FRUIT FORWARD

Use these simple shopping tips to help you choose the best options for your family, routine, and budget!

BUYER’S GUIDE:

FRESH:

• Offers incredible taste and variety throughout the year.
• For best flavor and lowest cost, follow the seasons: eat berries in the summer, apples in fall, citrus in the winter.
• Apples and oranges have the best staying power. Keep them in the refrigerator and they’ll stay fresh for weeks.
• For fruits that don’t last long, freeze whatever you won’t eat right away. Larger fruit, like bananas, can be cut into chunks first and then frozen.

FROZEN

• Provides easy, year-round options with minimal prep.
• Stock up on different varieties when they’re on sale. Then just thaw in the fridge overnight, or pop frozen fruit directly into the blender for a smoothie.
• When the weather is hot, keep kids cool with a snack of frozen grapes or berries (making sure the pieces are small enough to avoid choking hazards), or freeze smoothies to make popsicles.

DRIED

• Perfect for convenient and healthy snacks on the go.
• Fruit bars and dried fruit can be ordered online when you want to stock up. When possible, try to avoid those with juices, purees, concentrates, or added sugars.
• Go beyond raisins! Expand your horizons with mango, strawberries, or fig.
• Shelf-stable and easily portable, making them one of the most convenient ways to consume fruit.
• Allergen-free options make safe school snacks.

CANNED

• Has amazing lasting power and requires no refrigeration.
• Canned fruit remains shelf stable for years, so consider buying extra when your favorite variety is on sale.
• To avoid added sugar, look for fruit packed in water or 100% juice rather than syrup.
• Try adding canned fruit to plain yogurt for a refreshing and filling breakfast.