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The Untold Truth About Fruit Gushers: A colorful and delicious snack
Fruit Gushers, the chewy and juicy packaged snack, have captured the hearts of many with their vibrant colors and burst of flavor. In this article, we delve into the untold truth of Fruit Gushers, exploring their history, ingredients, controversies, and even their surprising collaborations. Join us as we unravel the mysteries behind this beloved treat.
The Birth of a Sweet Gem
Fruit Gushers debuted in the early ’90s and quickly became a favorite of children and adults alike. Sold under the Betty Crocker sub-brand of General Mills, these little gem-like treats with a juicy center have found their place on store shelves for more than 30 years. Despite being labeled as a fruit snack, Fruit Gushers lean more toward the candy side of the spectrum, as Redditors have confirmed. Let’s take a closer look at why these colorful snacks have stood the test of time.
The Controversies
Like any popular snack, Fruit Gushers have faced their fair share of controversy. In early 2022, General Mills faced a class action lawsuit alleging false advertising on the packaging of Fruit Gushers. The snack claimed to have no artificial ingredients, but one of the ingredients listed was malic acid. While malic acid occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables, General Mills used DL-malic acid, a synthetic version derived from petroleum. The revelation sparked debate about the artificiality of the snack and its classification.
Vegan and gluten-free indulgence
Contrary to expectations, Fruit Gushers are a vegan-friendly snack. Their gummy texture is achieved by using agar-agar, a gelatin substitute derived from seaweed. This means that Fruit Gushers contain no animal products, making them an appropriate choice for those following a vegan lifestyle. In addition, all Fruit Gushers are gluten-free as none of the main ingredients, such as sugar, corn syrup and palm oil, contain gluten. This makes Fruit Gushers a celiac-safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
From snack to lip balm
The love for Fruit Gushers goes beyond eating them. The snack brand has partnered with Taste Beauty to create Gushers-infused lip balms in several flavors, including Gushing Grape, Triple Berry and Rockin’ Blue Raspberry. Although these lip balms are not edible, they offer a sweet reminder of the beloved fruit snack. While the lip balms are no longer in production, they can still be found through third-party online retailers.
Unconventional pairings
Fruit Gushers may be known for their sweet and fruity flavor, but they can also be used in unexpected recipes. Food blogger Melinda Strauss experimented with the sweet-sour combination by encapsulating Fruit Gushers with Italian sausage and simmering them in a tangy marinara sauce. This unique twist adds a burst of flavor to traditional meatballs. Fruit Gushers have also found their way into adult-oriented recipes, such as champagne mimosa-filled Gushers for those with adventurous palates.
Fruit Gushers as edible jewelry
The gem-like appearance of Fruit Gushers has inspired some creative people to turn them into wearable, edible jewelry. From edible necklaces to bling-tastic rings, the bold and bright colors of Fruit Gushers have become a source of inspiration for jewelry designers. Texas-based jewelry company Vinca even created earrings that pay tribute to the fruit snack. These edible accessories add a touch of fun and whimsy to any outfit.
Welch’s Juicy contest
As the iconic fruit snack of millennials, Fruit Gushers faced competition from Welch’s, which launched its adult-oriented version called Juicefuls. These opaque snacks with real fruit filling come in flavors like Island Splash, Berry Blast and Mixed Fruit. While Juicefuls received positive reviews for their flavor, some found the gummy texture to be a bit of a challenge. Nevertheless, this effort by Welch’s demonstrates the enduring popularity and influence of Fruit Gushers in the snacking industry.
Collaborations and Pop Culture
Fruit Gushers have made their mark on pop culture and become the subject of exciting collaborations. In 2018, the snack brand partnered with Slushcult to create a limited-edition line of neon-colored clothing, while HotTopic introduced tie-dyed t-shirts featuring the geometric snack. Fruit Gushers also ventured into the realm of yogurt-inspired products, collaborating with Yoplait to create a fruit snack-inspired treat. These collaborations not only showcase the appeal of Fruit Gushers, but also highlight the power of food and fashion partnerships.
The legacy continues
Despite controversy and imitation, Fruit Gushers remain a beloved snack for generations. Their colorful appearance, chewy texture and burst of fruity flavor continue to captivate taste buds and evoke feelings of nostalgia. Whether enjoyed by millennials who grew up with them or their offspring, Fruit Gushers have become a staple of lunchboxes, movie nights and snack time.
Bottom line
Fruit Gushers have truly made a name for themselves in the world of snacking. From their humble beginnings in the ’90s to their enduring popularity today, these chewy, juicy treats have become a cultural phenomenon. Whether you enjoy them for their vibrant colors, unique flavors, or childhood memories, there’s no denying the irresistible charm of Fruit Gushers. So the next time you indulge in these little fruity gems, remember the untold truth behind their creation and enjoy the burst of flavor that has captured the hearts of snack lovers everywhere.
Note: This article is based on information contained in the following URL: “https://www.mashed.com/213952/the-untold-truth-of-fruit-gushers/”.
FAQS
Are Fruit Gushers a healthy snack?
Fruit Gushers are not typically considered a healthy snack. Although they are labeled as a fruit snack, their high sugar content and artificial ingredients place them more in the candy category.
What flavors are available in Fruit Gushers?
Fruit Gushers originally started with two flavors, but now offer a variety of options. There are currently five core flavors available, with the brand adding and subtracting flavors from time to time throughout its 30+ year history.
Are Fruit Gushers vegan friendly?
Yes, Fruit Gushers are vegan friendly. They contain no animal products and use agar-agar, a gelatin substitute derived from seaweed, to achieve their gummy texture.
Are Fruit Gushers gluten free?
Yes, Fruit Gushers are gluten free. None of the main ingredients used in Fruit Gushers, such as sugar, corn syrup and palm oil, contain gluten, making them a safe option for people with gluten sensitivities.
Has there been any controversy surrounding Fruit Gushers?
Yes, there have been controversies surrounding Fruit Gushers. In early 2022, General Mills faced a class action lawsuit alleging false advertising on Fruit Gushers packaging due to the presence of DL-malic acid, a synthetic version of malic acid derived from petroleum.
Have there been any unusual collaborations related to Fruit Gushers?
Yes, Fruit Gushers has been involved in some unique collaborations. For example, they have partnered with Taste Beauty to create Gushers-infused lip balms in a variety of flavors. In addition, Fruit Gushers have worked with Yoplait to create yogurt-inspired products based on the popular fruit snack.