Food Label for Yogurt Pouch: Stonyfield Organic
Yogurt Pouch: Stonyfield OrganicThis Stonyfield Organic yogurt pouch is marketed as a healthy snack for kids, but let's take a closer look. Overall, it's a decent option, but there are a few things to be aware of. It has 90 calories, 2g fat, 5g protein, and 9g total sugars (4g added). Benefit #1: Good source of protein (5g). Protein is important for kids' growth and development, and this pouch provides a reasonable amount. Benefit #2: Contains live active cultures. These are beneficial for gut health, which is especially important for kids. Concern #1: Added sugars. While it has less sugar than some other kids' yogurts, 4g of added sugars is still something to be mindful of. It contributes to 8% of the daily value, which isn't terrible, but it adds up if your child consumes multiple sugary items throughout the day. The sugar comes from organic cane sugar, which isn't inherently better than regular cane sugar. Concern #2: Natural flavors. The source and safety of "natural flavors" are not transparent. Alternatives: Consider plain yogurt with fruit. It has no added sugars and you control the sweetness. If you're looking for convenience, consider other yogurt pouches with lower added sugar content. Look for brands that use fruit purees for sweetness instead of cane sugar. Pair with whole grains to balance blood sugar.