How many calories are in a McDonald's fruit shoot?

According to McDonald's UK nutritional information, a Robinsons Fruit Shoot contains just 8 calories. This makes it one of the lowest-calorie drink options available on the McDonald's menu, especially for children's meals.

Quick Summary

This nutritional breakdown provides a clear overview of the low-calorie content of a McDonald's Fruit Shoot, covering sugar, fat, and comparisons with other options.

Key Points

• Low Calorie Content: A standard McDonald's UK Fruit Shoot contains just 8 calories per bottle, making it one of the lowest-calorie drink options.

• Minimal Sugar: The beverage has a very low sugar content of only 1.6 grams, achieved by using non-nutritive sweeteners.

• Contains Artificial Sweeteners: The sweet flavour is provided by sweeteners like Acesulfame K and Sucralose instead of sugar.

• No Fat or Protein: The Fruit Shoot contains no fat or protein, consisting primarily of water, a small amount of fruit juice concentrate, and flavourings.

• Healthier Option Compared to Sodas: When compared to sodas and milkshakes, the Fruit Shoot is a much healthier choice for a low-sugar, low-calorie treat.

A Closer Look at the McDonald's Fruit Shoot

The Robinsons Fruit Shoot offered at McDonald's, particularly in regions like the UK, is known for being a low-calorie drink option with no added sugar. Its low calorie count is attributed to the use of artificial sweeteners instead of high-sugar content. This positions it as an alternative to other sugary drinks on the menu.

While nutritional values can vary slightly by location and flavor, the UK version commonly features ingredients like water, fruit juices from concentrate (such as Apple 6%, Blackcurrant 2%), citric acid, natural flavorings, and sweeteners including Acesulfame K and Sucralose.

Breaking Down the Fruit Shoot's Nutritional Profile

The typical nutritional profile for a McDonald's UK Robinsons Fruit Shoot is as follows:

• Energy: 8 kcal (36 kJ)
• Fat: 0.0g
• Saturates: 0.0g
• Carbohydrates: 1.6g
• Sugars: 1.6g
• Protein: 0.0g
• Salt: 0.06g

The low sugar content is a result of using sweeteners which provide sweetness without the calories of sugar. This is a key factor for those monitoring sugar intake.

How the Fruit Shoot Compares to Other McDonald's Drinks

Comparing the Fruit Shoot to other McDonald's beverage options highlights its low-calorie nature.

Drink Option (UK)	Calories (Approx.)	Sugars (Approx.)
Robinsons Fruit Shoot	8 kcal	1.6g
Coca-Cola (Small, 250ml)	105 kcal	26g
Milk (Organic, 250ml)	150 kcal	12g
Chocolate Milkshake (Small)	261 kcal	35g
Apple & Grape Fruit Bag (Side)	17 kcal	3.4g

This comparison shows the Fruit Shoot as a significantly lower-calorie and lower-sugar option compared to many other choices. While milk offers nutritional benefits, the Fruit Shoot serves as a simple, low-impact drink option.

Ingredients and Sweeteners in the Fruit Shoot

The low calorie count is directly linked to the use of non-nutritive sweeteners like Acesulfame K and Sucralose, commonly found in the UK version of Robinsons Fruit Shoot. These sweeteners provide sweetness without adding calories or sugar.

The typical ingredients list includes water, fruit juices from concentrate (such as Apple 6%, Blackcurrant 2%), citric acid, natural flavourings, and sweeteners (Acesulfame K, Sucralose). For those who prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners, water or milk are alternative choices.

Conclusion: A Very Low-Calorie Choice

The McDonald's Fruit Shoot, specifically the no-added-sugar Robinsons version in the UK, contains only 8 calories per bottle. Its low sugar content and minimal nutritional impact make it a suitable choice for those seeking a sweet drink with low caloric value. It's a low-sugar alternative for children, though individuals concerned about artificial sweeteners might prefer other options. Understanding the nutritional details helps in making informed dietary decisions. More information on Robinsons' low-sugar range is available on their official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a McDonald's Fruit Shoot contain real fruit juice?

Yes, a McDonald's Fruit Shoot does contain real fruit juice, but only a small amount from concentrate. For example, the Apple & Blackcurrant flavour lists fruit juices from concentrate (Apple 6%, Blackcurrant 2%) as ingredients.

Is the Fruit Shoot from McDonald's a no-sugar-added drink?

Yes, the Robinsons Fruit Shoot served at McDonald's in the UK is a 'no added sugar' product. It contains only naturally occurring sugars from the fruit juice concentrate and uses sweeteners for flavour.

How do the calories in a Fruit Shoot compare to a small Coca-Cola at McDonald's?

The calories in a Fruit Shoot are significantly lower. A standard McDonald's UK Fruit Shoot has 8 calories, while a small Coca-Cola (250ml) has approximately 105 calories.

Can I get a Fruit Shoot in any flavour at McDonald's?

The flavour of Fruit Shoot available can vary by location and time. In the UK, common flavours include Apple & Blackcurrant or Orange, but availability should be checked directly with the restaurant.

Are there any alternative drinks at McDonald's with a similar calorie count?

Other low-calorie alternatives include Diet Coke (1 kcal) and water. For something similar to a Fruit Shoot, the Apple & Grape Fruit Bag has 17 calories but contains more natural sugars.

What sweeteners are used in the McDonald's Fruit Shoot?

The Robinsons Fruit Shoot sold at McDonald's in the UK uses Acesulfame K and Sucralose to provide a sweet taste without the sugar and calories.

Is the Fruit Shoot a good choice for people managing sugar intake?

Due to its very low sugar content (1.6g) and minimal calories (8 kcal), the Fruit Shoot is an excellent choice for individuals or parents managing sugar intake.