Unpacking the Sugar Content of a Single Frube
In early 2025, Yoplait reformulated its Frubes recipe to reduce the sugar content, a positive move for children's nutrition. For a standard 37g tube of Strawberry, Red Berry, or Peach flavour Frubes, the sugar content is approximately 3.65g. This figure is derived from the official nutritional information, which states 7.3g of sugars per 74g serving (two tubes). It's crucial for parents to be aware of this specific serving size and to check the latest labels, as older stock may have different values. This latest version marks a reduction from a previous recipe that contained 10.8g of sugar per 100g, demonstrating a shift towards healthier credentials for the product.
Added Sugar vs. Natural Sugar
When evaluating a snack like a Frube, it is important to distinguish between added and naturally occurring sugars. The total sugar content listed on the nutrition label includes both. In yogurt, natural sugars primarily come from lactose in milk, while added sugars are included for sweetness and flavour. Ingredient lists can offer further clues. For example, some product descriptions for Frubes list 'Sugar' as the second ingredient, indicating a significant amount has been added. However, newer formulations might specify the percentage of added sugar. The American Heart Association recommends that children consume fewer than 25 grams of added sugar daily, so even a single Frube contributes to this total.
How Frubes Compare to Other Yogurts
To provide perspective, here is a comparison of the sugar content per 100g of various yogurts. Comparing on a 'per 100g' basis offers a more consistent benchmark, as serving sizes can vary.
| Yogurt Type | Sugar (g) per 100g |
|---|---|
| Yoplait Frubes | 9.9g |
| Rachel's Organic Low Fat Vanilla | 13.6g |
| Wildlife Strawberry, Raspberry and Apricot Choobs | 12.8g |
| Actimel Yoghurt Drink, Strawberry | 11.9g |
| Sainsbury's Greek Style Natural Yoghurt | 5.1g |
This comparison highlights that while Frubes have seen a reduction in sugar, they still fall into the amber category for sugar content when using a traffic light system, unlike natural Greek-style yogurts which have a much lower sugar count.
Making Healthier Snack Choices
For parents seeking to reduce their children's sugar intake, there are numerous nutritious alternatives to consider. The NHS Healthier Families campaign provides excellent guidance on this subject. A key strategy is to focus on whole, unprocessed foods and to get kids involved in preparing their own snacks.
A simple list of low-sugar snack alternatives:
- Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt with fresh berries or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Apple slices served with natural peanut or almond butter.
- Vegetable sticks (like carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers) with hummus.
- Hard-boiled eggs, which are packed with protein.
- Homemade smoothies using unsweetened yogurt, whole fruit, and a handful of spinach.
- Small portions of trail mix with unsalted nuts and seeds (for older kids).
- Frozen grapes for a sweet and refreshing treat.
- Popcorn (air-popped) with a little salt instead of sugary versions.
Considering the 'Whole Package'
While focusing on the sugar content of one frube is a good start, it's beneficial to consider the entire product. Frubes are a source of protein, and they are fortified with both Calcium and Vitamin D, which are essential for bone development in children. For some parents, this nutritional benefit may outweigh the moderate sugar content, especially if Frubes are not a frequent or sole source of snacks. The portable, mess-free format also adds to their appeal for lunchboxes. The key is to see them as a 'sometimes' food rather than an everyday staple, balancing convenience with nutrition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a single 37g Frube yogurt tube contains 3.65g of sugar. This figure reflects a recent reformulation by Yoplait to reduce sugar levels. While Frubes offer nutritional benefits like calcium and vitamin D, their sugar content still merits careful consideration within a child's overall diet. By understanding the distinction between natural and added sugars, comparing Frubes to other options, and actively seeking lower-sugar alternatives, parents can make more informed and balanced decisions for their family's nutrition.
For more resources on reducing sugar intake in children's diets, visit nhs.uk's Healthier Families section.
