Which is healthier, Motts or Welch's fruit snacks?

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a USA Today report, many fruit snacks are so high in sugar that nearly half of every bite is pure sugar, blurring the line between candy and snack. When deciding which is healthier, Motts or Welch's fruit snacks, a closer look at the ingredients and nutrition facts is essential for a truly informed choice.

Quick Summary

A nutritional comparison of Motts and Welch's fruit snacks reveals differences in sugar content, ingredients like gelatin versus pectin, and the use of artificial additives. Both are high in sugar and should be considered treats rather than healthy fruit alternatives.

Key Points

Gelling Agent Difference: Motts uses plant-based pectin (vegan), while Welch's uses animal-derived gelatin.
Sugar Content: A typical pouch of Motts contains slightly less sugar than Welch's, but both are high in sweeteners like corn syrup.
Artificial Additives: Welch's contains artificial colors (Red 40, Blue 1), which Motts avoids.
No Substitute for Whole Fruit: Both fruit snacks lack the fiber, water content, and broad spectrum of nutrients found in real, unprocessed fruit.
Marketing vs. Nutrition: The "made with real fruit" and "fortified with vitamins" claims on fruit snacks do not make them a truly healthy option.
Consider the Source: The origin of gelling agents (plant vs. animal) is a key difference for those with specific dietary needs like veganism.
Treat, Not Staple: Both products are processed snacks, comparable to candy, and should be consumed in moderation as a treat.

Ingredient Deep Dive: Pectin vs. Gelatin

One of the most significant differences between Motts and Welch's fruit snacks lies in their gelling agent, which impacts their texture and dietary suitability. Motts uses fruit pectin, a plant-based, water-soluble fiber extracted from fruits, making their snacks vegan-friendly. In contrast, classic Welch's Fruit Snacks use gelatin, a protein derived from animal collagen, meaning they are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. The choice between pectin and gelatin also affects the final texture: pectin gives a firm, almost jam-like consistency, while gelatin offers a more elastic, chewy bounce.

Sugar and Sweeteners: A Closer Look

When examining the sugar content, both brands are more akin to candy than a nutritious fruit serving. A pouch of Motts Assorted Fruit Flavored Snacks contains approximately 10 grams of sugar, with corn syrup and sugar listed among the first ingredients. While a Reddit thread mentioned Welch's having less sugar, current nutrition labels show classic Welch's Mixed Fruit Snacks have around 11-13 grams of total sugar per serving. Both brands rely heavily on corn syrup and added sugars to create their sweet flavor profile. This high sugar concentration strips away the nutritional benefits of whole fruit, primarily its fiber content.

Artificial Ingredients and Fortified Vitamins

Another key differentiator is the use of artificial colors and flavors. Welch's Mixed Fruit snacks contain synthetic food dyes like Red 40 and Blue 1, in addition to natural and artificial flavors. Motts, however, states they use vegetable and fruit juice for color, and only natural flavors. On the other hand, Welch's typically fortifies its snacks with higher amounts of vitamins A, C, and E compared to Motts' standard Vitamin C fortification. It's important to remember that vitamin fortification in a high-sugar, low-fiber food is not a replacement for a balanced diet.

The Verdict on "Healthier": A Balanced View

No processed fruit snack can truly replace whole, fresh fruit, which provides essential fiber and nutrients that are largely absent in these products. However, based on specific factors, one brand may align better with individual dietary preferences. The choice of 'healthier' depends on what you prioritize in a processed treat.

Which Brand is for You?

Choose Motts if: You prefer a vegan-friendly product and want to avoid animal-derived gelatin. You also wish to avoid artificial colors.
Choose Welch's if: You prioritize a higher concentration of fortified vitamins (though this does not negate the high sugar content) and do not have dietary restrictions against gelatin.

Comparison Table


Feature	Motts Fruit Snacks (Assorted)	Welch's Fruit Snacks (Mixed Fruit)
Gelling Agent	Fruit Pectin (Plant-Based)	Gelatin (Animal-Derived)
Vegan Status	Yes	No
Sugar per Pouch	~10g	~11-13g
First Ingredient	Corn Syrup	Fruit Puree
Artificial Colors	No (uses fruit/veg juice)	Yes (Red 40, Blue 1)
Fortified Vitamins	C	A, C, and E

Healthier Alternatives to Processed Fruit Snacks

If the goal is genuine health, consider these options to get the benefits of fruit without the added sugar and processing:

Dried Fruit: Provides concentrated fruit flavor and fiber without added sugars (check labels).
Fresh or Frozen Fruit: The ultimate healthy snack, offering fiber, water, and essential nutrients.
Fruit Strips: Brands like Stretch Island and Yum Earth offer fruit leathers made with real fruit and fewer, if any, added sugars.
Homemade Snacks: Create your own fruit leathers or energy bites for full control over ingredients and sugar content.

Conclusion

In the debate over which is healthier, Motts or Welch's fruit snacks, the answer is nuanced and depends on dietary priorities. For vegans or those concerned about animal products and artificial dyes, Motts is the better choice. For those prioritizing fortified vitamins, Welch's may be preferred. However, both products are ultimately processed, high-sugar treats that should not be mistaken for whole fruit. The best health-conscious decision is to enjoy them in moderation or opt for less-processed, whole-food alternatives. It's vital to look beyond the marketing and read the nutrition label to make the best decision for you and your family. For more insight into the ingredients in processed foods, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides a comprehensive food database at EWG Food Scores for Welch's Mixed Fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Motts fruit snacks contain slightly less sugar per pouch and are made with plant-based pectin, unlike Welch's animal-derived gelatin. However, both are highly processed, high in sugar, and should be considered treats rather than healthy fruit alternatives.

Yes, the classic Welch's Fruit Snacks are made with gelatin sourced from both pork and beef, making them unsuitable for vegetarians or vegans. Some of their other products, like fruit rolls, are gelatin-free.

Yes, both Motts and Welch's use fruit puree or juice concentrate. However, this is a highly processed form of fruit where the concentrated sugars remain, but the fiber and other beneficial components are mostly lost.

Sugar, primarily from corn syrup and concentrated fruit juice, is added to fruit snacks to improve taste, texture, and shelf stability, effectively making them more like candy than a true fruit product.

While some fruit snacks are fortified with vitamins like C, A, and E, their high sugar content and lack of fiber mean they are not a substitute for the vitamins found in whole fruits. The fortification does not make them a genuinely nutritious food.

Not necessarily. Many fruit snacks have a similar or sometimes higher sugar content than comparable candy, and both are best consumed in moderation as a treat rather than a nutritious snack. A balanced perspective sees them both as occasional indulgences.

Yes. Healthier options include whole, fresh, or frozen fruits, dried fruit with no added sugar, or fruit strips made with 100% fruit puree. These provide more fiber and less added sugar than traditional fruit snacks.

Pectin is a plant-based fiber, while gelatin is an animal-based protein. Neither is inherently 'better' in a fruit snack context, as both products are still high in sugar. The key difference is pectin's vegan-friendly status.