What is a 'portion' of your 5 a day?
For a food to count as one of your 5 a day portions, it must adhere to specific guidelines, as defined by health bodies like the NHS. An adult portion of fresh, frozen, or tinned fruit or vegetables is 80g. For dried fruit, a portion is a smaller, 30g amount due to its concentrated sugar content. The key distinction lies in how the fruit is processed and its sugar structure. Whole fruits contain natural sugars encased within their cell walls, and these are digested more slowly. In contrast, processing fruit by blending or juicing releases these sugars, classifying them as 'free sugars' which are more readily absorbed and contribute to dental decay and a higher calorie load.
The reality of BEAR yoyos and 'free sugars'
BEAR yoyos are made from baked, pureed fruit, and while the manufacturer claims no added sugar is used, the processing itself fundamentally alters the fruit's nutritional profile. When fruit is pureed and reconstituted, the natural sugars become 'free sugars,' which health experts advise limiting. A 2019 report by Which? magazine highlighted that a single 20g packet of BEAR yoyos contained a high amount of free sugars for children, equating to a significant percentage of their recommended daily intake. While the manufacturer maintained that the cell structure is retained, independent analysis suggested otherwise, leading many to view the 'one of your 5 a day' claim as misleading.
Comparison: BEAR yoyo vs. Whole Fruit
| Feature | BEAR Yoyo (20g) | Whole Strawberry (approx. 80g portion) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Blended, pureed, and gently baked | Unprocessed, whole food |
| Fibre Content | 2g | Approximately 2g (in 80g) |
| Sugar Type | 'Free sugars' due to processing | Naturally occurring sugars within cells |
| Sugar Impact | Releases sugar quickly, impacting teeth | Sugar released slowly, better for dental health |
| Nutrient Density | Some vitamins retained, but less than fresh fruit | High vitamin, mineral, and fibre content |
| Satiety | Less filling due to reduced volume | Provides greater feeling of fullness |
What to consider when choosing fruit snacks
For parents and health-conscious consumers, understanding the nuances of different fruit snacks is critical. The key lies in reading past the front-of-pack marketing claims and examining the ingredients list and nutritional information carefully. Snacks made from fruit purees or concentrates will almost always contain high levels of free sugars, even if no sugar has been added directly. It is always better to opt for whole, unprocessed fruit whenever possible to get the full nutritional benefits, including fibre and other nutrients. If a convenience snack is necessary, checking the sugar content per serving is vital, particularly for children.
Practical guidelines for healthier snacking
- Prioritise Whole Fruit: Fresh, frozen, or minimally processed whole fruit should be the first choice for a snack. A handful of fresh berries or a chopped apple offers the best nutritional profile.
- Limit Dried Fruit: When using dried fruit, stick to the recommended 30g portion size and consume it with a meal to minimise the impact of the concentrated sugars on dental health.
- Check the Label: Look for snacks with the lowest sugar content and ideally those that haven't been heavily processed. Be wary of claims like '100% fruit' or 'no added sugar,' as processing can still create free sugars.
- Vary Your Intake: The goal of '5 a day' is variety, so relying on a single type of processed snack is counterproductive. Mix and match different fruits and vegetables to get a wide range of nutrients.
- Make Your Own: For maximum control, consider making your own fruit leather or purees at home. This eliminates any doubt about the processing and sugar content.
The takeaway: A marketing claim, not a nutritional equivalence
The marketing claim that BEAR yoyos are 'one of your 5 a day' is based on the fact that they are made from fruit, but it overlooks the crucial distinction between whole fruit and processed fruit's sugar content. While one packet might technically count towards a portion, its high free sugar load and lower satiety make it a less healthy option compared to eating a piece of fresh, unprocessed fruit. For children, in particular, relying on these snacks can lead to increased sugar intake and a preference for overly sweet flavours. The best advice is to treat these snacks as an occasional, convenient alternative to confectionery rather than a nutritional equivalent of a portion of fruit.
Conclusion
While BEAR yoyos are undeniably made from fruit and technically count as a portion of your 5 a day, the reality is more complex than the simple marketing suggests. The processing of the fruit creates a product high in free sugars, which health experts advise limiting, particularly for children. A fresh piece of fruit will always provide superior nutritional value, including better fibre and lower free sugar content, without the associated dental health risks. Consumers should be aware of the difference between whole and processed fruit and make informed choices to ensure they and their families are receiving genuinely healthy, balanced nutrition.
