What's Really Inside GoGo squeeZ Fruit Pouches?
For parents and health-conscious consumers, understanding the contents of a convenience food is crucial. GoGo squeeZ markets its fruit blend pouches as being made from 100% fruit, which is largely true for its core "FruitZ" and "Fruit & VeggieZ" lines. However, a closer look at the ingredients reveals a combination of different fruit components.
The Role of Concentrates
While the pouches do contain real fruit, many flavors, such as Apple Apple, also include fruit puree concentrate and lemon juice concentrate. Concentrates are fruits with the water removed, resulting in a more condensed, sweeter product. GoGo squeeZ uses these concentrates to enhance flavor and consistency. This use of concentrates is a key distinction from a simple puree made from fresh whole fruit. Though it technically comes from fruit, the processing can impact the final nutritional profile, especially when it comes to the concentration of sugars and the presence of fiber.
Comparing Different GoGo squeeZ Product Lines
GoGo squeeZ has expanded its product offerings beyond basic fruit blends. It is important to note the differences in ingredients and nutritional content across these various lines. For example, some pouches include vegetables, dairy, or other functional ingredients.
- GoGo squeeZ FruitZ: The company's original applesauce and fruit puree snacks are made from 100% fruit with no added sugar, relying on the natural sweetness of fruits and concentrates.
- GoGo squeeZ Fruit & VeggieZ: This line combines real fruits and vegetables, offering a greater variety of nutrients. Examples include Apple Peach Sweet Potato and Apple Strawberry Zucchini.
- GoGo squeeZ YogurtZ: These pantry-friendly pouches contain dairy and 100% real milk, making them a dairy-based snack rather than a pure fruit product.
- GoGo squeeZ Active: Geared toward activity, these pouches include electrolytes and antioxidants and, according to the company, are powered by real fruit with no added sugar.
Processing and Nutritional Value
Manufacturing a squeezable fruit pouch involves several steps that differentiate it from eating a raw, whole apple. The fruits are cooked and pureed to create a smooth, shelf-stable product. This processing helps ensure safety and creates the signature squeezable texture. However, it also has nutritional trade-offs. The heating process can slightly diminish some vitamins, and the removal of fruit solids means less dietary fiber than what is found in a whole, unpeeled piece of fruit. While the fruit content is real, the resulting product has a higher glycemic load than its raw counterpart due to the concentrated sugars and reduced fiber.
GoGo squeeZ vs. Whole Fruit vs. Juice
| Feature | GoGo squeeZ Pouch (FruitZ) | Whole Fruit (e.g., apple) | 100% Apple Juice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing | Cooked, pureed fruit and concentrates | Unprocessed | Juiced, often filtered to remove pulp |
| Fiber Content | Lower due to processing | High, especially with skin | Very Low/None |
| Naturally Occurring Sugar | Concentrated but no added sugar | Naturally occurring | Concentrated due to removal of pulp and water |
| Convenience | Highly portable, no mess | Requires peeling/cutting, less convenient | Easy to drink |
| Satiety | Less filling than whole fruit | High fiber provides greater satiety | Very low satiety |
| Nutrient Density | Contains vitamins and minerals but some lost in processing | High nutrient density, especially with skin | Often lacks fiber, may have lower nutrient density |
The Verdict on Purity and Health Claims
So, is GoGo squeeZ pure, real fruit? Yes, in the sense that the ingredients for the fruit blends originate from fruit, with no added sugars, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial flavors. The company has also addressed quality control issues in the past, including an incident involving mold in certain products due to the lack of preservatives. The absence of artificial preservatives is a positive, but as the company noted, it can make product integrity more sensitive to damage. The pouch's sealed environment prevents spoilage until it is opened, ensuring it remains shelf-stable for a long time. The company also responsibly sources its fruit from carefully managed farms and orchards, adding to the product's overall quality.
Conclusion: A Convenient, Real-Fruit Option with Caveats
Ultimately, GoGo squeeZ is made from real fruit, but it is not a direct substitute for the nutritional value of a whole, unprocessed fruit. The inclusion of fruit puree concentrate and the reduction of fiber are key differences that consumers should be aware of. While it can be a convenient and healthier snack option compared to many highly processed junk foods, it is still a processed food. For optimal nutrition, whole fruits should remain the primary source. GoGo squeeZ provides a good on-the-go snack, particularly for children, but it should be part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods. The different product lines, from FruitZ to YogurtZ, offer varying nutritional profiles, so consumers should always read the ingredient list to determine what is inside their specific pouch.
- Real Fruit, with Asterisks: GoGo squeeZ Fruit Blends are made from 100% fruit, but the use of fruit puree concentrate makes them different from whole, raw fruit.
- No Added Sugar: The FruitZ line contains no added sugar, relying solely on naturally occurring sugars from the fruit.
- Fiber is Lowered: The processing involved in creating the puree reduces the overall fiber content compared to eating a whole piece of fruit.
- Diverse Product Line: The brand offers more than just fruit purees, with options including vegetable blends and yogurt pouches.
- Convenience vs. Nutrition: While highly convenient and portable, GoGo squeeZ should be considered a processed snack and not a complete replacement for whole fruits.