Fruit snacks, raisins, and other dried fruits can be a problem for toddlers due to their sticky texture. Even organic or all-natural foods contain sugars that can stick to teeth and increase the amount of acid in the enamel, leading to tooth decay. Fruit gummies are candies made with a limited amount of fruit juice and have a high sugar content. Parents may have good intentions when they offer fruit snacks to help children learn to eat more whole foods and less overtly sweet, but this advice may not be realistic for families who buy anything at the store.
Fruit snacks made with natural fruit can last around six months, while sugary, gummy fruit snacks have an indicated shelf life of one year. So, can toddlers safely enjoy fruit gummies? The answer is yes, but in moderation. It's important to limit the amount of sugary snacks your toddler eats and make sure they brush their teeth after eating them. You should also look for fruit gummies that are made with natural ingredients and don't contain artificial colors or flavors.
Fruit gummies can be a fun treat for your toddler, but it's important to remember that they should not replace healthy snacks like fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating a balanced diet is essential for your toddler's growth and development, so make sure they get plenty of nutritious foods in their diet.