Good And Gather Fruit Strips

Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing This Healthy Snack

As a parent, I’m always on the lookout for healthy, wholesome snacks to toss in my kids’ lunchboxes or keep around the house for quick bites. Recently, I came across Good And Gather Fruit Strips at Target and decided to give them a try. With so many fruit strip brands on the market, I wanted to do my research to see if these would be a smart buy for my family.

After digging into the ingredients, nutrition facts, flavors, buying options, and reviews, I’m sharing this ultimate buying guide for Good And Gather Fruit Strips so you can determine if they deserve a spot in your pantry!

A Quick Overview of Good And Gather Fruit Strips

Good And Gather is Target’s flagship food brand that promises quality ingredients without artificial flavors. The Fruit Strips come in a 0.8 oz pouch and are made with real fruit purees. They are also free from high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and synthetic colors.

Some of the unique flavors include Strawberry Banana, Mango Pineapple, Mixed Berry, and Apple. They aim to give kids a tasty on-the-go snack that parents can feel good about.

Now, let’s get into the details!

What Are Good & Gather Fruit Strips Made Of?

Checking the ingredient list is an important first step when evaluating any packaged food. Here are the main ingredients found in Good And Gather Fruit Strips:

• Fruit purees – The first ingredient is real fruit like strawberries, mangos, apples, and bananas. Fruit purees give the strips their flavor and sweetness.
• Sugars – Some strips also contain small amounts of added sugars like cane sugar and fruit juice concentrates. This boosts the sweetness but calories remain low.
• Pectin – This natural fiber from fruit peels and skins helps give the strips their chewy texture.
• Natural flavors – Small amounts of natural flavors derived from fruits or plants enhance the taste.
• Citric acid – Adds tartness and helps preserve freshness.

The short ingredient lists signal that these strips get their flavor from real fruit, not artificial additives. This gave me confidence in the quality!

Are Good & Gather Fruit Strips Healthy?

Given the simple, recognizable ingredients, I would consider Good And Gather Fruit Strips a healthy snack option. Here are some of the key nutrition facts:

• 80 calories per pouch – Great for curbing hunger without overloading on calories.
• 12g of sugar – The natural sugars from the fruit make it sweet but it’s not excessive.
• 20% DV of vitamin C – Fruit is packed with immunity-boosting vitamin C.
• 1 gram of fiber – The pectin adds a bit of filling fiber.
• Fat free – No added fats or oils make it light.
• Allergen free – The strips avoid common allergens like dairy, nuts, eggs, and soy.

While not as nutritious as raw fruit, these strips pack real fruit goodness in a grab-and-go form kids love. The vitamin C is a nice bonus!

Where Can I Buy Good & Gather Fruit Strips?

Since Good And Gather is Target’s exclusive brand, the Fruit Strips can only be purchased at Target stores or on the Target website.

You’ll find a variety of flavors in the snack aisle alongside other fruit leathers and snacks. They come in a multi-pack of boxes – usually 16 pouches for around $3.50.

Bulk boxes with 32-50 pouches are also available for bigger savings. And you can add them to online Target grocery pick up or delivery orders.

I like keeping a big box handy at home and tossing a few pouches in my bag whenever we’re on the go. The portable pouches make on-the-move snacking easy.

How Many Calories Are in Good & Gather Fruit Strips?

One of the first things I look at is calories, especially for kid-friendly snacks. I was pleased to see Good And Gather Fruit Strips contain just 80 calories per 0.8 oz pouch.

Since they are made with pureed fruit, the calories come mostly from natural sugars rather than added sugars or fats. An 80 calorie snack is right on target for keeping kids fueled between meals.

To compare, other popular fruit snacks contain 70-100 calories per pouch, so Good And Gather fits right into that range. For kids ages 4-13, an 80 calorie snack is perfectly sized according to nutrition guidelines.

Are Good & Gather Fruit Strips Vegan?

I was thrilled to discover that all flavors of Good And Gather Fruit Strips are vegan friendly. They contain no dairy, eggs, honey or other animal products.

The fruit purees give them plenty of flavor without needing add-ins like yogurt or cheese. And they skip food colorings derived from insects like some brands use.

This makes Good And Gather a great on-the-go snack for kids with dietary restrictions. It can be hard to find store-bought snacks that accommodate vegan diets, so this is a real win!

Do Good & Gather Fruit Strips Contain Artificial Flavors?

Nope, you won’t find any artificial flavors or colors in Good And Gather Fruit Strips. The ingredients stick to just real fruit, natural flavors, and spices for taste.

I steer clear of snacks with fake fruit flavors or excessive sweeteners. The mouth-puckering citric acid is the only additive for tartness and freshness. Everything else comes straight from nature!

This gives me assurance that the sweet berry, tropical mango, and tart apple flavors actually come from those real fruits. No fake flavor chemicals needed!

What Flavors Do Good & Gather Fruit Strips Come In?

One reason my kids love these strips is the yummy flavors! Here are the variety of tastes available:

• Strawberry Banana – Sweet strawberries and mellow banana make a classic combo. My son says they taste like smoothies!
• Mango Pineapple – Bursts of bright mango and tangy pineapple satisfy tropical cravings.
• Mixed Berry – A berry medley of strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and cherry. It’s like eating a fruit salad!
• Apple – Sweet and simply apple. Tart granny smith apples give it a nice zing.
• Fruit Punch – A blend of cherries, oranges, pineapples, grapes for a refreshing punchy flavor.

There’s a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors that keep kids’ tastebuds excited. We’ve enjoyed each unique flavor!

Are Good & Gather Fruit Strips Gluten-Free?

I was thrilled to confirm that all varieties of Good And Gather Fruit Strips are gluten-free.

They avoid any wheat-based ingredients that could trigger gluten intolerance or celiac disease. I don’t have to worry about symptoms when my daughter eats these strips.

Many leading fruit strip brands are not gluten-free, so it’s great to have a tasty mainstream option like Good And Gather. My gluten-free kid doesn’t feel left out at lunchtime!

How Long Do Good & Gather Fruit Strips Last?

Properly stored, Good And Gather Fruit Strips have a shelf life of about 18 months. That’s reassuring since my kids don’t go through snacks too quickly!

The pouches help lock in freshness and prevent moisture loss. Unopened, the strips stay fresh for well over a year in the pantry.

Once opened, try to use up within a month. You can extend the shelf life by storing opened pouches in a sealed container or bag.

If the strips dry out a bit past a month, a quick zap in the microwave softens them back up! With an 18 month shelf life, stock up on sales without worrying about waste.

Can Good & Gather Fruit Strips Be Included in a Child’s Lunch?

Good And Gather Fruit Strips make an awesome addition to school or daycare lunches! The portable pouches slip easily into lunchboxes.

Kids love ripping open the pouches for sweet fruity flavor at lunchtime. And parents appreciate that they pack nutrition.

The smaller 0.8 oz size fits into lunchtime appetite and dietary guidelines. An 80 calorie pouch plus yogurt, sandwich, veggies and milk makes a balanced meal.

They don’t require refrigeration so you don’t have to stress if they sit in a hot locker for hours! Much better than sugary cookies or candy for an on-the-go lunchbox treat.

Are There Any Allergens in Good & Gather Fruit Strips?

Good And Gather Fruit Strips are free from major food allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and wheat. This makes them safe for most kids with food restrictions.

Always double check labels for specialty diets, as manufacturing can change. But generally those with milk, egg, peanut, tree nut or soy allergies can enjoy these strips without worry.

The lack of common allergens makes these easy snacks for school, sports, parties or any busy situation when you need to grab something allergy-safe. No anaphylaxis worries here!

What Is the Price of Good & Gather Fruit Strips?

Considering the simple, high-quality ingredients, I think Good And Gather Fruit Strips provide excellent value. Here’s a look at typical pricing:

• $3.49 for a 16 count box – About 22 cents per pouch
• $9.99 for a 44 count box – About 23 cents per pouch
• $15.99 for a 72 count box – About 22 cents per pouch

Compared to alternatives like Annie’s, Stretch Island and Welch’s Fruit Snacks, Good And Gather is very competitively priced. Most other natural fruit strips cost 25-35 cents per pouch.

For the ingredient quality, allergy-friendly formula, and great taste, I think Good And Gather is a steal! Stock up when Target runs sales or offers Cartwheel digital coupons for extra savings.

How Are Good & Gather Fruit Strips Packaged?

The packaging for Good And Gather Fruit Strips is designed specifically for grab-and-go portability.

Each 0.8 oz serving comes in an individual foil pouch. The pouches are easy for little hands to grip and tear open.

The foil keeps the strips fresh while also allowing you to see the fruit colors through the packaging.

For the multi-packs, the pouches are packed in lightweight cardboard boxes. The large packs meant for home stay nice and secure with a sturdy box.

The portable smaller 6 or 8 count packs are perfect for tossing in a bag to take along anywhere. The packaging makes on-the-move snacking mess-free.

What Is the Nutritional Information for Good & Gather Fruit Strips?

Here are the key nutrition facts for a 0.8 oz pouch of Good And Gather Fruit Strips:

• 80 calories
• 0g fat
• 0mg sodium
• 20% DV vitamin C
• 1g fiber
• 12g sugar

The low calorie count and zero fat makes these a light, slimming snack. You get a hefty dose of immune-boosting vitamin C too.

There is 12 grams of natural sugar from the fruit, so they are sweetened, but not excessively. The fiber helps balance out the sugars.

Overall, I’m satisfied with the nutrition facts. These hold up well compared to other similar snacks. A tasty way for kids to get some fruit goodness!

Are Good & Gather Fruit Strips Organic?

The fruit purees and ingredients in Good And Gather Fruit Strips are not certified organic. But I still consider them a quality option.

Despite not being organic, they stick to simple, recognizable ingredients you’d find in an organic product. There are no preservatives, colors or flavors that are concerning.

The Focus on Fruit promise means real fruit is the first ingredient rather than juices or flavoring. So you get lots of nutrient-dense fruit in each pouch.

Good And Gather abides by Target’s strict standards against harmful pesticides and chemicals too. So you can feel assured the fruit purees are wholesome.

How Do Good & Gather Fruit Strips Compare to Other Brands?

After trying many fruit strip brands, I think Good And Gather holds its own in terms of taste, quality and nutrition. Here’s how it stacks up:

• Annie’s Organic Fruit Snacks – Also free of fake ingredients but contains more sugar. Higher price tag too.
• Welch’s Fruit Snacks – Much more processed with corn syrup and fake flavors. Not gluten free either.
• Stretch Island Fruit Co. – Comparable in quality but only available at select stores. More expensive.
• Motts Fruit Flavors Snacks – Again, more artificial flavors and high-fructose corn syrup. Not gluten free.

For an accessible, mainstream brand, Good And Gather Fruit Strips are one of the best options out there in my opinion. The focus on quality ingredients sets them apart from Welch’s and Motts.

Can I Order Good & Gather Fruit Strips Online?

Since Target is a staple for so many shoppers, ordering Good And Gather Fruit Strips online is a breeze. You can add them to any Target grocery pickup or delivery order.

When shopping Target.com or the Target app, search for Good And Gather Fruit Strips to see all the flavor varieties and multipack options. Add them to your cart just like any other item.

The strips ship free when ordering online for delivery, or you can pickup in-store for free. This makes it easy to keep my pantry stocked!

Target Cartwheel frequently offers discounts on Good And Gather products, so be sure to check for savings before buying. Online ordering lets you skip the store and still snag deals.

Are There Any Reviews for Good & Gather Fruit Strips?

As a new Target brand, reviews are still limited, but initial impressions of Good And Gather Fruit Strips seem positive. Here’s a sampling:

• “My kids love these as a healthy snack. Much better than the artificial Welch’s fruit snacks.”
• “The mango flavor is delicious and tastes like real fruit, not chemicals.”
• “Happy to have found a gluten-free brand that my daughter enjoys.”
• “Great price for the ingredient quality compared to Annie’s Organic snacks.”
• “My preschooler eats these up and the smaller pouches are perfect size for his lunchbox.”

The focus on wholesome, recognizable ingredients, cute fun shapes, and yummy flavors seems to be a hit with parents and kids alike. An affordable option that still delivers quality.

How Are Good & Gather Fruit Strips Made?

The Good And Gather website provides some basic details on how they craft their Fruit Strips to maintain quality:

• Fruit purees – Made from fresh ripe fruit pureed into a smooth paste. Provides authentic flavor.
• Slow cooking – The fruit puree is slowly cooked while stirring to achieve the perfect texture.
• Sheeted – The mixture is spread thin and evenly onto trays before going into drying ovens.
• Dried – Low and slow dehydration removes just enough moisture to make the strips chewy but still soft.
• Cut – Rolls are cut into fun fruit shapes with a die cutter.
• Packaged – Strips are quickly sealed into portable pouches to lock in freshness.

Knowing the simple process reassures me that the ingredients maintain their nutritional value and real fruit flavor.

What Is the Shelf Life of Good & Gather Fruit Strips?

The well-sealed pouches give Good And Gather Fruit Strips an impressively long shelf life. Unopened pouches stay fresh for 18 months from the manufacturing date.

Once opened, try to finish within 1 month. Keep any pouches you don’t finish quickly sealed up.

You can also freeze opened pouches for 3-4 months. Let thaw for 10 minutes before eating.

With an 18 month shelf life, you don’t have to panic if you buy the jumbo packs and can’t finish them up before your kids move onto a new favorite snack!

The Final Verdict

After taking a deep dive into all the important factors – ingredients, nutrition, taste, buying options, and price – I can confidently recommend Good And Gather Fruit Strips as a smart, nutritious purchase.

The focus on quality ingredients, avoidance of concerning additives, short list of allergen-free ingredients, and great real fruit flavor makes these a win in my book.

While not certified organic, the minimally processed nature still fits my criteria for wholesome kid snacks. And I appreciate that Target managed to keep costs low despite using quality fruit purees.

With yummy variety, travel-ready pouches, and nutrition facts that deliver, Good And Gather Fruit Strips will definitely become a lunchbox and on-the-go staple for my family. I think your kiddos will love them too!