Smacker’s Stawberry Fruit Spread

 

What are my personal thoughts on a product that contains corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup? Not good. It has been linked to weight gain  may cause damage to the liver  and some even suggest it is more toxic than table sugar.  Many of you will realise that I’m not a big fan of processed foods, especially when fed to children.  The main reason behind this is, that it sets a precedent to children “food comes out of a packet”. When in fact we should be teaching children that food  should be whole and should not come out of plastic wrappers or squeezed bottles.  So what is in Smackers fruit spread? The ingredient list reads:

Strawberries
Corn syrup
High fructose corn syrup
Sugar
Pectin
Citric Acid
Grape juice concentrate
Natural flavour

Now not only do I look at the ingredient list, I also check out the nutritional panel, as well as the jingles, slogans and  misson statements on food packets.  Then I will make a  conscious decision what the product represents and in this case it is –  Junk.   You can read the Smuckers fruit spread motto below.

“In 1897, J.M.Smucker began producing fine quality fruit spreads the old fashion way from his home in Orrville, Ohio. Today, Smucker continues the tradition of providing the finest fruit spreads”

Old fashion fruit spreads contained only two ingredients, not eight as listed. The finest products also do not contain high fructose corn syrup.  So while Smuckers will try every jingle, statement to get you to buy, buy, buy. You can make your own while cooking dinner using only two ingredients, the old fashioned way.  Click for the recipe here.