Types of Fruit Snacks

When it comes to fruit snacks, advertising can be quite deceptive. Many fruit snacks are not made of real fruit, but instead consist of sugary syrups, hydrogenated oils and fruit flavorings. Knowing the different forms fruit snacks can take, from the healthiest to the unhealthiest, will help you during your next shopping trip.

The Healthiest

• Fresh fruit is among the healthiest fruit snacks available.

  The healthiest fruit snacks are those that are either fresh or do not contain added sugars and oils. These include fresh, raw fruits with dips such as peanut butter, dried fruit without added oils and sugars, canned or jarred fruits without syrups, and 100 percent fruit juice.

The Almost-Healthy

• Many dried fruits may appear healthy, but a quick glance at the label will reveal added oils, sugars, and preservatives.

  There is much deception in the marketing of certain "healthy" fruit snacks, according to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Fruit snacks labeled as containing real fruit or fruit juice usually contain only a small amount, the rest of which is supplemented by sugars. Such fruit snacks usually take the form of concentrated juices or some gummy fruit snacks. Watch out for snacks such as banana chips and dried berries, which are borderline healthy but often have added oils and sugars.

The Not-So-Healthy

• Many snacks that claim to be made of fruit are no better for you than gummy candies.

  The unhealthiest fruit snacks usually come in a box and can be found in lunchrooms everywhere. These usually look more like candy than fruit and are made of sugars and artificial flavors. Such fruit snacks include highly popular options such as Gushers, Fruit-Roll-Ups and Fruit-By-The-Foot. These fruit snacks lack the fiber and nutrients found in real fruit, and therefore aren't the healthiest option.