Nutrition

What Are the Healthiest Fruit Snacks in 2025?

Published on August 5, 2024 | 0 Comments
If you're looking for the healthiest fruit snacks, there are many to choose from

When looking for the healthiest snacking options, you may question which are the healthiest fruit snacks to try. With so many fruit snacks on the market, it can be challenging to know which are healthiest or if they are even healthy at all.

Luckily, there are numerous healthy options to incorporate into your or your child’s snacking routine. To help you decide which snacks to pick up on your next grocery run, we’ve curated a list of the healthiest fruit snacks, prioritizing those with real fruit or fruit juice and other wholesome and natural ingredients.  Whether you’re looking for snack alternatives for your kids or yourself, keep reading to discover 14 of the healthiest fruit snacks available. 

 

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What Are Fruit Snacks Made Of? 

Many fruit snacks, including gummy fruit snacks, fruit leather and dried fruits, are made from only real fruits, fruit juice and fruit purée. These fruit snacks with minimal ingredients are often considered the healthiest after fresh fruit. 

Some fruit snacks can also be made with ingredients like fruit juice concentrates and may have added sugar, corn syrup, modified cornstarch or artificial colorings. You’ll also find that most fruit snacks, no matter what the ingredients, will have a higher sugar content than fresh fruit and less fiber due to being made from juices. Processing methods additionally reduce the water content in the fruit ingredients and concentrate the natural fruit sugars. 

Fruit snacks in a bowl
via Canva

Are Fruit Snacks Healthy?

While they often include real fruits or fruit juices, many do wonder: “Are fruit snacks healthy?” Or are they just candy disguised as a healthy option? Compared to other popular snacks with more processed ingredients like pre-packaged cookies, chips, snack packs or granola bars, opting for any type of fruit snack is often the best choice. 

Of course, the healthiest fruit snacks may find it tough to hold their own against their original counterparts —  fresh fruit and other minimally processed snacks like raw vegetables — yet opting for fruit snacks can still be part of a balanced diet and they are a good choice if you want a bit of variation from fresh fruits and vegetables.

As noted, fruit snacks often have quite a high amount of sugar and may contain unhealthy ingredients like artificial colorings or corn syrup. It’s always best to check both the ingredient and nutritional information labels to ensure you’re choosing the healthiest and most balanced fruit snack option. 

So, are fruit snacks good for you? It depends on many factors like the ingredients used and how they’re made, but for the most part, they do tend to be healthier than other common snacking options. 

Fruit snacks in a turquoise spoon
via Canva

Are Welch's Fruit Snacks Healthy?

The first brand to come up in many people’s minds when it comes to fruit snacks is Welch’s. This beloved name is well-known as a family-oriented brand. They offer some of the healthiest fruit snacks around that are made with real fruit purée and are also fat, gluten and peanut-free. This minimal list of ingredients makes them a safe option for those with gluten intolerances or peanut allergies.

With that said, these fruit snacks do contain synthetic food dyes like red 40 and blue 1. They also have ingredients like corn syrup and other added sugars. These ingredients are relatively common in processed snacks but can be concerning for those who are conscious of artificial ingredients. While Welch's snacks are less healthy than some other fruit snacks on the market, they are quite healthy compared to common snack options, such as cookies or chips.

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Are Mott's Fruit Snacks Healthy?

Another popular brand that many think has the healthiest fruit snacks is Mott’s, which offers juices, apple sauces and other snacks along with their infamous fruit gummies. Similar to many snacks, these fruit snacks include both natural and artificial ingredients like corn syrup, sugar and modified corn starch.

Again, Mott’s fruit snacks are healthier than a lot of other snack options on the market and do have real fruit ingredients, but must be eaten in moderation. They also can't be considered as healthy as fresh fruits or fruit snacks that don't include artificial ingredients or added sugars.

Fruit gummies in a glass jar
via Canva

The 14 Healthiest Fruit Snacks for Kids and Adults

1. Bare Apple Chips

If you’re looking for the healthiest fruit snacks that have a good amount of nutrients, trying some crunchy baked apple chips by Bare is a great choice. With the peel left on while baking, there’s a lot of fiber in every chip, a nutrient that’s vital for regular digestion. 

Best of all, these chips have minimal ingredients. The Crispy Red Apple Chips and Granny Smith Apple Chips feature only organic apples, no other ingredients. For a little extra flavor, you can get Cinnamon Apple Chips, which include organic apples and cinnamon —  no artificial flavors, whatsoever!

With that said, these chips lack protein. If you’re looking for a more well-rounded snack, it’s best to use them as a topping for a protein-rich food like yogurt or mix them with some nuts to make a trail mix. 

Bare Apple Chips are one of the healthiest fruit snacks
via Bare

2.  Welch’s Mixed Fruit Snacks

Welch’s mixed fruit snacks are a common product in most snack aisles and despite some drawbacks, remain one of the healthiest fruit snack options available. With preservative-free ingredients and real fruit, it’s hard to go wrong with this gummy treat.

As discussed earlier, there are a few health concerns with this fruit snack, such as it containing artificial ingredients and colorants. However, overall, this brand of fruit snacks is a tasty choice that’s fine to enjoy on occasion. 

A blue bag next to colorful fruit gummy snacks
via Welch's

3. RIND Snacks

If you’re in search of some of the healthiest fruit snacks around, RIND snacks have to be on your shopping list! These snacks are made of dried fruit complete with rinds and peel. The addition of the fruit’s peel or rind not only adds some crunch to the snack but also offers some extra fiber. 

Best of all, dried fruits are the only ingredients in these healthy fruit snacks, nothing else is added to the Chewy or Chips and Crisps ranges. For a little extra flavor, you can also try the Remix range of RIND fruit snacks, but these products generally include added sugars and oils. 

RIND sells some of the healthiest fruit snacks
via RIND

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4. Plum Organics Teensy Snacks 

Next on our list of the healthiest fruit snacks are Plum Organics Teensy Snacks. These fruit snacks are quite soft, making them great for younger children who are still on soft foods or teething. The snacks also have organic fruit purée and juice concentrate as primary ingredients and come in fun fruit flavor options like peach and berry.

 

A box of fruit snacks next to a bag of fruit snacks
via Plum Organics

5. That’s It Fruit Bars

As the name suggests, That’s It Fruit Bars are made purely with fruit, making them some of the healthiest fruit snacks you can choose. These bars come without added sugars, artificial flavors or GMOs. The fruits included on the label, with combinations like apple and mango and apple and strawberry, are all that’s included. 

The convenient bar size and transparent ingredient list make it easy to grab this snack on the go with the knowledge that you’re taking care of your daily fruit intake. They also have mini bars which are perfect for kids’ lunchboxes. 

A tray with fresh fruit and snack bars in white packaging
via That's It

6. Bear YoYos Fruit Rolls

Named sweetly after the fun toy, YoYos Fruit Rolls are definitely some of the healthiest fruit snacks you can find. They’re made with real fruit and vegetable ingredients, without added sugar or sodium. As this healthy fruit snack is packed full of fruits and vegetables, they have a high amount of fiber compared to other popular snacks. 

With one cup of fruit per packet, you simply can’t go wrong! If you or your kids don’t like fruit leather, this brand also makes mini fruit gummies. Like the fruit rolls, they are made with only fruits and vegetables. 

A selection of snacks in colorful packaging
via Bear

7. Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars

Another one of the healthiest fruit snack options you can find are Pure Organic’s Layered Fruit Bars. This healthy snack is made with three deliciously satisfying layers of organic ingredients like real fruit purée and vegetable juice. Along with being a great source of fruits and vegetables, they’re also gluten-free, vegan and kosher. 

Do note that most of the fruit in these bars is in the form of juice concentrate, meaning they are quite high in sugar, even though it’s natural sugar. Therefore, having these as a once of twice a week instead of a daily snack is a good idea. 

Fresh fruits next to colorful snack bars
via Pure Organic

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8. Mott’s Fruit Snacks

Mott’s fruit snacks are some of the most popular fruit snacks around. The fruit gummies come in a few flavors and animal-shaped varieties are available, making them a consistent hit with kids. This snack is flavored naturally with ingredients like strawberry purée and carrot and pear juice concentrate. Unfortunately, they also have added sugars, including corn syrup. 

If you’re asking the question: “Which fruit snacks are the healthiest?” in order to discover the best of the best in terms of minimal ingredients, these fruit snacks won’t be for you. However, if you’re looking for a fruit-based snack that’s healthier than chips, candy or cookies, Mott’s snack offerings are a good option.  

Mott's Fruit Snacks are one of the well-known healthiest fruit snacks
via Mott's

 

9. Black Forest Stretch Island Fruit Strips

Pick up a box of Stretch Island Fruit Strips as your next choice when it comes to the healthiest fruit snacks to try. Its fun name alludes to the chewy texture, making this snack a satisfying treat for kids and adults alike. Made with only two to five ingredients and no added sugars, it’s perfect for those who want a healthier alternative to more popular brands of fruit leather that have added sugar and artificial ingredients. 

A backpack with fruits and snack bars
via Black Forest

10.  Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks

One of the most popular fruit snacks at the moment is Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks. Better than gummy bears, these fruit gummies are made of organic ingredients and real fruit juice. Best of all, they come in lots of fruit flavors and there’s a sour version, plus some other shapes, such as building blocks and butterflies. 

Like many of the other snacks on this list of the healthiest fruit snacks, they’re vegan and gluten-free too. However, they do contain added sugar, making them another fruit snack that shouldn’t be consumed daily. For those who prefer other forms of fruit snacks, Annie’s also makes a delicious Fruit Tape product which is also packed with organic fruit juice. 

Colorful snack packaging and two hand holding gummies
via Annie's Homegrown

11. Sprout Organics Crispy Chews

Sprout Organics Crispy Chews are another great choice when questioning: “What are the healthiest fruit snacks?” These fruit chews are made from crisped rice flour, plus fruit and vegetable juices and purées. They are undoubtedly some of the healthiest fruit snacks for young kids thanks to their minimal ingredients and the small size of each chew, which are easy for little fingers to pick up. 

A purple and white box that says Sprout Organics Crispy Chews
via Sprout Organics

 

12. Trader Joe’s Freeze-Dried Strawberries

When it comes to the healthiest fruit snacks for adults, one of the best options is Trader Joe’s freeze-dried strawberries (not that kids won’t love them as well!) These berries are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and manganese. They also have a long shelf-life, making them a great staple ingredient that you can use to top salads, yogurt and other meals, along with enjoying them as a standalone snack.

If you’re wondering how to start eating healthy, keeping a pack of these around could be a great beginning point to ensure you have a healthy snack on hand when you don’t feel like raw fruit or vegetables. 

Madeleines and freeze-dried strawberries
via Trader Joe's

13. Barnana Banana Bites

Another of the healthiest fruit snacks with only fruit in the ingredients is Barnana Banana Bites. These yummy bite-sized snacks include just organic banana and organic banana powder. They are perfect to keep in the pantry or your desk at work for snacking and are the ideal size to add a few to your kid’s lunchbox. You can get a coconut version as well, with just organic banana and organic coconut as ingredients.

These healthy snacks also upcycle fruit, using ‘imperfect’ bananas that would otherwise have been thrown away, meaning this choice is also environmentally friendly and helps fight food waste. As one of the healthiest fruit snacks around that’s also good for the planet, it makes sense why these are becoming so popular!

Two ingredient Barnana Banana Bites are some of the healthiest fruit snacks
via Barnana

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14. Black Forest Organic Fruit Flavored Snacks 

When trying to determine which fruit snacks are the healthiest, Black Forest has a great answer in the form of their organic fruit-flavored snacks. These yummy fruit snacks, much like the brand’s Stretch Island Fruit Strips, come without added sugars like high-fructose corn syrup.

They also don’t have any synthetic ingredients. Instead, these snacks are made with real fruit juice. They’re also fair trade certified, so you can feel good about enjoying them in all their sweet glory.

Gummy fruit snacks in different colors
via Black Forest

Working out if fruit snacks are healthy and answering the question: “What are the healthiest fruit snacks?” can be challenging, especially if you don’t want to spend your entire grocery store trip reading labels. Hopefully, this list of the healthiest fruit snacks has made it easier to see which options are the best health-wise.

While fresh fruits and vegetables should also be at the top of your snacking list, adding a few of these yummy and relatively healthy fruit snacks to your diet can add some variation without derailing your healthy eating plan.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.