Holding a tiny, child-sized bag of fruit snacks in my adult-sized hand immediately transported me back to sitting cross-legged on the train tracks rug of my first grade classroom. I would take each gummy out of its crinkly packaging, one by one, and place them in color-coated piles on the absolutely filthy ground. When I was finished with this ritual, I would fill my (also absolutely filthy) hand with each pile and consume them whole.
As I’ve matured, I’ve strayed from this once beloved practice. In fact, this taste test was probably the first time I’d eaten fruit snacks in at least fifteen years. Sadly, my boss would not let me eat them off the floor. We did, however, spend quite a bit of time at a table assessing the chewiness, fruitiness, and shape of all types of fruit snacks. These are our top seven.
- Trader Joe’s Apple Fruit Snacks
If you’re looking for real fruit flavor and a short, simple ingredient list, you need to toss these Apple Fruit Snacks in your cart the next time you’re at Trader Joe’s. They pack an impressively authentic punch of apple flavor. These were the wildcards when it came to texture. Biting into one of these felt much more like eating a fancy, all-natural fruit leather than a stereotypical “fruit snack.” Even the crunchiest, granola mom would let you have these.
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- Mott’s Assorted Fruit Snacks
These are lower on the list because, in reality, they are similar but inferior to our #1 pick, Welch’s Mixed Fruit Snacks. That being said, these definitely earned their place. They are the only fruit gummy we tried that contains a mix of fruits and veggies! Multiple people also remarked on their exceptional texture. If Welch’s aren’t available, grab a pack of Mott’s and you’ll be equally satisfied.
Credit: Ryan Martin / Target
- Welch’s Fruit ‘n Yogurt Strawberry Snacks
I never thought I would use the word “mature” to describe a packet of fruit snacks, but then I met Welch’s Fruit ‘n Yogurt Strawberry Snacks. After popping one of these into my mouth, I started daydreaming about adding them to a cheese board with a wedge of Roquefort, a squirt of dijonnaise, and some candied cayenne pecans. They aren’t overly sweet and have the perfect, Craisin-like texture. The light yogurt coating elevates them to something beyond a fruit snack. They become a flavor sensation for a sophisticated palate.
Credit: Ryan Martin / Amazon
- Betty Crocker Scooby-Doo Snacks Fruit Snacks
It’s hard to not feel a childlike excitement when you see these Scooby-Doo fruit snacks. The shapes are so fun and nostalgic. Scooby, Shaggy, and the rest of the Mystery Inc. gang greet you when you tear open the package. These definitely fall into the category of things that taste better because they’re a fun shape, like the Spongebob Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and dino nuggets. Unfortunately, these lose two sporks because the green Mystery Machine gummies could use some work in the flavor department. Don’t worry: The other five flavors are scrumptious and totally make up for it.
Credit: Ryan Martin / Amazon
- Great Value Original Fruit Smiles
These Walmart brand Fruit Smiles have a cult-like following. Believers insist they are the elite individually packaged snacking gummy. Our taste test was my first venture into the world of Fruit Smiles and I certainly get their appeal now. Their texture and shape are what stand out to me. They remind me more of DOTS Gumdrops candy than a classic fruit snack. Unlike DOTS, however, they feel healthier because they are not candy. They’re fruit snacks! Fruit!!!
Credit: Ryan Martin / Walmart
- Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks Variety Pack
If these were not unbelievably sticky (the flaw that lost them one spork), they would be the perfect fruit gummy. They taste and smell like actual berries. The mouthfeel? Glorious. Their softness sets them apart from the other gummies on the list. While most other gummies on the market have a quintessential firmness, these gummies are floppy. With the variety pack, you get both Summer Strawberry and Berry Patch. Who doesn’t love options?
Credit: Ryan Martin / Walmart
- Welch’s Mixed Fruit Snacks
If you look up “fruit snacks” in the dictionary, there is probably a picture of a package of Welch’s Fruit Snacks (don’t test me on this). They are the most classic, fruit snack-y tasting fruit snacks you can possibly imagine. I thought these would be my favorite going into our taste test, but I wasn’t sure if my bias was based on the fact that these are generally the most popular gummies on the market. Turns out, my bias was correct! Their texture is pleasantly springy without being too chewy. The fruity flavor is authentic and mostly natural with just a tinge of the artificial flavor you desire from a packaged snack.
Credit: Ryan Martin / Target
Best Fruit Flavor
Best Made with Veggies
Best Mature
Best Nostalgia Trip
Best Budget
Best Organic
Best of the Best
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