Understanding the Simply Nature Fruit Strip Ingredients
To determine if Simply Nature fruit strips are healthy, we must first analyze what they are made of. A look at the ingredient list reveals a composition very different from whole fruit. The primary ingredients are apple puree concentrate and apple juice concentrate. The 'fruit' is essentially dehydrated, pureed fruit that has been concentrated, a process that removes much of the beneficial fiber and other nutrients found in whole, unprocessed fruit.
The Impact of Fruit Juice Concentrate
The use of fruit juice concentrate is a key factor in assessing the healthiness of these strips. While it's derived from fruit, it behaves very differently in the body than whole fruit. The concentration process removes water, and importantly, the dietary fiber that would normally slow down the body's absorption of sugar. This means that the sugars present in the concentrate hit the bloodstream much faster, similar to table sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, despite not being technically 'added sugar'.
Comparing Simply Nature Fruit Strips to Whole Fruit
One of the most revealing comparisons is between the fruit strip and its whole fruit equivalent. A single strawberry fruit strip might contain the concentrated essence of several apples, but it lacks the nutritional complexity and satiety of a single whole fruit. For instance, a whole strawberry offers not just sugar, but also fiber, antioxidants, and a host of vitamins and minerals. The processing involved in creating the strip significantly diminishes these benefits, effectively turning the product into what many experts consider to be 'fruit-flavored candy'.
Processing Concerns
Beyond the ingredient list, the processing itself is a concern. The concentrated fruit purees are mixed with stabilizers like pectin and cooked before being dried and shaped. While the Simply Nature brand uses non-GMO ingredients and avoids artificial flavors, the very nature of this extensive processing strips the fruit of much of its original nutritional value. This level of processing places the strips in the category of 'ultra-processed food,' which are linked to a variety of negative health outcomes.
What About Fiber and Sugar?
Despite being made from fruit, Simply Nature fruit strips contain very little dietary fiber—about 1 gram per serving. In contrast, they contain a significant amount of sugar, typically around 9-10 grams per serving. This stark imbalance is a major red flag for health-conscious consumers. The high sugar content, even if from 'natural' sources like fruit concentrate, can contribute to blood sugar spikes and excessive calorie intake without providing the feeling of fullness that fiber-rich whole fruit would.
Key Differences: Fruit Strip vs. Whole Fruit
| Feature | Simply Nature Fruit Strip | Whole Fruit (e.g., Apple) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredients | Apple puree and juice concentrate | Whole apple fruit |
| Sugar Source | Concentrated fruit juice sugars | Natural fruit sugars and fiber |
| Dietary Fiber | ~1 gram per strip | Several grams, aiding digestion |
| Nutrient Density | Low due to processing | High, with preserved vitamins and antioxidants |
| Processing Level | Ultra-processed | Minimally to not processed |
| Satiety | Low, encourages overconsumption | High due to fiber and volume |
A Healthy Snack or a Candy Substitute?
Some people might view Simply Nature fruit strips as a healthier alternative to traditional candy, and in some aspects, they might be. They typically contain fewer artificial ingredients and sometimes offer a small amount of vitamins. However, framing them as a substitute for real fruit is misleading and nutritionally unsound. For children, especially, relying on fruit strips can lead to high sugar intake and a lack of essential nutrients found in whole fruits.
Best Practices for Healthy Snacking
When seeking a genuinely healthy fruit snack, the best options remain whole or minimally processed fruits. Consider a handful of raisins, which are simply dehydrated fruit and retain more fiber, or fresh fruit like grapes or berries. These options provide the natural sugars, fiber, and nutrients your body needs without the pitfalls of highly concentrated and processed juice products. Here is a great resource from the Center for Science in the Public Interest on phony fruit snacks.
Conclusion: Are Simply Nature Fruit Strips Healthy?
In conclusion, while Simply Nature fruit strips may appear wholesome due to their non-GMO and fruit-based labeling, they are not a genuinely healthy snack. The manufacturing process concentrates the fruit's sugar while stripping away most of its valuable fiber and nutrients. This makes the product nutritionally closer to candy than to whole fruit. For a truly healthy snack, consumers should prioritize whole or minimally processed fruits to gain the full nutritional benefits. Simply Nature fruit strips can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, but they should not be considered a core part of a healthy, balanced diet. It’s always best to read the label and understand that not all fruit-based products are created equal.
