Is Kids Squeezy Fruit Gel Apple Vegan?
No, Kids Squeezy Fruit Gel Apple is not considered vegan. While the base ingredients appear plant-based, the inclusion of Vitamin D3 disqualifies it for strict vegans. This article breaks down exactly why this seemingly innocent snack fails the vegan test and offers healthier alternatives.
The Ingredient Breakdown
As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and straight into the formulation. At first glance, the ingredient list for Kids Squeezy Fruit Gel Apple looks promising for a plant-based diet. You have Purified Water, Apple Juice Concentrate, and Organic Cane Sugar. These are standard, non-animal-derived ingredients. The texturizers—Gellan Gum, Locust Bean Gum, Xanthan Gum, and Agar—are all derived from fermentation of bacteria or plant extracts, which are perfectly vegan.
However, the issue lies in the fortification. The product contains Vitamin D3. In the food industry, Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is almost exclusively sourced from lanolin, a waxy substance extracted from sheep's wool. While there are vegan sources of Vitamin D (specifically Vitamin D2 or lichen-derived D3), standard commercial Vitamin D3 used in mass-market products like this is animal-derived. Therefore, despite the fruit base being vegan, the added vitamins render the final product non-vegan.
Nutritional Value
Nutritionally, this product is designed as a treat, not a health food. The primary ingredients after water are Apple Juice Concentrate and Organic Cane Sugar. This means the product is high in sugar and low in fiber compared to whole fruit. While it provides a convenient source of energy, it lacks the satiety factor of whole apples, which contain fiber to slow sugar absorption.
The addition of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Vitamin D3 attempts to bolster the nutritional profile, but these do not offset the sugar content. For parents, it fits into a diet as an occasional snack, but it should not replace whole fruits in a child's daily intake due to the lack of protein and healthy fats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kids Squeezy Fruit Gel Apple contain dairy or gluten?
Is Kids Squeezy Fruit Gel Apple good for weight loss?
Where can I buy Kids Squeezy Fruit Gel Apple?
Is Kids Squeezy Fruit Gel Apple safe for kids?
Kids Squeezy Fruit Gel Apple
Vegan Analysis
We recommend searching for certified Vegan alternatives.
Pro Tip
Always double-check the label. Manufacturers change ingredients frequently without notice!