Dr. Robert Cook - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Robert Cook

Is Capri Sun Bad For You?


Grade

D


Short answer

Capri Sun isn't going to cause you serious harm, but it definitely isn't good for you. Though it does not contain any artificial colors or sweeteners, Capri Sun is very high in sugar with little to no nutritional value.

Grade

D

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

Capri Sun is a flavored juice beverage usually enjoyed by children. In response to recent criticisms from consumers and researchers about the amount of preservatives, artificial ingredients, and high fructose corn syrup in products targeted at children, Kraft changed the Capri Sun recipes early in 2015 to eliminate these ingredients. According to the Capri Sun website, the updated recipes contain water, sugar, fruit concentrates, citric acid, and natural flavors. The fruit concentrates are processed enough that no nutritional value (vitamins, calcium, fiber) from the fruit remains in the final product. While none of these ingredients are toxic, Capri Sun is still essentially a sugary beverage with no nutritional value.

High fructose corn syrup has been widely criticized in the media recently, though studies do not conclusively support claims that it is worse than sugar. Though Capri Sun now contains no corn syrup, it still has 13 grams of sugar per pouch. In 2015 the World Health Organization published sugar guidelines recommending children and adults limit added sugar intake to less than 25 grams daily. This means a single Capri Sun pouch would account for over half of your total added sugar intake for the day. 

A sugar rush every now and then isn't that risky, but habitually consuming high-sugar foods and beverages can cause more serious problems. Spikes in blood sugar lead to increased insulin production, which contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes over time. Excessive sugar intake is also commonly linked with obesity in clinical studies, especially childhood obesity. Furthermore, high sugar diets increase the risk for heart disease.

Even though Capri Sun is not full of artificial ingredients and preservatives, it still isn't good for you. Real fruit juice (not from concentrate) is just as delicious, and a more nutritional option with vitamins and minerals necessary for good health. 
 


Possible short-term side effects

  • spike in blood sugar

Possible long-term side effects

  • weight gain
  • obesity
  • type 2 diabetes
  • heart disease
  • cancer

Ingredients to be aware of



Benefits

  • no artificial sweeteners
  • no artificial preservatives

Healthier alternatives

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

Honest Kids Juice

  • Organic juice drink
  • Super fruit flavors
  • Convenient juice boxes
  • No added sugar
  • USDA Organic certified
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Leah Bolton
Published on: 01-22-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Leah Bolton
Published on: 01-22-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023




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