Understanding the Sugar Content in GoGo squeeZ
While GoGo squeeZ pouches are a convenient and popular snack for children, many parents are concerned about their sugar content. The key distinction lies in whether the sugar is naturally occurring from the fruit or has been added during processing. The company explicitly states that many of its fruit puree lines contain no added sugar, though the total sugar count can still be considerable. This section breaks down the sugar content across different GoGo squeeZ product lines.
GoGo squeeZ FruitZ
This is the classic fruit puree line, known for simple, 100% fruit-based snacks. The sugar in these pouches comes entirely from the fruits themselves. For example, the Apple Apple pouch contains only apples, apple puree concentrate, and lemon juice concentrate.
- Apple Apple: 12 grams of total sugar, with 0 grams of added sugar.
- Apple Strawberry: Contains fruit sugar from apples, apple puree concentrate, strawberries, and blackcurrants. Total sugar content is typically in the 11-13 gram range.
- Apple Cinnamon: Contains 13 grams of total sugar, with no added sugar.
GoGo squeeZ Fruit & VeggieZ
These pouches blend fruit with vegetables, which slightly alters the sugar and nutrient profiles. The sugar is still natural to the ingredients.
- Roarrr Berry: A blend of apple, carrot, raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry, containing 10-12 grams of total sugar and no added sugar.
- Prehistoric Peach: Combines apple, peach, and sweet potato for a natural fruit sweetness, also containing 10-12 grams of total sugar and no added sugar.
GoGo squeeZ Active
This line is specifically designed for replenishing minerals during activity and, like many others, contains no added sugar.
- Electrolytes Blend: Flavors like Blueberry Strawberry Lemon typically contain 11-12 grams of sugar per serving, all from naturally occurring fruit sugars.
Comparison of Sugar Across Product Lines
Understanding the nuances between product lines helps clarify the sugar story. While the total sugar in a standard fruit pouch is 11-13g, other product types have slightly different nutritional compositions.
| Product Line | Example Flavor | Total Sugars (per pouch) | Added Sugars (per pouch) | Primary Sugar Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FruitZ | Apple Apple | 12g | 0g | Naturally occurring from fruit |
| Fruit & VeggieZ | Roarrr Berry | 10-12g | 0g | Naturally occurring from fruit and vegetables |
| Active | Electrolytes Blend | 11-12g | 0g | Naturally occurring from fruit |
| BIG SqueeZ | Big Raspberry | 15-17g | 0g | Naturally occurring from 33% larger fruit serving |
| YogurtZ | Peach Mango | Varies (contains added sugar) | Yes | Fruit and cane sugar |
Is All Sugar the Same?
No. The sugar in the classic GoGo squeeZ FruitZ line is predominantly fructose from fruit. This is different from the added sugars found in many other processed snacks. The body processes natural sugars from whole foods, like fruit purees, differently than highly refined sugars. When fruit is consumed as a puree, the fiber is broken down, making the natural sugar more readily available to the body. While still a sugar source, it retains more of the original fruit's nutritional value, including vitamins and antioxidants. However, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has noted that a standard fruit pouch contains the equivalent of about 3 teaspoons of sugar.
What About Concentrate?
GoGo squeeZ uses fruit puree concentrate in its recipes. While this is not considered 'added sugar' by the company's definition and regulatory standards, it is a processed form of fruit. The concentration process removes water, intensifying the fruit's sweetness and sugar content. It is important to note that this is different from fruit juice concentrates used as sweeteners, as the fiber is typically retained in the puree concentrate. This is why GoGo squeeZ can claim "no sugar added" while still having a concentrated natural sweetness.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the amount of sugar in a GoGo squeeZ pouch depends on the specific flavor and product line. The FruitZ and Fruit & VeggieZ lines have no added sugar, relying solely on the natural sweetness of fruit. However, even this natural fruit sugar contributes to the total sugar intake, with a standard pouch containing around 12g. Products like the YogurtZ line explicitly contain added cane sugar. Consumers should review nutritional labels carefully to understand the total sugar content and differentiate between naturally occurring and added sugars based on their dietary preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Is the sugar in GoGo squeeZ considered healthy? Answer: The sugar in most GoGo squeeZ fruit purees is naturally occurring from the fruit itself and contains no added sugars. While this is better than added refined sugars, it is still concentrated fruit sugar. Health experts recommend consuming whole fruit for the added benefits of fiber.
Question: Do all GoGo squeeZ products have no added sugar? Answer: No, not all products have no added sugar. While the core FruitZ, Fruit & VeggieZ, and Active lines contain no added sugar, products like the GoGo squeeZ YogurtZ contain added cane sugar. Always check the specific nutrition label.
Question: Why does GoGo squeeZ have sugar if it says "no sugar added"? Answer: GoGo squeeZ pouches labeled "no sugar added" still contain natural sugars that are inherent to the fruit ingredients, such as fructose. The "no sugar added" label means no refined sugars or sweeteners were added during processing.
Question: How does GoGo squeeZ sugar compare to an actual apple? Answer: An average 3.2oz GoGo squeeZ Apple Apple pouch contains 12 grams of sugar. A medium-sized whole apple contains roughly 19 grams of sugar, but also has significantly more fiber, which helps the body process the sugar more slowly.
Question: Is fruit puree concentrate different from added sugar? Answer: Yes. Fruit puree concentrate is made by removing water from fruit puree, which intensifies the natural sweetness. While it is processed, it is derived from fruit and not classified as an added sugar. The company maintains this distinction on its nutrition panels.
Question: Can someone on a low-sugar diet eat GoGo squeeZ? Answer: Someone on a low-sugar diet needs to carefully consider the total sugar content, even if it's natural. With a pouch containing around 12g of natural sugar, it should be factored into their daily sugar allowance.
Question: Are GoGo squeeZ pouches a good snack for a diabetic? Answer: For individuals with diabetes, it's important to monitor all carbohydrate and sugar intake, including natural fruit sugars. A GoGo squeeZ pouch contains a concentrated amount of fruit sugar, so a diabetic should consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating it into their diet.
