Fruit popsicles are some of the best treats to snack on to help you bear the heat on a hot summer day. Now that we have covered some of our favorite brands, let us dig deeper into the topic. Here is our advice for choosing the best fruit popsicle for you!
Features To Consider
Check out the following factors of a commercial-grade fruit popsicle to ensure it is safe and healthy:
Fruit is the first ingredient
Whole fruits are a naturally sweet snack and should be the main ingredient of a fruit popsicle because the first ingredient listed is what the product will be mostly made out of. Read the ingredients list to understand if you are making the right choice. Ideally, the list should mention fruit or its puree at the top. You can also check the fiber percentage on the Nutrition Facts chart because the whole fruit contains fiber. The presence of fiber is often considered evidence of natural fruit inside the popsicle. However, it is essential to note that some brands may put added fibers in the mix; therefore, fiber is not always a good indicator of the number of natural fruits present inside the popsicle. This is why you should always double-check the ingredient list!
Avoids gums
Frozen fruit popsicles often have gums and thickeners in their ingredients list. The manufacturers add them to the popsicles because they improve the texture of the ice pop and prevent ice crystal formation. These highly processed items are proven to cause gastrointestinal issues for some patients.
Nutrition
Although many fruit popsicles contain low-calorie counts, they should not be a replacement for nutritional snacks. An average popsicle contains between 30 – 50 calories but doesn’t have minerals or proteins. This decreases its nutritional value. The popsicles don’t contain calcium, iron, or potassium either. These are the crucial elements required for the healthy nourishment of kids and adults.
Limited added sugar
The problem of obesity is growing every day, and sugars are partially to blame. Cane sugar and corn syrup are some added sugars sometimes used in fruit popsicles. Even pear and apple juices are not healthy as the FDA considers them to be a kind of added sugar. Companies are not required to list the fruit juices as added sugars when diluting them with plenty of water.
Benefits of Consuming Fruit Popsicles
Some people may have concerns with the ice pops causing sore throat and infections. But, it is also true that these natural product power packs can pump your energy to a whole new level. You can find popsicles that use Greek Yogurt as their base product. This makes them rich in protein and natural flavors. Since most popsicles have whole fruits as their primary ingredient, they provide a great way of introducing kids to the fruits. It will boost their vitamin C intake and compel them to taste the original fruits too. Even adults who are picky eaters can consume fruit popsicles for fiber in their diet. An enhanced fiber content keeps the kids and adults fit and healthy. Also, some seasonal fruits people love but can’t find throughout the year. Fruit popsicles are a great way to satisfy those cravings. You can keep your favorite flavors stashed in the freezer and enjoy them for a long time.
