Are fruit roll-ups artificially flavored? Unpacking the ingredients in your favorite snack

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite being marketed as fruit-based, many fruit-flavored snacks are essentially candy and should not be considered a healthy food choice. A common question for health-conscious consumers is, are fruit roll-ups artificially flavored?, especially with the shift towards 'natural' ingredients in processed foods. The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no.

Quick Summary

Fruit Roll-Ups underwent reformulation, and many varieties are now 'naturally flavored.' However, specific products might still contain artificial additives. These snacks are high in sugar and highly processed, relying on pear concentrate and flavorings rather than whole fruit for flavor.

Key Points

Reformulation: Many Fruit Roll-Ups were reformulated by General Mills around 2017 to remove artificial flavors and colors in response to consumer demand for cleaner labels.
Label Discrepancy: While many varieties are now labeled "naturally flavored," some specific flavors or older products might still contain a mix of natural and artificial additives.
High Sugar Content: The main ingredients are various forms of sugar, such as corn syrup and pear puree concentrate, with little resemblance to whole fruit.
Natural vs. Artificial: The term "natural flavor" does not guarantee healthiness; flavors can be complex lab-synthesized chemical mixtures, and chemically, they are often very similar to artificial flavors.
Not a Health Food: Due to high sugar content and heavy processing, health experts and organizations like EWG classify Fruit Roll-Ups as ultra-processed candy, not a healthy snack.
Homemade Alternatives: Homemade fruit leather made with 100% fruit offers a healthier, low-sugar alternative to store-bought versions.

The Ingredient Reformulation Timeline

For many years, the answer to "are fruit roll-ups artificially flavored?" was a definitive yes. The snack was known for its bright, vibrant colors and bold flavors, which were achieved using synthetic dyes and flavorings. However, in 2015, food giant General Mills announced a major reformulation initiative for its popular fruit-flavored snacks, including Fruit Roll-Ups, Fruit by the Foot, and Fruit Gushers. This change was in direct response to consumer demand for cleaner labels and fewer artificial ingredients. By early 2017, the company aimed to remove all artificial colors and flavors from these products, replacing them with natural alternatives like fruit and vegetable juices for coloring and other natural flavors.

The Change and Its Nuances

The reformulation means that many current varieties of Fruit Roll-Ups are labeled as having no artificial flavors or colors from artificial sources. However, careful label reading is still advised. For instance, an older product or a limited-time 'mystery' flavor might still list "natural and artificial flavor" on its ingredient list, as was the case with a specific variety scored by the EWG. This shows that while the company has largely phased out artificial additives, some exceptions may still exist, and the exact ingredients can vary by product and flavor.

Breaking Down the Ingredient List

When you unwrap a Fruit Roll-Up, you might assume you're getting a simple, fruity snack. A closer look at the ingredients, however, tells a different story. The main ingredients are typically various forms of sugar, followed by a fruit puree concentrate that is not the flavor advertised on the packaging.

Corn Syrup: The primary ingredient, providing the sticky, sweet base for the snack.
Sugar: Another key source of sweetness, along with dried corn syrup and dextrose.
Pear Puree Concentrate: Often the main fruit-derived ingredient, providing a neutral, consistent base, regardless of the flavor.
Maltodextrin: A type of polysaccharide used as a filler and binder.
Natural Flavor: While derived from a natural source, this can be a complex mixture of chemicals designed to mimic a specific fruit taste, like strawberry or tropical punch.
Color (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5): In older or some specific formulas, synthetic dyes were used to achieve bright colors. Newer formulas use fruit and vegetable juices.
Citric Acid and Malic Acid: Provide the tangy, tart flavor.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Added to allow manufacturers to market the product with a vitamin benefit.

Fruit Roll-Ups vs. Real Fruit Leather: A Nutritional Comparison

To understand the nutritional differences, comparing a standard Fruit Roll-Up to a homemade, whole-fruit alternative is key. This highlights why store-bought versions are closer to candy.


Feature	Commercial Fruit Roll-Up	Homemade Fruit Leather
Primary Ingredient	Corn Syrup, Sugar	100% Whole Fruit Puree
Fiber Content	Low to none (removed during processing)	High (retains natural fruit fiber)
Sugar Source	Primarily Added Sugars (corn syrup, sugar)	Natural Fruit Sugars only
Ingredient List	Long, with many processed items	Short, often just one or two ingredients
Flavoring	Added natural or artificial flavors	The natural flavor of the fruit itself
Processing Level	Ultra-processed	Minimally processed (dehydrated)

The Nuance of 'Natural Flavor' vs. 'Artificial Flavor'

The distinction between 'natural' and 'artificial' flavor is often misunderstood. Natural flavors are derived from natural sources, such as fruits, spices, or vegetables, but are still created in a lab. Artificial flavors, on the other hand, are entirely synthetic. From a nutritional and chemical standpoint, they can be nearly identical, composed of the same molecules. The primary difference lies in their origin and cost, with natural flavors typically being more expensive to produce. The shift to "natural flavors" is largely a marketing strategy to appeal to consumers who perceive natural ingredients as healthier, even when the final product is still heavily processed and high in sugar. For a more detailed look into flavor definitions, consult resources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Are Fruit Roll-Ups a Healthy Snack?

Despite being made with fruit puree concentrate and fortified with Vitamin C, Fruit Roll-Ups are not considered a healthy snack. They are primarily a source of added sugars with very little fiber and nutrients compared to whole fruit. Health experts and organizations classify these products as candy or ultra-processed foods. Regular, excessive consumption of high-sugar snacks like Fruit Roll-Ups can contribute to negative health outcomes associated with a high-sugar diet. For a truly nutritious option, whole, unprocessed fruit is always the best choice.

How to Make Healthier Alternatives

For those who enjoy the chewy texture but want a healthier snack, making homemade fruit leather is a simple process. It requires very few ingredients and allows you complete control over what goes in it.

Here's a simple method:

Puree your favorite fruit: Any ripe fruit works well. Strawberries, mangoes, peaches, or mixed berries are popular choices.
Optional Sweetener: If your fruit isn't sweet enough, a small amount of maple syrup or honey can be added, but for ripe fruit, it's often unnecessary.
Dehydrate the Puree: Spread the fruit puree thinly and evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. A dehydrator can also be used.
Bake at Low Temperature: Bake in a low-temperature oven (e.g., 175°F/80°C) for several hours until the leather is no longer sticky to the touch.
Cool and Roll: Once completely cool, peel the fruit leather from the paper, slice into strips, and roll it up. Store in an airtight container.

Conclusion

The question "are fruit roll-ups artificially flavored?" now has a more complicated answer than in decades past. While many varieties have been reformulated to remove artificial flavors and colors, their core composition remains that of a high-sugar, ultra-processed food. The switch to "natural flavors" and the inclusion of minimal fruit puree concentrate do not transform them into a nutritionally sound choice. For those seeking a genuinely healthy fruit-based snack, opting for whole fruit or making homemade fruit leather from scratch is the superior and more nourishing option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all varieties are guaranteed to be free of artificial flavors. While General Mills has largely moved to natural flavorings, it is always best to check the ingredient label on the specific product, as some formulations may still vary.

The main ingredients are typically various forms of sugar, such as corn syrup, sugar, and pear puree concentrate, which serves as the primary fruit-derived component.

No, despite containing some fruit puree and being marketed as a fruit snack, Fruit Roll-Ups are high in sugar and heavily processed. They are more accurately described as a candy or treat rather than a healthy dietary component.

Natural flavors are compounds extracted from a natural source (like a fruit or spice), while artificial flavors are synthesized in a lab from chemical compounds. Chemically, the molecules can be very similar, and natural flavors often undergo extensive processing.

Yes, you can make homemade fruit leather with 100% fruit puree and no added sugar or artificial ingredients. This is a much healthier, fiber-rich alternative to the store-bought snack.

Using pear puree concentrate, regardless of the flavor advertised (e.g., strawberry), provides a more consistent, neutral base for the product. This is a more cost-effective and stable ingredient for mass production than using purees from other fruits.

They contain pear puree concentrate, which is derived from fruit. However, this is a highly processed form that has lost the fiber and many of the nutrients found in whole, unprocessed fruit.