The Core Ingredients in Original Frosty Fruits
The original Peters Frosty Fruits Tropical flavor is a classic Australian treat, known for its vibrant pineapple, orange, and passionfruit taste. The key to its flavor profile is the high percentage of fruit juice concentrate. The ingredients list specifies "Reconstituted Fruit Juice (39%) (Pineapple, Orange, Passionfruit)" as the primary component, meaning the fruit juice concentrate has been mixed with water to restore it to its original form.
Beyond the fruit juice, several other ingredients contribute to the treat's texture, sweetness, and stability. Sugar and glucose syrup are used to provide sweetness and help control the freezing process, preventing it from becoming a solid block of ice. The glucose syrup, a thick, sweet liquid often derived from cornstarch or wheatstarch, prevents sugar from crystallizing, resulting in a smoother, more enjoyable texture. A food acid, typically citric acid (coded as 330 in Australia), is included to enhance the tangy fruit flavours.
The Role of Stabilisers and Colours
To achieve the desired consistency and mouthfeel, Frosty Fruits incorporate stabilisers and gums. A vegetable gum (identified by the code 412) is used as a thickener and stabiliser, ensuring the product maintains its shape and texture during freezing and storage. This gum, often derived from a variety of plant sources, helps prevent the separation of the liquid components. In addition to flavour, specific colours are added to give the icy poles their vibrant, appealing look. For the Tropical flavour, the colour is 160b, a natural food colouring derived from annatto, which provides a rich orange-yellow hue.
Nutritional Information and Comparison of Varieties
Comparison Table: Original Frosty Fruits vs. 50% Less Sugar Variety
| Feature | Original Tropical Frosty Fruit | Tropical 50% Less Sugar Frosty Fruit |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 350 kJ per serve | 280 kJ per serve |
| Total Sugars | 17.0g per serve | 7.2g per serve |
| Fat | <1g per serve | <0.1g per serve |
| Added Sweeteners | Sugar, Glucose Syrup | Sugar, Steviol Glycosides |
| Key Flavours | Pineapple, Orange, Passionfruit | Pineapple, Orange, Passionfruit |
As the table shows, the core flavour profile remains similar, but the sugar content is significantly reduced in the newer variety. Instead of relying solely on sugar and glucose syrup, the 50% less sugar version incorporates a sweetener called Steviol Glycosides, which comes from the stevia plant. This reformulation caters to health-conscious consumers while preserving the taste that made the original so popular. Other varieties, such as the Fruit Stack, include additional ingredients like strawberry puree, vegetable oil, and cocoa solids to achieve a layered effect.
Can you make your own? A look at homemade options.
While the manufactured Frosty Fruit is a commercial product with specific stabilisers, many people make their own versions of fruit-based icy poles at home using simpler, natural ingredients. A homemade version typically involves blending real fruit with a sweetener like honey or a simple sugar syrup, and a liquid base such as water or coconut cream. For instance, a recipe might combine passionfruit puree, water, and sugar syrup, then freeze the mixture in molds. The benefit of making homemade frozen treats is the ability to control the amount of sugar and avoid additives, though the texture might be slightly different without industrial-grade stabilisers.
Making your own frozen fruit treats is straightforward and allows for immense creativity. You can experiment with different fruits and add-ins to create unique flavor combinations. Simply blend your chosen ingredients, pour the mixture into ice pop molds, and freeze until solid. This process is simple enough for children to participate in and a great way to use up excess fruit. Some home cooks also suggest adding a dash of lime juice to brighten the flavours or a touch of coconut cream to create a creamier consistency, similar to a creamsicle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what are Frosty Fruits made of is a question with a specific answer that goes beyond just fruit. The classic Peters Tropical icy pole is a carefully formulated product containing reconstituted fruit juice, sugar, glucose syrup, water, stabilisers, and flavourings to create its distinct texture and taste. While newer, reduced-sugar options use alternative sweeteners to appeal to modern health trends, the basic principle remains the same. Whether you opt for a store-bought treat or create your own version at home, the combination of fruity flavour and icy refreshment is what makes a 'frosty fruit' so appealing, especially during the warmer months.
The process of making commercially produced frosty fruits
The industrial process for creating frosty fruits differs significantly from home recipes, focusing on consistency, efficiency, and shelf-stability. The production begins by mixing the reconstituted fruit juice, water, sweeteners, food acid, and stabilisers in large vats. This mixture is then pasteurized to eliminate any potential pathogens, ensuring the product is safe for consumption. After pasteurization, the mixture is rapidly cooled. The liquid is then poured into individual ice-block moulds, and a paddle-pop stick is inserted before the product is moved into a blast freezer. The blast freezing process quickly freezes the product, creating small ice crystals and a smooth, consistent texture. Once fully frozen, the icy poles are released from their moulds, packaged, and stored in a freezer for distribution. This controlled process ensures that each icy pole has the same flavour, colour, and texture.
