight from the freezer.

Suitable for: Parents who want to plan portions

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

Why it suits this profile: Four squeezable pouches totalling 360 grams are practical for days out, school bags or several planned snack times.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The fruit percentage is clearly stated: 75% apple purée and 25% banana purée. None of the 14 main EU allergens are listed.

Key benefit & advantages

Four individual portions, 63 kcal per 100 grams according to the product information and easy to take with you.

Frequently asked questions about fruit snacks

What is the difference between fruit sweets and fruit purée?

Fruit sweets, such as fruit toffees, gummies and fruit jelly, usually contain sugar, glucose syrup and gelling agents. The fruit content may be limited. Fruit purée consists mainly of puréed fruit, sometimes with water, rice flour or an antioxidant. Always read the ingredients list instead of relying solely on the product name.

Which fruit snack is suitable for a baby?

Check the age indication and follow the instructions on the packaging. The Olvarit variants mentioned are intended for children from 6 months and from 12 months respectively. Always check the current label, best-before date and storage time after opening before use. Do not give a baby a product that is not intended for their age group.

How should I store dried fruit and frozen fruit?

Store dried fruit in a cool, dry place and reseal the packaging properly after use. Frozen fruit must remain frozen. After thawing, keep it refrigerated and use it within the period stated on the label. Do not refreeze thawed fruit unless the packaging expressly permits this.