PLUM ORGANIC APPLE SAUCE + FRUIT & VEGGIE, BLUEBERRY BLITZ!
PLUM ORGANIC APPLE SAUCE + FRUIT & VEGGIE, BLUEBERRY BLITZ! scores 52/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily due to its **processed nature** and **meaningful micronutrient content**.
This PLUM product has a FoodScore of 52/100, indicating a decent nutritional profile.
It provides a notable 93% DV of Vitamin A and 15% DV of Vitamin C per 100g serving.
Classified as NOVA 3 (processed), it contains ingredients beyond whole foods.
With 0g of added sugar and 3.3g of fiber per 100g, it offers some beneficial components.
Consider this product as a convenient snack, but not a primary source of protein or diverse nutrients.
Scores +11 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
3.3g
12% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
11mg
0% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.3g)+3
Micronutrients (Vitamin A, Vitamin C)+4
−
What holds it back
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 52
PLUM ORGANIC APPLE SAUCE + FRUIT & VEGGIE, BLUEBERRY BLITZ! achieves a FoodScore of 52/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. The product receives bonuses for its fiber content, with 3.3g per 100g, contributing positively to digestive health. Additionally, it provides significant micronutrients, specifically 93% DV of Vitamin A and 15% DV of Vitamin C per 100g, which are beneficial for immune function and vision. However, the product incurs a penalty due to its NOVA 3 classification, indicating it is a processed food. While it contains whole food ingredients like organic apples, organic blueberries, and organic carrots, the inclusion of ingredients such as organic apple fiber and organic purple carrot juice concentrate, along with citric acid and ascorbic acid, moves it beyond a minimally processed state. This processing reduces its score compared to a whole-food snack alternative, such as a piece of fresh fruit, which would typically score higher due to its intact nutrient matrix and lack of processing. The absence of added sugar is a positive aspect, aligning with dietary guidelines to limit intake of added sugars.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in plum organic apple sauce + fruit & veggie, blueberry blitz! actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Vitamin A Intake
This PLUM product is a significant source of Vitamin A, providing 93% DV per 100g. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting proper cell growth and differentiation. The presence of organic carrots and organic purple carrot juice concentrate contributes to this high Vitamin A content. Incorporating snacks rich in Vitamin A can help meet daily requirements, especially for individuals who may not consume enough orange and purple vegetables.
Contributes to Fiber Intake
With 3.3g of fiber per 100g, this applesauce contributes to your daily fiber needs. Dietary fiber is essential for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and potentially supporting satiety. The fiber in this product comes from organic apples and organic apple fiber. While not a primary fiber source, it can be a convenient way to add a small amount of fiber to a child's or adult's diet, particularly when fresh fruit is not readily available.
Provides Vitamin C
This product supplies 15% DV of Vitamin C per 100g, an important antioxidant. Vitamin C plays a vital role in immune system support, collagen formation for healthy skin, and iron absorption. The inclusion of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as an ingredient, along with the natural content from fruits, ensures a measurable amount of this vitamin. This can be a useful contribution to daily vitamin C intake, especially for those seeking convenient fruit-based options.
PLUM ORGANIC APPLE SAUCE + FRUIT & VEGGIE, BLUEBERRY BLITZ! scores 52/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily due to its processed nature and meaningful micronutrient content.
How to eat it
This PLUM applesauce pouch is typically consumed as a convenient, on-the-go snack, often by children but also by adults. It's designed for direct consumption from the pouch, making it suitable for lunchboxes, travel, or quick breaks. The serving size is one pouch.
To enhance the nutritional profile, pair this pouch with a source of protein like a small handful of nuts or a cheese stick.
Consider this product as a fruit serving equivalent when fresh fruit is not accessible, but aim for whole fruits when possible.
For a more balanced snack, mix the applesauce into plain yogurt to add probiotics and protein.
Use this pouch as a sweetener in oatmeal or smoothies instead of added sugars to boost fruit content.
Things to keep in mind
This product is generally considered safe for consumption by the general population. It does not contain common allergens such as milk, soy, peanuts, or tree nuts, based on the ingredient list provided. The ingredient list is relatively short and free from artificial colors, flavors, or high-fructose corn syrup. The presence of citric acid and ascorbic acid are common food additives used for preservation and to enhance flavor, and are generally recognized as safe. Individuals with specific sensitivities to these acids might experience mild digestive discomfort, but this is uncommon. There are no specific interactions or population-specific warnings that stand out for this particular formulation.
Is PLUM ORGANIC APPLE SAUCE + FRUIT & VEGGIE, BLUEBERRY BLITZ! healthy?
This PLUM product scores 52/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. It offers beneficial vitamins A and C, along with some fiber, and contains no added sugar. However, as a processed product (NOVA 3), it's not as nutritionally dense as whole, unprocessed fruits and vegetables. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
How does PLUM applesauce compare to other snack pouches?
Compared to a generic fruit puree snack pouch, this PLUM product stands out for its inclusion of organic carrots and absence of added sugars. Many conventional applesauce pouches may contain added sugars or fewer vegetable components. For example, a Mott's Applesauce pouch might contain added sugar, making this PLUM option a better choice for those monitoring sugar intake.
What is 'organic apple fiber' and why is it in this product?
Organic apple fiber is a concentrated form of fiber derived from apples. It is included in this product to boost the overall fiber content, which can contribute to digestive health. While apples naturally contain fiber, adding concentrated apple fiber helps ensure a consistent and higher amount of this nutrient in the pouch.
Can I eat multiple pouches of this applesauce daily?
While this product is a source of vitamins and fiber, consuming multiple pouches daily could lead to an over-reliance on processed snacks. It's best to prioritize a variety of whole fruits and vegetables throughout the day. One or two pouches can fit into a balanced diet, but aim for diverse nutrient sources.
Is this product suitable for toddlers?
Yes, this PLUM product is often marketed towards toddlers and is suitable for them. Its smooth texture and convenient pouch format make it easy for young children to consume. The lack of added sugar and presence of vitamins A and C are positive attributes for a toddler's diet, but it should complement, not replace, a varied intake of whole foods.