![5 fruit snacks that return to real-food roots 5 fruit snacks that return to real-food roots](https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/blt09e5e63517a16184/bltafc06db067aebac6/64cbf83cdb0bcc7a8de33eaa/NewHopeNetwork_Horizontal_RGB.png?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
Kids won’t even consider gummy candies after delighting in these chewy, fruity cubes. The mixed bag of mango, strawberry and raspberry squares are truly nature’s candy—naturally sweet without added sugar and bursting with antioxidants and fiber from nutritious baobab fruit. One serving contains 46 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin C and 6 grams of fiber. Wow! SRP: $19.99, 16 oz.; $9.99, 5.5 oz.; Booth 5071
Consider Matt’s Munchies the next generation of fruit leather. Organic fruit is blended with a host of flavorful ingredients such as cayenne and cacao for new takes on old classics. Try one of 11 gourmet combinations including Ginger Spice, Raspberry Delight and Apple Pie. My favorite is Island Mango with flakes of coconut. SRP: $1.99 to $2.99; Booth 5446
Sometimes it’s best to let Mother Nature do the work. That seems to be the philosophy behind this Utah-based brand. Fruit is locally sourced, organically grown and not at all tampered with. Each pouch contains only the fruit and a touch of sunflower oil to keep berries from sticking together. The result is tart, cherry goodness that’s perfect for baking, making trail mix or, of course, enjoying straight from the bag. SRP: $6.99, 4 oz.; $3.50, 2 oz.
I’ve long been a fan of Made In Nature’s organic, Non-GMO Project Verified dried fruits, so it didn’t take long to fall in love with the brand’s new fruity fusion packs. Available in four flavors, you gotta try Tropical, a great blend with chunks of banana, pineapple, mango, coconut, ginger and cacao nibs. Yes, please! SRP: $1.69 each; $5.99, 5-pack; Booth 2828
Who says chocolate-covered strawberries are just for Valentine’s Day? Nature’s All believes this perfect marriage should be enjoyed year-round, and I agree. Organic berries are freeze-dried and dipped in fair trade, non-GMO chocolate. Pure chocolate-berry heaven in each crunchy bite. SRP: $6.99, 2.8 oz.; Booth 2994
Who says chocolate-covered strawberries are just for Valentine’s Day? Nature’s All believes this perfect marriage should be enjoyed year-round, and I agree. Organic berries are freeze-dried and dipped in fair trade, non-GMO chocolate. Pure chocolate-berry heaven in each crunchy bite. SRP: $6.99, 2.8 oz.; Booth 2994
Fruit snacks aren’t what they used to be. We’re all familiar with the high fructose corn syrup–laden, artificially colored and flavored candy that masquerades as a nutritious snack. And while these imposters still abound, consumers are wiser about faux health food. Could the real fruit snacks please stand up? Yes, say brands working overtime to remake the category’s tarnished image.
Their intentions have come right in time because sales of candied fruit and nut snacks have dipped, but not by a landslide—yet. The category experienced a nearly 9 percent drop to $14.6 million in combined–channel sales in the 52-week period ending Oct. 27, 2013, according to SPINS. To recapture focus, brands are incorporating unexpected ingredients to add flavor and up nutrition profiles. Think coconut-flecked mango fruit leather and baobab-enhanced gummy fruit cubes. Organic certification is also important in this produce-focused category, and fair trade and non-GMO labels never hurt. Regaining consumer trust relies on proving that real fruit snacks truly have nothing to hide.
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