Are fruit snacks really that bad for my child’s teeth?

Answer: Yes. Unfortunately, fruit snacks are not a healthy snack for teeth or a nutritious substitute for real fruit. Most fruit snacks are essentially sticky, sugary candy marketed to look like fruit. Because they stick to teeth and can linger in the grooves and between teeth, they can increase the risk of cavities.

And despite the name, fruit snacks are not the same as eating real fruit. Real fruit provides important nutrients and fiber and is a much better choice for your child’s overall health.

If your child loves fruit snacks, I recommend thinking of them as a candy or treat, not a nutritious everyday snack. Instead, choose real fruit whenever possible!