Fruit Gushers, Variety Pack

What’s in it

• DCorn SyrupA refined added sugar made from corn starch. It is rapidly absorbed and contributes to high sugar intake, which is a child health concern, though it is an approved ingredient.PubMed · NIH
• CSugarRefined added sugar, usually sucrose. It is safe in small amounts but contributes to excess calories and dental caries when consumed frequently.PubMed · NIH
• APear PureePureed fruit with most of the original fruit structure preserved. It is a minimally processed whole-food ingredient and is generally safe for children.PubMed · NIH
• CModified Corn StarchA processed starch used to thicken or stabilize foods. It is generally permitted and low concern, but it is a refined ingredient with limited child-specific safety concerns beyond its role in ultra-processed foods.PubMed · NIH
• CFructoseA simple sugar found naturally in fruit but here used as an added sweetener. In this form it functions like other added sugars and can contribute to excess sugar intake.PubMed · NIH
• CMaltodextrinA highly processed carbohydrate derived from starch. It is widely used and generally permitted, but it is a refined ingredient with limited safety concerns and a high glycemic impact.PubMed · NIH
• BPalm OilA refined plant oil used for texture and stability. It is common and generally safe for children, though it is more saturated than many other vegetable oils.PubMed · NIH
• BCottonseed OilA refined seed oil used as a fat ingredient. It is generally permitted and safe, though it is highly processed and less nutrient-dense than minimally processed oils.PubMed · NIH
• CGlycerinA common food-grade humectant used to retain moisture and texture. It is generally permitted and considered low risk, but it is a processed additive rather than a whole food.PubMed · NIH
• BGrape Juice ConcentrateConcentrated fruit juice made by removing water from grape juice. It is still a fruit-derived ingredient, but concentration raises its sugar density compared with whole grapes.PubMed · NIH
• BCitric AcidA naturally occurring acid used to add tartness and preserve foods. It is widely permitted and generally safe for children, though it can be irritating to teeth in acidic foods.PubMed · NIH
• CCarrageenanA seaweed-derived thickener and stabilizer commonly used in processed foods. Regulatory agencies permit it, but there is ongoing debate and limited safety data about gut irritation in sensitive individuals, so a middle rating is appropriate.PubMed · NIH
• CMonoglyceridesEmulsifiers used to keep ingredients mixed and improve texture. They are commonly permitted food additives with limited child-specific safety concerns, but they are more processed than minimally processed foods.PubMed · NIH
• BSodium CitrateA salt of citric acid used to control acidity and stabilize products. It is widely used and generally safe for children at typical food levels.PubMed · NIH
• BMalic AcidA naturally occurring acid used for tart flavor and pH control. It is generally recognized as safe, though acidic foods can contribute to tooth enamel erosion.PubMed · NIH
• AVitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)A vitamin added for nutrition and/or antioxidant protection. Fortified vitamins are generally considered safe and beneficial for children at normal food amounts.PubMed · NIH
• CNatural And Artificial FlavorA flavoring mixture that may contain multiple compounds; the exact ingredients are usually not fully disclosed. It is generally permitted for food use, but the safety profile is less transparent than single-ingredient foods and can include additives of varying concern.PubMed · NIH
• APotassium CitrateA permitted potassium salt used to adjust acidity. It is generally considered safe in foods, with child safety concerns mainly only at very high intakes or in people with certain kidney or electrolyte disorders.PubMed · NIH
• AAgar-AgarA seaweed-derived gelling agent and soluble fiber. It is widely used in foods and is generally low concern for children when eaten in normal amounts.PubMed · NIH
• BXanthan GumA common thickener made by fermenting sugars with bacteria. It is permitted in foods and usually considered safe, though it can cause minor digestive upset in some children if consumed in large amounts.PubMed · NIH
• DColor (Red 40, Blue 1, Yellows 5 & 6)A blend of synthetic food dyes approved for use in foods. These dyes have child-relevant safety concerns because some studies and regulatory reviews link them to hyperactivity or behavioral effects in sensitive children, especially when combined.PubMed · NIH