Unmasking the truth: How innocent fruit syrups betray parental care
15 May 2024 10:51
It's often said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. This adage readily applies to parents and their desire to do right by their children. We aim for what's best, but outcomes may fall short of our intentions. What should we be doing differently? First, check the labels, particularly on drinks, which might not be as healthy as they appear.
On the one hand, our goal is to shield our young ones from lifestyle diseases and ensure their well-being and proper development. On the other hand, we might not think twice before handing them drinks with contents that are, to put it gently, less than ideal. A prime example of this is fruit syrups. They're mixed with water, making them seem innocuous, right? Not necessarily.
What we drink matters
Most parents understand that giving children cola or other fizzy drinks isn't a step towards a healthy physique. Moderation is crucial; however, the issue arises when a child refuses plain water. In such cases, many consider fruit syrups a "lesser evil." But is this the case?
Raspberry syrup—not as healthy as you think
A tiny amount of concentrated raspberry juice, glucose-fructose syrup, artificial sweeteners, and citric acid—are some of the components in popular raspberry syrups. Does a reputable manufacturer guarantee a quality product? Far from it. The opposite might be true. So, what exactly is in these "fruity" concoctions?
Beyond the ingredients above, raspberry syrups are often made from concentrates. And here's the kicker—not just raspberry concentrates. They also include concentrates from more economical options: carrots, beets, and black currants. The boldest ones among them have... 0.1 percent concentrated raspberry juice. The remainder consists of condensed aronia, along with sugar and flavours. It's pretty shocking.
Flavor syrups—there's still hope
That said, it's not to suggest that all raspberry syrups on the market are of poor quality. The best feature is just two ingredients: raspberry juice (at a level of 55 percent) and organic cane sugar. Hence, the difference between such products and their misleading counterparts is substantial. But there's a silver lining. Since the disparity is significant, it's relatively easy to identify the better choice. All it takes is a closer look at the label...
