You can buy them in almost every supermarket and children especially love them: the fruit snacks from the squeeze bag tempt with a certain eco-touch and the natural sweetness of fruit. But sugar is still sugar and you shouldn't overdo it. Of all things, the high proportion of Fruit sugar (fructose) is considered problematic from a nutritional point of view.
The composition of the carbohydrates is also important for athletes who want to be supplied with carbohydrates quickly during hard exercise. This is because sugar absorption via the intestinal mucosa is limited. At best, the body can absorb 90-120 grams of carbohydrates per hour with a fructose-glucose mix. With pure fructose, the limit is 30-40 grams.
Bananas, for example, are a good source of sugar. It provides a balanced mix of fructose and glucose (1:1) and is therefore particularly digestible for most people. We have compared the flavour and ingredients of four fruit snacks.
Bebivita Strawberry-Apple-Pear (photo above: 3rd from left)
The unusual fruit combination from discounter Penny tastes refreshing and not too sweet. We were surprised that expensive aronia berry juice was added to the cheapest puree in the test. However, we searched in vain for sources of glucose such as bananas. In addition, a 90g bag does not even provide ten grams of carbohydrates. If you want to be well supplied, you have to stuff your jersey pockets.
Price2.65 euros for a 4-pack.
Flavour 5 out of 6 points
Energy 1 out of 6 points
Hipp Apple-Pear-Banana
(Photo above: far right)
The fruit fun from the children's nutritional pope Hipp is like a sweet fruit explosion. The natural porridge made from apples, pears and bananas has a slightly creamy consistency. The 20 per cent banana content provides a certain amount of glucose. Nevertheless, the eleven grams of carbohydrates come almost exclusively from fructose. At a leisurely pace, you would have to eat 2-3 bags per hour.
Price0.85 Euro.
Flavour 6 out of 6 points
Energy 2 out of 6 points
Cheeky friends banana, strawberry & quinoa (Photo above: far left)
In the 100 g squeeze bag from Erdbär, 2% quinoa is added to the fruit puree. On the one hand, this gives the fruity, creamy puree a slightly bitter flavour. On the other hand, the Andean plant increases the starch content (source of glucose). The 1.6 grams of fibre and a total of 17 grams of carbohydrates round off the good overall impression. All in all, a tasty gel substitute for bike tours and relaxed training.
Price0,99 Euro.
Flavour 5 out of 6 points
Energy 3 out of 6 points
Powerbar Performance Smoothie (Photo above: 2nd from left)
The smoothie gel from the specialist for sports nutrition provides just as much energy as a classic energy gel. Bananas, blueberries and strawberries provide one third fructose so that the body can optimally absorb the 28 grams of carbohydrates. Powerbar adds two thirds glucose and salt. The content is more liquid than in normal gels, but it tastes artificial and bitter. You wouldn't think of fresh fruit at first.
Price2,19 Euro.
Flavour 2 out of 6 points
Energy 6 out of 6 points
