The Core Components of GoGo Squeez Yogurtz
To understand what makes GoGo Squeez yogurt pouches a popular, on-the-go snack, one must look at the specific ingredients that form the product's base. The core components are consistent across many flavors, with slight variations to create each unique taste profile.
The Dairy Base
The primary ingredient in all GoGo Squeez Yogurtz is cultured reduced-fat milk. This forms the creamy, yogurt-like base of the product. The milk is sourced from partner farms, and the company states it comes from cows not treated with hormones like rBST. This low-fat dairy base contributes to the product's protein and is a significant source of calcium.
Fruit Concentrates for Flavor
The flavor profile for each yogurt pouch comes from fruit puree concentrates. For example, the Strawberry variety uses strawberry puree concentrate, while the Berry flavor combines strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry puree concentrates. The use of concentrates ensures a consistent, flavorful taste. These natural fruit additions also contribute to the overall sugar content along with the added cane sugar.
Natural Thickeners and Stabilizers
GoGo Squeez employs natural ingredients to achieve its smooth, consistent texture and shelf stability. The main thickeners and stabilizers include:
- Pectin: A naturally occurring starch found in the cell walls of fruits, pectin acts as a gelling and thickening agent. It helps give the yogurt its creamy consistency. The addition of pectin can be seen across various flavors.
- Tapioca Starch: Derived from the cassava root, this starch is another natural thickener used to achieve the desired product texture.
Added Nutrients and Sweeteners
In addition to the natural goodness from the dairy and fruit, GoGo Squeez adds a few other key components:
- Cane Sugar: To ensure a consistent flavor profile, especially since fruit sweetness can vary, the company adds cane sugar. They do not use high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.
- Natural Flavors: Used to enhance the taste, these natural flavorings contribute to the consistent, fruity taste without artificial additives.
- Vitamin D3: This is an essential nutrient added to the yogurt pouches, complementing the calcium already present in the dairy base. This makes the pouches a good source of both nutrients.
Behind the Pouch: How GoGo Squeez Yogurtz Stay Shelf-Stable
One of the most unique aspects of GoGo Squeez Yogurtz is that they are pantry-friendly. Unlike most refrigerated yogurts, these pouches are heat-treated after culturing, which kills off any remaining bacteria and allows them to be stored without refrigeration until they are opened. This process, along with the protective, BPA-free pouch, ensures the product's safety and longevity without needing artificial preservatives. This is different from their refrigerated smoothie products, which are handled separately.
Ingredient and Nutritional Comparison
GoGo Squeez Yogurtz come in a variety of fruit flavors. While the core ingredients are similar, the specific fruit purees distinguish each product. The following table provides a comparison of key nutritional facts for a few popular flavors based on information from GoGo Squeez product pages and retailers.
| Feature | Strawberry Yogurtz | Berry Yogurtz | Strawberry Banana Yogurtz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy Base | Cultured Reduced Fat Milk | Cultured Reduced Fat Milk | Cultured Reduced Fat Milk |
| Flavor Purees | Strawberry Puree Concentrate | Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry Puree Concentrates | Strawberry & Banana Puree Concentrates |
| Added Sweetener | Cane Sugar | Cane Sugar | Cane Sugar |
| Pectin | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tapioca Starch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Vitamin D3 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Protein per pouch | 4g | 4g | 4g |
| Calories per pouch | 90 | 90 | 90 |
Safety and Allergen Information
For many parents and consumers, understanding potential allergens is a top priority. GoGo Squeez is transparent about its allergen information.
- Contains Milk: GoGo Squeez Yogurtz contain milk as a primary ingredient and are not suitable for those with milk allergies.
- Gluten-Free: The yogurt products are certified gluten-free.
- Nut-Free: The company states that the yogurt products are peanut and tree nut-free. However, they are manufactured in a facility where nuts are used for other products, and while cross-contamination precautions are taken, it is important for individuals with severe allergies to be aware of this.
- BPA-Free Pouches: The pouches are made of polyethylene and are BPA and phthalate-free, ensuring the safety of the packaging.
- Cap Safety: Removable caps can be a choking hazard for young children, so it's recommended that the product is not given to unsupervised children under three years old.
Conclusion
GoGo Squeez Yogurtz are a shelf-stable and convenient snack made primarily from cultured reduced-fat milk and fruit puree concentrate. Key additives include cane sugar for taste consistency, pectin and tapioca starch for texture, and vitamin D3 for added nutritional benefits. The product's shelf-stability is achieved through a heat-treatment process, not artificial preservatives. Containing milk but being gluten-free and nut-free (with cross-contamination warnings), the yogurts are a reliable, mess-free option for many families. By understanding the core ingredients and processes, consumers can feel confident in their choice for a nutritious, on-the-go snack. For more information, the official GoGo Squeez website provides comprehensive details on its products and manufacturing standards.
