Which Is Healthier, Motts or Welch's?: Deciphering the Labels of Juices and Fruit Snacks

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, not all products labeled 'juice' are created equal, with many juice drinks containing significant added sugars. This highlights why simply asking, which is healthier, Motts or Welch's? isn't enough; the real answer lies in carefully examining the specific product and its nutritional label.

Quick Summary

Comparing Mott's and Welch's requires distinguishing between their 100% juices, juice drinks, and fruit snacks. Product healthiness depends on sugar content, added sugars, ingredients like corn syrup versus fruit puree, and the presence of artificial ingredients, not just the brand name. Moderation is key for all processed products.

Key Points

Check the Label: The 'healthiest' choice depends on the specific product (100% juice, juice drink, fruit snack), not the brand.
100% Juice is Best: Stick to 100% juice options from either brand to avoid added sugars, though they still contain concentrated natural fruit sugar.
Beware of Added Sugars: Juice drinks and cocktails are high in added sweeteners and low in actual juice content.
Fruit Snacks are Candy: Both Mott's and Welch's fruit snacks are processed candies with high sugar content and should be consumed sparingly.
Whole Fruit is Superior: The best nutritional choice is always whole fruit, which contains fiber to slow sugar absorption and provide more nutrients.
Assess Ingredients: Look for ingredients like corn syrup vs. fruit puree and the presence of artificial dyes when comparing similar products.

Decoding the Brand Battle: Beyond the Logo

Deciding which is healthier, Motts or Welch's? requires looking beyond the brand name and examining the nutritional information of specific products. Both companies offer a variety of options, including 100% juices, juice drinks, and fruit snacks, each with different nutritional profiles. Therefore, it's essential to compare product labels rather than relying solely on brand reputation.

100% Juice: A Closer Look at the Liquid Calories

Comparing 100% juice options, such as Mott's 100% Apple Juice and Welch's 100% White Grape Juice, reveals similar nutritional content. These products are made from concentrated fruit juice and contain natural fruit sugars but no added sugars. However, even 100% juice is concentrated in calories and sugar and lacks the fiber of whole fruit, which can lead to blood sugar spikes. Moderation is particularly important for children. For example, an 8 fl oz serving of Mott's 100% Apple Juice has 28g of sugar, while Welch's 100% White Grape Juice has 35g. Both are often fortified with Vitamin C.

Juice Drinks and Cocktails: The Added Sugar Red Flag

Juice drinks and cocktails from both brands differ significantly from 100% juices. These contain less actual juice and often include added sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup. For instance, Welch's Fruit Punch contains added sugar, unlike their 100% juice. Products labeled "light," such as some Mott's options, may be diluted with water and use artificial sweeteners to lower calories, not necessarily making them healthier overall.

Fruit Snacks: A Confectionery Comparison

When considering which is healthier, Motts or Welch's? in the context of fruit snacks, it's important to recognize that both are highly processed candies. While some sources note that Welch's may use fruit puree as a primary ingredient, compared to Mott's potential reliance on corn syrup, both contain substantial amounts of added sugars. Some reviews suggest Mott's fruit snacks may have more added sugar per serving than Welch's, but this can vary by specific product. Other differences include the presence of gelatin in Welch's (making some Mott's varieties vegan) and artificial food dyes in both. These should be consumed in moderation as a treat, not a significant source of nutrition.

A Comparative Look at Specific Products

Below is a comparison of representative products from each brand based on available nutrition information:


Feature	Mott's 100% Apple Juice (8 fl oz)	Welch's 100% White Grape Juice (8 fl oz)	Mott's Fruit Flavored Snacks (1 pouch)	Welch's Mixed Fruit Snacks (1 pouch)
Calories	120	140	80	80
Total Sugars	28g	35g	Approx. 10g (contains added sugars)	Approx. 7g (contains added sugars)
Added Sugars	0g	0g	Varies, can be high	Varies, but tends to be high
Primary Ingredients	Water, Apple Juice Concentrate	White Grape Juice from Concentrate	Corn Syrup, Sugar, Fruit Juice Concentrate	Fruit Puree, Corn Syrup, Sugar
Vitamin C	Excellent source (120% DV)	Excellent source (100% DV)	Good source (60% DV)	Excellent source (100% DV)
Key Takeaway	Unsweetened, but high in fruit sugar.	Unsweetened, but higher in fruit sugar than Mott's apple juice.	Highly processed, high in added sugar.	Highly processed, high in added sugar.

Beyond the Label: The Importance of Whole Foods

Processed fruit products, including 100% juice, should not replace whole fruits in a balanced diet. Whole fruits provide essential fiber that helps regulate blood sugar and promotes fullness, benefits not offered by juice. Prioritizing whole fruits and vegetables is crucial for optimal nutrition. Juice, even 100% juice, should be consumed in limited amounts. For guidance on fruit intake, consult the USDA Dietary Guidelines.

Practical Tips for Choosing Wisely

To make informed decisions about juice and fruit snacks, it's recommended to read labels, choose 100% juice, understand product names, treat fruit snacks as candy, and dilute 100% juice. You can find more information on comparing 100% juice and juice drinks on {Link: SNAP4CT https://www.snap4ct.org/uploads/8/1/7/6/81769276/1_100__juice_vs_juice_drink.pdf}.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Motts vs. Welch's

There's no single answer to which is healthier, Motts or Welch's?. Both brands offer relatively comparable 100% juice options high in natural fruit sugars and highly processed fruit snacks high in added sugar. The key is to examine the specific product's nutrition label and ingredients, focusing on added sugars and artificial ingredients. Prioritizing whole fruit and maintaining a balanced diet are the most effective strategies for healthy eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

While 100% juice contains naturally occurring fruit sugars and vitamins like Vitamin C, it lacks the fiber of whole fruit and can cause blood sugar spikes. It should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Check the label for the '100% juice' claim. The ingredient list for juice drinks will typically start with water and include added sugars like high fructose corn syrup.

Yes, both Mott's and Welch's fruit snacks contain significant amounts of added sugar and other processed ingredients like corn syrup.

There is no clear consensus on which brand's fruit snack is definitively healthier. Welch's often uses fruit puree, but both are high in added sugar. They are both highly processed and best treated as a candy.

Based on search results, Welch's 100% White Grape Juice (35g sugar per 8 fl oz) has slightly more sugar than Mott's 100% Apple Juice (28g sugar per 8 fl oz), though both are high in natural fruit sugar.

Some of their juice drinks and fruit snacks may contain artificial ingredients and food dyes, as noted in the search results. It's important to read the ingredient list for specific products.

The healthiest alternative is always whole fruit, which provides fiber along with vitamins and minerals. Water is the best choice for hydration.