What are the ingredients in Member's Mark fruit strips?

According to the packaging, Member's Mark fruit strips are made with real fruit puree and concentrate. This article breaks down the specific ingredients used in the popular Member's Mark fruit strips, including the main fruit sources and what is used for color and flavor.

Quick Summary

Member's Mark fruit strips primarily contain fruit concentrates, puree, and pectin for a chewy texture. Flavors are derived from natural sources, and colors come from fruit and vegetable juices. The product is free from artificial flavors, sweeteners, and high-fructose corn syrup.

Key Points

• Base Ingredients: Member's Mark fruit strips are primarily made from apple puree concentrate, apple juice concentrate, and pectin.

• Natural Flavoring: The specific flavors, such as Strawberry, Mixed Berry, and Tropical, are achieved using natural fruit juice concentrates and natural flavors.

• No Artificial Additives: These fruit strips contain no artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, certified synthetic colors, or high fructose corn syrup.

• Coloring Source: The vibrant colors come from fruit and vegetable juices, rather than synthetic dyes.

• Considerations: While made from fruit, the strips are still high in natural sugar and should be eaten in moderation.

• Organic Option: An organic version, known as Member's Mark Organic Fruit Twist, is also available for those preferring certified organic ingredients.

Main Ingredients in Member's Mark Fruit Strips

The ingredient list for Member's Mark fruit strips emphasizes fruit-derived components. The primary ingredients providing the base texture and flavor are apple puree concentrate and apple juice concentrate. Pectin, a natural gelling agent from fruits, is also included to achieve the chewy consistency.

Flavor-Specific Ingredients

Details about the specific fruit concentrates and natural flavors for varieties like Strawberry, Mixed Berry, and Tropical, can be found on {Link: Samsclub.com https://www.samsclub.com/ip/Member-s-Mark-Fruit-Strips-0-5-oz-48-pk/14213506435}. All varieties also contain apple fiber.

What's Not in the Member's Mark Fruit Strips?

Member's Mark fruit strips are marketed as a 'better-for-you' snack, avoiding several artificial additives and high-fructose sweeteners found in other fruit-flavored snacks. They do not contain artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, certified synthetic colors (using fruit and vegetable juices instead), or high fructose corn syrup. Sam's Club also indicates the absence of major allergens.

Ingredient Comparison: Fruit Strips vs. Fruit Snacks

Comparing the fruit strips to standard gelatin-based 'fruity snacks' highlights the difference in composition. Fruit strips are based on fruit puree and concentrate with pectin, while fruity snacks use a base of corn syrup, sugar, and gelatin, often with artificial flavors and colors. A detailed comparison table of features can be found on {Link: EWG's Food Scores https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/193968407155-MembersMarkFruitStrips/}.

Organic vs. Standard Member's Mark Fruit Strips

An organic version, Member's Mark Organic Fruit Twist, is also available, using certified organic ingredients. The specific organic ingredients for varieties like Wildberry can be found on {Link: Samsclub.com https://www.samsclub.com/ip/Member-s-Mark-Organic-Fruit-Twist-Variety-Pack-0-63-oz-24-pk/5980380591}. This organic option is often USDA Organic certified.

Potential Health Considerations

Despite being made with fruit and lacking artificial additives, Member's Mark fruit strips are high in sugar. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), they are 71% sugar by weight. While this sugar is primarily from natural fruit sources, it's a significant amount and should be consumed in moderation, especially by those watching their sugar intake.

Conclusion

Member's Mark fruit strips are primarily composed of apple puree and juice concentrates, with added fruit concentrates for specific flavors. Pectin provides the texture, and fruit and vegetable juices are used for coloring. They are free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, synthetic colors, and high-fructose corn syrup, offering a less processed alternative to traditional gummy fruit snacks. While not low in sugar, they provide a transparent, fruit-based ingredient list. An organic option is also available for those seeking certified organic ingredients.

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Member's Mark fruit strips made with real fruit?

Yes, Member's Mark fruit strips are made with real fruit puree concentrate and fruit juice concentrates, which form the primary base of the product.

Do Member's Mark fruit strips contain any artificial colors?

No, the fruit strips do not contain certified synthetic colors. Their color is derived from natural sources, such as fruit and vegetable juices.

What is pectin and why is it in the fruit strips?

Pectin is a natural carbohydrate found in fruits that acts as a gelling agent. It is used in the fruit strips to achieve their chewy and pliable texture.

Are Member's Mark fruit strips high in sugar?

While the sugar is from natural fruit concentrates, the fruit strips are relatively high in sugar. The Environmental Working Group notes they are 71% sugar by weight, and individuals monitoring sugar intake should consume them in moderation.

Are these fruit strips gluten-free?

Yes, Member's Mark fruit strips are listed as gluten-free.

Is there an organic version of Member's Mark fruit strips?

Yes, there is an organic version called Member's Mark Organic Fruit Twist, which uses certified organic ingredients.

What is the difference between Member's Mark fruit strips and fruity snacks?

The main difference is the ingredients. Fruit strips are based on fruit puree and juice concentrate with pectin for texture, while the gummy-like fruity snacks are based on corn syrup, sugar, gelatin, and artificial colors and flavors.