Deciphering the Sugar Content of BEAR YoYo Snacks
Many parents turn to BEAR YoYo fruit rolls as a seemingly healthy, all-natural snack option for their children. The packaging prominently features claims like "no added sugar" and "1 of your 5 a day," making them an appealing choice for lunchboxes and on-the-go treats. However, a closer look at the nutritional information and how health bodies classify sugar reveals a more complex picture. A standard 20g packet of BEAR YoYo contains approximately 8.4 grams of sugar. While the sugar itself comes from the fruit ingredients (apples, pears, and other fruits depending on the flavor), its classification is a point of contention and important for understanding its health implications.
The 'Free Sugar' vs. 'Natural Sugar' Controversy
The central debate surrounding the sugar in BEAR Yoyos revolves around whether it should be considered 'natural' or 'free' sugar. BEAR's manufacturing process involves gently baking whole fruit purees at a low temperature, which they claim retains the fruit's cellular structure and, therefore, the sugar remains naturally encased. However, public health bodies, such as the UK's National Health Service (NHS), often have a different interpretation. They define 'free sugars' as any sugar that is not naturally contained within the cell walls of unprocessed fruit, vegetables, or milk. Since the fruit in BEAR Yoyos is processed into a puree, these experts argue that its cellular structure is broken down, releasing the sugars to be considered 'free'.
What does this mean for children's health?
Understanding the difference between free and natural sugar is crucial for children's dietary health. The World Health Organization and other health bodies advise limiting free sugar intake to reduce the risk of health issues, including dental problems, weight gain, and related diseases. Whole fruits, with their intact cell walls, release sugar more slowly into the bloodstream and contain fiber that aids digestion. In contrast, free sugars, like those found in processed fruit snacks, are digested more rapidly, causing a quicker blood sugar spike. A single BEAR YoYo can contain a significant portion of a young child's recommended daily free sugar intake, with some sources noting it can be up to 42% for a child aged four to six.
Comparison of BEAR YoYo vs. Other Snacks
| Feature | BEAR YoYo | Standard Gummy Fruit Snack | Whole Apple (approx. 130g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar Type | Natural (processed) / Free | Added and Concentrated | Natural (intact) |
| Sugar per 20g Portion | ~8.4g | ~12g (typically higher) | ~13g (total sugar) |
| Calorie Count (per 20g) | ~56 kcal | Varies, often similar or higher | ~68 kcal (for 130g fruit) |
| Fibre Content (per 20g) | ~2g | Often very low or zero | ~3.4g (for 130g fruit) |
| Concentrates? | No | Frequently yes | N/A |
| Processing Level | Moderate (gently baked) | High (processed, concentrated juices) | None |
How to make an informed choice
Making a nutritional choice for a child's snack depends on the context and overall diet. While BEAR Yoyos are made from fruit and don't contain artificially added sugars, understanding the 'free sugar' classification is important for balancing sugar intake. The high concentration of fruit per packet (approximately 130g of fruit is used to make a 20g Yoyo) means a lot of sugar is consumed in a small, less filling product compared to eating whole fruit. For parents seeking convenient, grab-and-go options, they are still a better choice than many candy-like fruit snacks made with concentrates and added sugars. However, they shouldn't be mistaken for a direct substitute for eating fresh, whole fruit.
Conclusion
In summary, a standard 20g BEAR YoYo contains around 8.4 grams of sugar, which, according to many public health authorities, is classified as 'free sugar' due to the fruit's processing. While there is no 'added' sugar in the form of sucrose, the intense processing concentrates the natural sugars, removes some of the fiber, and presents them in a way that health experts associate with potential negative health impacts, similar to sweets. It is a healthier alternative to many other fruit-flavored candies, but it is not a direct replacement for eating a piece of whole, fresh fruit. Parents should consider these factors when incorporating them into a child's overall diet, emphasizing whole fruits and vegetables as the primary source of nutrients.
