Fruity snacks come in many forms: from fruit sweets and sweet mixes to fruit smoothies, fruit juice, ice lollies and sorbet. For families with children, choosing seems simple, but the packaging doesn't always tell the full story. A product with strawberry flavour, for example, may contain very little fruit. And a snack that seems handy for on the go sometimes requires chilled or frozen storage.
With this guide from the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, you can compare fruity snacks based on ingredients, portion size, when to enjoy them and storage instructions.
Words like "fruity", pictures of mango or strawberry, and names such as strawberry sweets can suggest a strong fruit flavour. So check the ingredients list. Look for:
Fruit sweets are still sweets, even if they contain a small amount of fruit juice or fruit concentrate. With a smoothie or frozen fruit mix, the ratio is different, but it's still wise to check the packaging.
A 410g sweet mix can be handy for a party, whereas individual portions are more suitable for school, work or snacks on the go. So don't just compare the total price, but also:
A multipack of fruit ice lollies can work out good value for a family, but it does take up freezer space. Small bags or squeeze pouches are easier to take with you, but usually contain less product per pack.
Frozen fruit snacks, ice lollies and sorbet usually need to be stored at around -18°C. Always check the label and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Products that have been thawed often cannot be refrozen.
For a day out, long-life fruit sweets or unopened squeeze pouches are more practical. A chilled fruit smoothie, on the other hand, needs cool transport. With frozen products, it's also important that delivery and transport are temperature-controlled.
A stated fruit percentage gives you more information than just a fruit flavour on the packaging. OLA Fruují Mango Passion Fruit, for example, states 58% mango purée and 5% passion fruit purée. The Sun Lolly varieties contain, according to the product information, water, sugar and 5% juice from concentrate in the raspberry version. These are different product types with a different composition and texture.
With fruit sweets, fruit concentrates mainly contribute to flavour and colour. Fruitella Strawberry Vegan, for example, states 3% strawberry juice. With vegan fruit ice lollies, check whether the product is actually labelled as plant-based, and if you have any allergies, also look out for the warning "may contain milk".
Use the nutrition table to compare products fairly. Look at the value per 100g, but also at the portion size. An ice lolly of 60g and a bag of sweets of 100g are not directly comparable if you only look at the table.
With the Fruitella Mix of Minis, the stated sugar values vary per component. That's because the mix contains different types of sweets, such as Mini Mentos, Fruitella, Chupa Chups and Look-O-Look. If you want to offer several flavours, you get variety, but not one uniform nutritional value for each sweet.
For on the go, a resealable or individual wrapper and a clear number of portions are practical. A Goodies squeeze pouch of 100g is designed to be eaten straight from the pack. The composition states 80% apple purée and 20% strawberry purée and no added sugars according to the product description.
For home, larger packs or multipacks are more convenient. Think of eight Sun Lolly ice lollies per box or four sorbet ice lollies in an OLA Fruují pack. Check beforehand that you have enough freezer space and that the chosen flavour suits everyone in the family.
Why this fits the profile: The mix combines Fruitella, Mentos, Chupa Chups and Look-O-Look. Individually wrapped sweets are ideal for sharing at a birthday party, film night or family visit.
The packaging makes it clear that this is an assortment of sweets. So you don't expect fresh fruit or a fruit smoothie.
410g, multiple flavours and individually wrapped sweets. The product information states none of the 14 main EU allergens.
Why this fits the profile: These sorbet ice lollies are designed for those who love a clear fruit flavour and a soft sorbet texture. The box contains four 70ml pieces.
The stated fruit percentage makes the difference between fruit flavour and actual fruit purée used easier to check.
58% mango purée and 5% passion fruit purée according to the product information. The ice lollies are labelled as plant-based, but may contain milk.
Why this fits the profile: The squeeze pouch is ideal for school, walks, car journeys and other times when cutlery isn't practical. The product needs to be kept chilled.
The product description mentions apple and strawberry purée with percentages. This makes the fruit composition more concrete than just a flavour listing.
100g per pouch, 80% apple purée, 20% strawberry purée and a source of fibre according to the product description. No added sugars according to the stated information.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
That depends on the product. Fruit sweets and individually wrapped sweets can usually be easily carried in a bag. A squeeze pouch with fruit smoothie needs to stay chilled. Ice lollies and sorbet are only suitable for on the go if you can keep them frozen until you eat them.
The best-before date is on the packaging. Store dry snacks in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Opened products should be sealed properly. Store thawed frozen fruit snacks in the fridge according to the label and do not refreeze them.
Sorbet is a frozen dessert made with water, sugar and fruit or fruit juice. Fruit ice lollies can contain similar ingredients, but vary by brand and recipe. Fruit sweets are a confectionery product with a chewy or soft texture. So always compare the ingredients, the fruit percentage and the nutritional value rather than just the product name.