Guest Post by Mira Dessy, Certified Nutrition Educator and holistic health columnist helping others eat well to be well.
One of my readers, sent in this picture and comment/question about these apples.
“We came across these apples at Stop & Shop here in town. We could not believe our eyes when we saw flavored apples!! I told my husband to take a pic to send to you because I wasn’t sure you would believe me when I tell you that they had bubblegum flavored apples. I believe there were four flavors total to choose from.
I’m curious what your thoughts are. I walked away all kinds of confused. Was this an attempt to help kids with poor eating habits cross over the healthy eating or the other way around? How exactly did they alter this apple to make it flavored? And of course the obvious…yet another example of FAKE food.
Oh and as you can see it’s was placed right next to the apples and the packaging says ready to eat snack. What’s so difficult about preparing an apple for eating? hmmm you wash it?!?!”
Good eye, and good thinking. This is very similar to something I just saw in my local grocery store called grapples. Research indicates that the flavoring comes from “natural” (read possible MSG ingredients) and artificial flavoring. It seems that the apples are marinated for several days in an undoubtedly chemical concoction which allows the apple to soak up the flavor. This process has apparently been approved by the FDA.
The Grapple company website assures the consumer that the product has not been genetically modified and there are no added sugars or calories. Unfortunately there is a huge chemical load, not just from the flavorings, but one assumes these are not organic apples and therefore potentially high in pesticide residue.
The Crazy Apple company website says they can’t tell you how they do it but I assume it’s the same sort of process. They do however assure you that their apples are gluten free (duh!), dairy free (again, duh!), and contain no soy or nuts.
I believe this is seen as a way to market apples to kids but I’m not really sure why this sort of adulteration is seen as a positive. Since apples by themselves are sweet, crunchy, and tasty I’m not sure what the appeal is here. Unfortunately I see this as a big step backwards as items like these further dull the taste buds to what food should taste like.
Update: It turns out these apples are being spotted all over the place and most of you are not happy about it. My friend Adrienne says, “If you want a grape flavored apple take a slice of apple and some grapes. Eat them together. It’s a party in your mouth!” Good advice.
Mira and Trudy, this article certainly makes you ponder our feelings toward food. The idea that apples have to be enhanced to be tasty is ridiculous. (Mira, loved the “gluten free — duh!” comment.) Unfortunately, we’ve become so accustomed to enhanced flavors. If, for example, you’re accustomed to eating lots of sugar, an apple may taste bitter or bland. Our sense of taste is definitely fooled by all the sugar we consume. So a big thank you, Trudy, for helping wean me off sugar — now fruit tastes incredibly sweet and is a treat to eat, rather than a chore.
Kamran
You are so welcome! how wonderful for fruit to be a treat…that is how it should be! Glad you enjoyed Mira’s guest post!
Trudy
I think we are starting to actually see “fake food” or “non-food food” in stores. Yuck.
Always learn something new here.
ICK! I read this article title and thought – gross!! You’re messing with a naturally good thing here 🙂 I agree with Sue. Yuck.
Brian and I were just talking about this trend of seeing fake/processed food being marketed and passed off as natural and healthy … it’s disappointing that this is the reality and that many people will believe the marketing and feed it to their kids 🙁
If we are going to fight the obesity problem in America, it needs to not only start at home by not buying this junk … but I also think these food manufacturers/companies etc. need to take some responsibility with the junk they are producing and passing off as healthy.
Hi Jennifer
Yes it’s sad that so many folks don’t know the difference, but it’s even more sad that the government allows these big food companies to get away with it! money money money!
I’m so pleased to hear that you and Brian are so aware! your kids are very fortunate!
Trudy
Trudy,
I am saddened by that processing and modification of food. If it’s not “real” it shouldn’t be presented as food.
Write on!~
Lisa Manyon
YIKES! It is really a challenge to raise healthy kiddos especially when garbage food like this is being sold. I can control what happens in the home but once she visits a friend or family member it gets hard. I’m glad you let us know about this. Thank you.
Kiyla Fenell
Kiyla
Good point – and doing what you’re doing at home and setting a good example is the right way to do it. Your kids will learn from you and will know when to say no when they’re out with friends and family. Also a little “healthy” (no pun intended) conversation with friends and family will help for them to know your stance.
Trudy