How Can Kids Enjoy Eating More Fruits with Gummies?

Gummies make it easier for kids to consume more servings of fruits because, let’s face it, gummies are enjoyable and sweet and takes like candy.

They’re a covert way to get kids to eat fruits they’d otherwise shun.

But why does this matter? As not all kids are eating as much fruit as they could. And in reality, more than 30% of young U.S. children eat no fruits on a given day. That’s a problem. 

So, joining me is Laura. embossed with “French”” – thanks to Laura’s astute observation! And let’s discuss a way to make fruit taste something like candy for kids.

The Fruit Intake Challenge

Here’s the sad reality: The majority of kids don’t consume enough fruits or veggies.

In the U.S., 32.1 percent of children ages 1 to 5 don’t eat fruit every day. That’s woefully inadequate — and it’s even worse than that: 49.1% don’t eat a vegetable every day. Think about that. 

Nearly half our kids aren’t getting the nutrients their small, growing bodies and brains need.

Even when children do eat their fruit, it’s usually the same old stuff. Apples and/or apple juice account for more than 30% of their total fruit consumption. 

That’s it. Just apples. No variety. No excitement.

Kids eat an average of 1.25 cups of fruit a day. But there’s a catch: Only 52.9% of all fruit comes from whole fruits. The rest? Mostly fruit juice. 

Juice isn’t terrible, but it lacks the fiber and full nutritional wallop of whole fruits.

So, what’s the deal? Why aren’t children grabbing for oranges, berries or mangoes? It’s that simple — they like sweet, that they like to taste at home too. Whole fruits can seem boring, or messy, or just unappetizing.

Enter gummies. These little guys could be the solution we’ve been seeking.

How Gummies Can Help

Let’s break it down. Gummies are more or less candy!—but better for you. That’s their superpower.

Flavor and Texture

Gummies taste like candy. Chewy, sweet and fruity — everything that kids love. But here’s the twist: They can also be made with actual fruit flavors.

Gummy candies that taste like strawberries, only made with real strawberry purée. Adults are more than happy to indulge their kids’ sweet tooth while getting in a bit of fruit action. It’s a win-win.

Nutrient Delivery

Gummies are not only delicious, but they can also be nutritional powerhouses. They’re also fortified with vitamins, including A, B, C, D and E, and sometimes other minerals like iron and zinc.

So a gummy made with actual mango purée and stem-to-core purée of an apple might also have some vitamin C. Voilà, your kid is suddenly getting a supplement without knowing it.

Appealing Presentation

Children love bright, fun things. Gummies are available in all manner of shapes — bears, stars, dinosaurs. They’re light and fun and impossible to resist.

And don’t get us started on the packaging. With their bright colors, cartoon characters, and fun designs, gummies feel like a treat. Who would not want the opportunity to scoff down a bag of rainbow-colored bears?

Convenience

Here’s another major plus: gummies are simple. No peeling, slicing or cleaning up sticky fingers. You can drop them into a lunchbox, purse or backpack. They’re great for families on the go.

And they are portion-controlled, of course. Or a single tiny gummy is perfectly reasonable to appease a craving without going overboard.

Supporting Data

Let’s get into the stats. Here’s what we know:

Statistic or Fact	Value/Detail
% of U.S. kids aged 1–5 not eating fruit daily	32.1%
% not eating vegetables daily	49.1%
% of total fruit intake from whole fruit	52.9%
% from 100% fruit juice	33.5%
Apples’ share of fruit intake (ages 2–5)	14.6%
Apple juice’s share (ages 2–5)	16.8%

Numbers don’t lie, and the picture they paint is clear. Kids aren’t getting enough fruits and veggies. 

And when they do eat fruit, it’s frequently relegated to apples and juice.

So gummies are a game-changer in various ways. They can expose kids to new flavors and textures in a fun way, rather than an obligation.

Creative Strategies Using Gummies

So, let me share how to use gummies to help get kids excited to eat fruit.

Mixing Real Fruit with Gummies

Combining gummies with fresh fruit is a stroke of genius. For instance, have a bowl of strawberries and bowl of strawberry gummies. 

Children will zero in on the gummies but eat the real fruit along the way.

It’s a sneaky little way to introduce new flavors. Begin with basic fruits such as apples and bananas, and throw in something exotic like kiwi or dragon fruit. 

The gummies are a bridge to the alien.

Fruit-Infused Gummies

Some gummies include real fruit purees or juices. These are great for picky eaters. These taste like candy but provide real fruit nutrition.

For example, a mango gummy might bring to mind the mango lassi they once tried. Or a raspberry gummy could generate an interest in actual raspberries.

Interactive Eating

Kids love activities. Make eating fruit fun, with gummies used in creative ways.

Try making fruit skewers. Layer chunks of pineapple, grapes, and melon with gummies. Or toss gummies into yogurt and granola for a D.I.Y. parfait.

You could also use gummies as a topping. Scatter them over oatmeal or ice cream. All of a sudden, breakfast or dessert becomes exciting.

Positive Association

Kids mimic what they see. They’re more likely to taste them if you eat fruit gummies alongside them.

Make it a family thing. Eat gummies with fresh fruit while you sit together. Luxuriate in how yummy they are. Kiddos will notice your enthusiasm and follow your lead.

Final Thoughts

Here is a sneaky way to get your little ones to eat more fruit: through gummies. They bring the joy of candy together with the nutrition of fruit, helping guide picky eaters over the bridge.

By making fruit cool, gummies can help bridge the gap between what a child is currently eating and what a child should be eating. 

Maybe they’ll even develop a lifelong love of healthy eating.