Healthy Diet: New Study Reveals Best And Worst Fruit Snacks For Children’s Health

The research suggests that reformulating certain types of fruit snacks could enhance their nutritional quality and contribute to smarter snacking choices.

Ensuring children receive adequate nutrition is paramount for their overall health and development. Particularly crucial is the consumption of nutrient-rich foods that support cognitive function and brain development. However, with many options available in the market, determining which fruit snacks offer optimal nutrition can be challenging.

A recent study conducted by food scientists from the University of Massachusetts Amherstsought to address this gap by comprehensively evaluating the nutritional profiles of various fruit snacks. Published in the journal Nutrients, the research analyzed fruit snacks, categorizing them into different groups based on their composition and processing methods.

Using the Nutrient Rich Foods (NRF) Index, the study assessed the overall nutritional quality of each fruit snack, considering essential nutrients and those recommended for limitation.

Assessing Nutritional Quality

The research team, led by Amanda Kinchla and Alissa Nolden, analyzed 1,497 fruit snacks, categorizing them into nine distinct groups based on their composition and processing methods. They utilized the Nutrient Rich Foods (NRF) Index to evaluate the overall nutrition quality of each fruit snack, considering both beneficial nutrients and those recommended for limitation.

Findings On Fruit Snack Types

Among the fruit snacks examined, dried fruit emerged as the most nutritious option, boasting the highest nutrient density and fiber content, coupled with the lowest added sugar content.