SUNKIST PINEAPPLE COCONUT BLEND TRAIL MIX scores 24/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its high content of added sugar, which significantly outweighs its modest fiber and protein contributions.
This SUNKIST trail mix has a FoodScore of 24/100, indicating it is best avoided as a regular snack.
The product contains 30.93g of added sugar per 100g, a primary factor in its low score.
It offers some fiber (4.7g) and protein (6.98g) per 100g, but these are minor benefits.
As a NOVA 3 processed food, it is less optimal than a whole-food snack alternative.
Consider this product for occasional use, mindful of its serving size and sugar content.
Scores -17 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
4.7g
17% of Daily Value
Protein
6.98g
14% of Daily Value
Added sugar
30.93g
62% of Daily Value
Sodium
116.05mg
5% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (4.7g)+5
Protein (7.0g)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (30.9g)-25
Saturated fat (4.7g)-3
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 24
The SUNKIST PINEAPPLE COCONUT BLEND TRAIL MIX receives a FoodScore of 24 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely driven by its significant added sugar content, which stands at 30.93g per 100g, incurring a substantial penalty of 25 points. The ingredient list reveals that most of the dried fruits, including "DRIED PINEAPPLE" and "DRIED CRANBERRIES," have sugar added, contributing to this high amount. Additionally, the product contains 4.65g of saturated fat per 100g, leading to a 3-point penalty. As a NOVA 3 classified food, indicating it is processed, it incurs an additional 5-point penalty. On the positive side, the product gains 5 points for its 4.7g of fiber and 2 points for its 6.98g of protein per 100g. However, these bonuses are insufficient to offset the penalties from added sugar, saturated fat, and its processed nature, resulting in its low overall score when compared to a whole-food snack alternative.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in sunkist pineapple coconut blend trail mix actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Provides Dietary Fiber
This SUNKIST trail mix contains 4.7g of fiber per 100g. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health and can contribute to feelings of fullness. While not exceptionally high, this amount can contribute to your daily fiber intake, which many Americans do not meet. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet supports regular bowel movements and overall gut function.
Source of Protein
With 6.98g of protein per 100g, this product offers a modest amount of this macronutrient. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and plays a role in various bodily functions. The protein primarily comes from the roasted almonds and cashews. While not a primary protein source, it can contribute to satiety when consumed as part of a balanced snack.
Offers Some Micronutrients
The trail mix provides 93.02mg of calcium (7% DV) and 1.67mg of iron (9% DV) per 100g. Calcium is vital for bone health, and iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood. While these percentages are not high, they can add to your daily intake of these important minerals, especially if your diet is varied and includes other nutrient-dense foods.
SUNKIST PINEAPPLE COCONUT BLEND TRAIL MIX scores 24/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its high content of added sugar, which significantly outweighs its modest fiber and protein contributions.
How to eat it
Trail mix is typically consumed as a convenient, on-the-go snack, often marketed for energy during activities. However, the SUNKIST PINEAPPLE COCONUT BLEND TRAIL MIX is high in added sugar, making portion control crucial. A common pitfall is consuming the entire bag, which can lead to excessive sugar intake.
To improve the nutritional profile, pair a small portion of this trail mix with a handful of unsalted nuts or seeds to increase healthy fats and protein.
Consider mixing a small amount into plain Greek yogurt or oatmeal to add flavor and texture without relying solely on the mix for nutrients, helping to dilute the sugar content.
Use this trail mix as an occasional treat rather than a daily snack, focusing on mindful portioning to manage added sugar intake.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with allergies to tree nuts (almonds, cashews, coconut) should avoid this product, as these are prominent ingredients. The presence of sulfur dioxide in the dried coconut is a preservative that can trigger asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. The high added sugar content, at over 30g per 100g, is a significant consideration for individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes or those aiming to reduce overall sugar consumption. While generally safe for most, the processed nature (NOVA 3) and added oils like cottonseed oil are factors to consider for those prioritizing whole, minimally processed foods.
Is SUNKIST PINEAPPLE COCONUT BLEND TRAIL MIX a healthy snack?
This SUNKIST trail mix scores 24/100, indicating it is not a healthy choice for regular consumption. Its primary drawback is the high amount of added sugar, which significantly outweighs its modest contributions of fiber and protein. For a healthier snack, consider whole fruits or plain nuts.
How does this SUNKIST trail mix compare to other trail mixes?
Compared to a generic trail mix that might contain mostly unsalted nuts and seeds with minimal dried fruit, this SUNKIST product has a higher added sugar content due to the sugar-sweetened dried fruits. For example, a brand like Planters Nut & Chocolate Trail Mix might have similar sugar levels if it includes candy, but a simpler mix like Trader Joe's Simply the Best Trek Mix would likely have less added sugar.
What is 'DRIED PINEAPPLE (PINEAPPLE, SUGAR, CITRIC ACID)'?
This ingredient indicates that the pineapple has been dried and then sweetened with added sugar, and citric acid is included, likely as a preservative or for flavor. This is a common practice for dried fruits to enhance taste and extend shelf life, but it contributes to the overall added sugar in the product.
What is a reasonable portion size for this trail mix?
The declared serving size is 1 BAG, but this is based on a package size and not necessarily a nutritionally appropriate portion for everyone. Given the high added sugar, a more reasonable portion for many individuals might be half a bag or even less, especially if consumed regularly. Focus on the nutritional information per 100g to understand the impact of your chosen portion.
Can I eat this trail mix if I am trying to reduce my sugar intake?
If you are trying to reduce your sugar intake, this trail mix is not an ideal choice due to its 30.93g of added sugar per 100g. It would be best to choose snacks with no or very low added sugar. If you do consume it, do so infrequently and in very small portions.