The Truth About Sugar in GoGo squeeZ Pouches
For many parents seeking convenient, healthier snack options for their children, GoGo squeeZ pouches have become a pantry staple. The labels often prominently feature a "No Sugar Added" claim, which can lead to confusion. It's crucial to understand that "no added sugar" does not mean sugar-free. The sugar found in these pouches is naturally occurring, coming directly from the fruit ingredients and any fruit juice concentrate used. While this is a better alternative to snacks loaded with high fructose corn syrup, it's still sugar and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
No Added Sugar vs. Total Sugars
The most important distinction to understand is the difference between added sugars and total sugars. Added sugars are sweeteners put into a product during processing, which GoGo squeeZ avoids in many of its fruit blends. Total sugars, on the other hand, include both added and naturally occurring sugars. Because GoGo squeeZ is made from 100% fruit, its total sugar content is derived entirely from the natural fruit itself. This is why checking the nutritional label for the 'Total Sugars' line is the most accurate way to understand the sweetness profile of the snack.
A Look at Different GoGo squeeZ Varieties
The sugar content can vary slightly between the different types of GoGo squeeZ pouches. Most standard fruit blend pouches, like 'Apple Apple,' list around 12 grams of total sugar per 90-gram pouch. Other varieties, such as the Fruit & VeggieZ, are also made with no added sugar, containing natural sugars from the blended fruits and vegetables. Even the 'Active' fruit blend products, which contain electrolytes, are marketed as having no added sugar. The key takeaway is consistency across the core product lines: the sugar present is from the fruit itself.
- GoGo squeeZ Fruit Blend: Contains naturally occurring sugars from 100% fruit ingredients, like apples and berries.
- GoGo squeeZ Fruit & VeggieZ: Made from a mix of 100% fruit and vegetables, with sugar naturally present from the produce.
- GoGo squeeZ Active: This sports-focused pouch is made with real fruit and electrolytes, and contains no sugar added, with sweetness from the fruit.
- GoGo squeeZ YogurtZ: This is a dairy-based product and has different nutritional values, including milk sugars and some added sugar, so it's essential to check the specific packaging.
Comparing Sugar Content of Different GoGo squeeZ Pouches
| Product Variety | Total Sugars (Per 90g Pouch) | Added Sugars | Key Ingredients | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Apple | ~12g | 0g | Apple, Apple Puree Concentrate, Lemon Juice Concentrate | |
| Apple Cinnamon | ~12-13g | 0g | Apple, Apple Puree Concentrate, Cinnamon | |
| Fruit & VeggieZ | ~10-11g | 0g | Fruit & Veggie Blends | |
| Active with Electrolytes | ~11-12g | 0g | Fruit Blend with Electrolytes |
Why Natural Sugar in Purees Still Requires Consideration
While natural fruit sugar is preferable to added sweeteners, fruit purees do not have the same health benefits as eating a whole piece of fruit. When fruit is pureed, the cell walls are broken down, releasing the sugars more readily. This means the body absorbs the sugars faster than it would from eating a whole apple with its intact fiber. Excessively high consumption of fruit purees, particularly by young children who may be sucking from the pouch, can also lead to dental issues over time, as the free sugars can linger on teeth. It is advisable to use fruit pouches as a part of a varied diet that also includes whole fruits and vegetables, and to encourage children to squeeze the pouch into a bowl or onto a spoon to minimize dental risks.
Making Informed Choices: Are GoGo squeeZ Healthy?
Whether GoGo squeeZ is a "healthy" snack depends on the context of your child's overall diet. They are a convenient, portable, and mess-free way to get some fruit into a busy day. They are also made with simple, real ingredients and are free from many common allergens like gluten, nuts, and dairy. However, relying solely on pureed pouches, even those with no added sugar, means missing out on the fiber and chewing experience of whole fruits. For more information on the company's products and ingredients, you can visit the official GoGo squeeZ website.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line on GoGo squeeZ and Sugar
To summarize, GoGo squeeZ fruit pouches contain sugar, but for most standard fruit blends, it is only naturally occurring fruit sugar with no added sweeteners. The total sugar content is clearly listed on the nutritional label and varies slightly depending on the specific fruits in the pouch. While they offer a convenient and mess-free snack, they should complement, not replace, a diet rich in whole fruits and vegetables. Parents should be mindful of the total sugar intake and consider variety to ensure their child receives a broad range of nutrients.
