One food trend that has caught on fast over the past few years is the application of pureed fruit into small, resealable pouches. This gives parents an easy grab and go option in the morning while also providing a full serving of fruit into their child’s diet. But what are the effects of squeeze pouches on teeth? Lets take a look at the positives and negatives to fruit pouches when it comes to your child’s overall health.
Positive
- These pouches are quick and easy to eat. Their design allows for convenient snacking and storage on the go. They are even resealable.
- Health.gov suggests 2 servings of fruit a day for a balanced diet. Having a good balanced meal keeps a young brain in gear during class – giving them the needed fuel to keep up in class.
- Fruit pouches are typically packed with vitamin C
Negative
- Fresh fruit and veggies are high in the fiber. Fiber can help scrub your child’s teeth as they snack. However, these pouches tend to have most of their fiber removed. Essentially leaving a high-sugar paste for snack time.
- Bacteria in our mouths break sugars down in the fruit. This can cause our saliva to become more acidic than usual. The more acid our saliva becomes the more dental enamel damage is done over time.
- These pouches usually have high levels of ADDED sugar. Bacteria feast on sugars left in the gum line and in between teeth – leading to more cavities.
What Should I Look For In My Kids Snack Pouches?
- Keep an eye out for pouches that have both vegetables and fruit within. This is a great way to sneak in some vegetables.
- Whenever possible, look at the nutrition information on the back of the package.
- If you can steer your purchases towards pouches with under 13 grams of sugar, you’re heading in the right direction.
- EXPERT ADVICE: Often pouches made of fruit concentrate or high-fructose corn syrup tend to be higher in the sugar department. Look for all natural or organic options as they tend to have less sugar.