Stretch the definition of fruit...

The latest trend in snacks, treats and lunch additions amongst the kid crowd where we live, is fruit roll-ups that have words and images printed on them. You can even order custom-printed ones. Yikes! The colors are scary and the flavors even scarier. How many chemicals can one little body take?

My first problem is calling it a FRUIT roll-up. There is actually not much fruit in it. It is mostly corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors and colors- sound familiar? They may be the same main ingredients in Aunt Jemima! Secondly, they really shouldn't be a replacement for fruit- as they are sometimes used by parents. A fruit roll-up does not a serving of fruit make. It is basically equivalent to a piece of candy and should be treated as such- a special treat.

If you are looking for something quick, on the go, for the lunchbox- that could be a fruit replacement, why not swap it out for something that actually does contain a serving of real fruit? Nothing artificial and no added sugar. Stretch Island makes fruit leathers, fruit flats and fruit rolls. My kids LOVE them- beg me for them- can't get enough of them. We do limit these, for dental reasons- any sticky substance whether corn syrup or real fruit has sugar in it and can be harder to brush out of the teeth. Trader Joes also has some great all-fruit leathers for a better price- but not as popular with my kids. Granted these real fruit snacks are more expensive than a box of General Mills fruit roll-ups, but really- you get what you pay for. Real fruit- or candy disguised as fruit?

The choice seems pretty clear.....