Healthy snacks for children? ZDF Koch exposes the squeeze bag fraud

Healthy snacks for children? ZDF Koch exposes the squeeze bag fraud

Squeeze bags, known as practical snacks for small appetites, are very popular among parents. Their fruity contents and handy packaging make them appear healthy. But a closer look at this supposed health factor shows that not everything is as rosy as it seems. The ZDF television chef Sebastian Lege addressed the question of how healthy these products really are in his show “Besseresser”. And the result might surprise many parents.

In the most recent episode, Lege sheds light on the common squeeze bags, the contents of which often consist of puree and are advertised as fruits such as strawberries or mangoes. But it quickly becomes clear: appearances are deceptive. “If you don’t feel like chopping fruit, you buy something like that,” says Lege with an ironic undertone, criticizing the fact that manufacturers like to use tricks to disguise the true ingredients.

The manufacturers’ “apple trick”.

A central theme of the show is the so-called “apple trick”. Many squeeze pouches contain high levels of applesauce, even if they are advertised as containing a variety of other fruits. It is a common practice used by manufacturers to make the products cheaper. Lege explains that apples are not only plentiful but also easier to process. “The basis of most Quetschies are apples,” says the chef. Crushing and heating reduces the water content while the fructose becomes more concentrated, which also leads to vitamins being lost.

Lege gives a specific example: DM's own brand “babylove” contains an impressive 76 percent apple puree content in the “strawberry and blueberry in apple” flavors. For other manufacturers, the apple content varies between 50 and 80 percent, even if the packaging suggests otherwise.

Surprisingly high sugar content

Parents often believe they are making a healthy choice by purchasing squeeze pouches. Many packages have the words “no added sugar” emblazoned on them. However, this only refers to refined sugar and excludes extracted apple sugar. In fact, the sugar content of most squeezes is significantly higher than that of fresh fruit. Lege warns urgently: “One squeeze sachet a day can already cover half of your daily sugar requirement.” This sugar content amounts to approximately 14 grams per bag.

The consumer advice center even goes so far as to warn: Squeeze bags could pose a danger to dental health. The sugar it contains can be harmful to the teeth, as the sweet porridge stays in children's mouths for a long time and therefore attacks the tooth enamel, which can promote tooth decay. In view of these warnings, experts recommend choosing fruit purees from a jar, which are healthier.

The increasing concern about the ingredients in children's snacks is not unfounded. A conscious handling of food and knowledge of the actual composition of snacks such as squeeze pouches contribute significantly to a balanced diet for the youngest. While the apple trick is successfully marketed, it is important that parents make informed decisions to ensure the nutritional quality of their children. The message is clear: behind the colorful packaging there are often less healthy ingredients than expected, and keeping a close eye on the composition can help make the right choice for your little ones.