ORCHARD NATURALS MIXED FRUIT DICED PEACHES AND PEARS IN LIGHT SYRUP
ORCHARD NATURALS MIXED FRUIT DICED PEACHES AND PEARS IN LIGHT SYRUP scores 22/100 (Avoid) due to its significant content of added sugar, which is the primary factor impacting its nutritional profile.
This product received a FoodScore of 22/100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category.
It provides 88% DV of Vitamin C per 100g serving.
The main nutritional concern is 10.6g of added sugar per 100g.
As a NOVA class 3 processed food, it contains more added ingredients than generic fruit.
Consider this product as an occasional treat rather than a daily fruit source.
Scores -19 points above the fruit category average (41/100 across 295 foods).
Fiber
0.9g
3% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
10.6g
21% of Daily Value
Sodium
0mg
0% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin A, Vitamin C)+4
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (10.6g)-12
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Empty calories-15
Why it scores 22
ORCHARD NATURALS MIXED FRUIT DICED PEACHES AND PEARS IN LIGHT SYRUP receives a FoodScore of 22/100, indicating it is a product to avoid for regular consumption. The primary factor driving this low score is the significant amount of added sugar, contributing 10.6 grams per 100g serving. This directly results in a substantial penalty of -12 points. Furthermore, its classification as a NOVA class 3 processed food incurs an additional -5 point penalty, reflecting the presence of ingredients like sugar and citric acid beyond the whole fruit itself. The product also faces a -15 point penalty for 'empty calories,' meaning a high calorie count relative to its overall nutrient density. While it does receive a +4 bonus for micronutrients, specifically Vitamin A and Vitamin C, these benefits are largely overshadowed by the aforementioned penalties. Compared to a generic unbranded version of fruit, which would typically contain no added sugar and be classified as NOVA class 1 (unprocessed), this ORCHARD NATURALS product presents a less favorable nutritional profile due to its formulation with light syrup.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in orchard naturals mixed fruit diced peaches and pears in light syrup actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin C
ORCHARD NATURALS MIXED FRUIT DICED PEACHES AND PEARS provides a notable amount of Vitamin C, with 88% of the Daily Value per 100g serving. Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that supports immune function and plays a role in collagen synthesis, important for skin health. While the fruit is in light syrup, the presence of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as an ingredient helps to maintain this nutrient content. This can contribute to your daily intake of this important vitamin, especially if other sources are limited.
Contains Vitamin A
This product contributes 12% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A per 100g serving. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and cell growth. Although not a primary source, it can still add to your overall intake of this fat-soluble vitamin. The peaches and pears naturally contain some Vitamin A, which is preserved in the canning process, offering a convenient way to consume this nutrient.
Convenient Fruit Option
While not nutritionally equivalent to fresh fruit, ORCHARD NATURALS MIXED FRUIT DICED PEACHES AND PEARS offers a convenient and shelf-stable fruit option. For individuals with limited access to fresh produce, or those seeking a quick and easy addition to meals, canned fruit can be a practical choice. The individual bowls make portion control straightforward and eliminate the need for preparation, fitting into busy routines when fresh fruit might not be available.
ORCHARD NATURALS MIXED FRUIT DICED PEACHES AND PEARS IN LIGHT SYRUP scores 22/100 (Avoid) due to its significant content of added sugar, which is the primary factor impacting its nutritional profile.
How to eat it
Diced peaches and pears in light syrup are typically consumed as a quick snack, a dessert component, or an addition to breakfast items. The individual bowls are designed for on-the-go convenience, often eaten directly from the container. Common pitfalls include consuming the entire syrup, which adds extra sugar.
Drain the light syrup before eating to reduce the amount of added sugar consumed.
Pair with a source of protein like plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to create a more balanced snack and increase satiety.
Chop and add to oatmeal or whole-grain cereal for a touch of sweetness and fruit, rather than eating it alone.
Use as an occasional dessert topping for pancakes or waffles, rather than a daily fruit serving.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution for ORCHARD NATURALS MIXED FRUIT DICED PEACHES AND PEARS IN LIGHT SYRUP is its added sugar content. With 10.6g of added sugar per 100g, individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should consume this product with caution and in moderation. The ingredient list includes sugar, which is the source of this added sugar. While ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and citric acid are present, they are generally recognized as safe and do not pose significant concerns for most consumers. There are no common allergens declared on the label. For the general population, the main consideration is to be mindful of the overall sugar intake when incorporating this product into a regular diet.
Is ORCHARD NATURALS MIXED FRUIT DICED PEACHES AND PEARS IN LIGHT SYRUP healthy?
This product received a FoodScore of 22/100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. While it provides some Vitamin C and Vitamin A, its high added sugar content and classification as a processed food mean it is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. It is best viewed as an occasional treat rather than a primary source of fruit in your diet.
How does ORCHARD NATURALS compare to other fruit products?
Compared to fresh or frozen fruit, ORCHARD NATURALS Mixed Fruit in Light Syrup contains significantly more added sugar and is more processed. For example, a similar serving of Dole Fruit Bowls in 100% Juice would still contain natural sugars from the fruit, but typically no added sugar. For the most beneficial option, choose whole, unprocessed fruits.
What is 'light syrup' and why is it used?
Light syrup is a solution of water and sugar, used in canned fruits like this ORCHARD NATURALS product to preserve the fruit and enhance its sweetness. While 'light' implies less sugar than heavy syrup, it still contributes 10.6g of added sugar per 100g serving. This added sugar is a primary factor in the product's low FoodScore.
What is a reasonable portion size for this product?
The declared serving size is 1 BOWL, which is approximately 113g. Given the added sugar content, it is advisable to stick to this portion size or even consume less, especially if you are monitoring your sugar intake. Consider draining the syrup to further reduce sugar consumption.
Can I use this product in cooking or baking?
Yes, ORCHARD NATURALS Mixed Fruit Diced Peaches and Pears can be used in cooking or baking, such as in fruit tarts, cobblers, or as a topping for oatmeal. However, be mindful of the additional sugar it contributes to your recipe. You may need to adjust other sweeteners in your dish to account for the sugar already present in the light syrup.