Healthy Food Guide by KarbCoach
Gushers Watermelon And Sour Apple Fruit Flavored Snacks: Food Integrity analysis
Quick answer
Lower integrity
Gushers watermelon and sour apple fruit flavored snacks received a Food Integrity Score of 34 out of 100 (lower integrity). This reflects ultra-processed and high additive load. This reads like a textbook fruit-flavored candy rather than a fruit snack, with fruit puree sitting far down the list behind multiple sugars and refined starches. It is a treat best kept occasional rather than an everyday snack. The combination of three synthetic dyes, several texture and stabilizing agents, and a vague natural flavor drives the lower integrity read. Main considerations include synthetic dyes red 40, yellow 5, and blue 1, multiple refined sugars and corn syrup, and modified starch, gums, and emulsifiers. Simpler options: Choose fruit with no added sugar or synthetic dyes; look for fruit snacks sweetened with fruit juice and colored with plant extracts.
Food Integrity Score 34/100
What stood out on the label?
- Ultra-processed
- High additive load
- Transparency: Medium
What to watch?
- Synthetic dyes Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1
- Multiple refined sugars and corn syrup
- Modified starch, gums, and emulsifiers
Simpler options to consider
- Choose fruit with no added sugar or synthetic dyes
- Look for fruit snacks sweetened with fruit juice and colored with plant extracts
You are viewing ingredients and processing. Switch to Longevity for nutrition and longer-term eating pattern fit.
Source data, GTIN, and Healthy Food Guide analysis details
Product facts
- Product
- Gushers Watermelon And Sour Apple Fruit Flavored Snacks
- Brand
- Gushers
- Category
- Snacks
- GTIN / UPC
00016000226616- Serving size
- 31 g (12 pieces)
- Source data — ingredients
- Ingredient list from product label data (see Sources)
- Healthy Food Guide analysis
- Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards. See methodology under Sources.
- Data last verified
Food Integrity results
Watermelon And Sour Apple Fruit Flavored Snacks
Gushers
Lower integrity
Warning Signs
Corn syrup, modified corn starch, and Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 dyes make this a heavily engineered candy.
Consider This
Palm oil, cottonseed oil, maltodextrin, carrageenan, xanthan gum, and monoglycerides are typical factory-formulation ingredients in gummy-style snacks.
Good Substitutes
Try fresh watermelon or apple slices, or homemade fruit gummies sweetened with a little honey and set with gelatin or agar.
Overall Assessment
Lower integrityThis reads like a textbook fruit-flavored candy rather than a fruit snack, with fruit puree sitting far down the list behind multiple sugars and refined starches. It is a treat best kept occasional rather than an everyday snack. The combination of three synthetic dyes, several texture and stabilizing agents, and a vague natural flavor drives the lower integrity read.
Key Highlights
What stood out
- Synthetic dyes Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1
- Multiple refined sugars and corn syrup
- Modified starch, gums, and emulsifiers
Family Watchlist
Ingredients some users may personally want to know about.
- Color (red 40, yellow 5, blue 1) — Synthetic food dyes
- Natural Flavor — Vague flavor category
- Corn Syrup — Refined sweetener
- Palm and/or Palm Kernel Oil — Refined industrial fat
- Cottonseed Oil — Refined seed oil
- Carrageenan — Debated gelling additive
Highest concern ingredients
- Color (red 40, yellow 5, blue 1) (8/10) — Multiple synthetic food dyes.
- Corn Syrup (6/10) — Refined sweetener as a leading ingredient.
- Modified Corn Starch (6/10) — Modified starch for texture engineering.
Better choice tips
- Choose fruit with no added sugar or synthetic dyes.
- Look for fruit snacks sweetened with fruit juice and colored with plant extracts.
Ingredients
Ingredient list
Corn Syrup, Sugar, Pear Puree, Modified Corn Starch, Fructose, Maltodextrin, Palm and/or Palm Kernel Oil. Contains 2% or less of: Cottonseed Oil, Citric Acid, Glycerin, White Grape Juice Concentrate, Carrageenan, Monoglycerides, Sodium Citrate, Malic Acid, Potassium Citrate, Natural Flavor, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Agar-Agar, Xanthan Gum, Color (red 40, yellow 5, blue 1).
Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.
Highest-concern ingredients first. Expand an item for notes.
Color (red 40, yellow 5, blue 1)Concern 8/10 — Higher concernColor additiveWatchlist · Additive · Higher concern
What this is
Color additive
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Synthetic dyes are a common family watchlist item.
Additional note
Synthetic dyes used for color.
Family watchlist
Synthetic food dyes many users may want to avoid.
Corn SyrupConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernRefined sweetenerWatchlist
What this is
Refined sweetener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Refined syrup is a major sugar source in this formula.
Additional note
Refined sweetener used as a primary sugar source.
Family watchlist
Refined sweetener many users may want to limit.
Modified Corn StarchConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernModified starchWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Modified starch
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Modified starches signal texture engineering in candy formulas.
Additional note
Chemically or physically altered starch used for texture.
Family watchlist
Modified starch used for texture engineering.
Cottonseed OilConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernRefined seed oilWatchlist
What this is
Refined seed oil
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Refined seed oils are on many users' watchlists.
Additional note
Refined seed oil in a small amount.
Family watchlist
Refined seed oil many users may want to track.
View all 21 ingredient assessments
CarrageenanConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernGelling agentWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Gelling agent
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Carrageenan is a debated gelling additive many users track.
Additional note
Seaweed-derived gelling agent used for texture.
Family watchlist
Debated gelling additive many users may want to track.
MonoglyceridesConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernEmulsifierWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Emulsifier
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Emulsifiers signal formulation engineering for texture.
Additional note
Emulsifier used for texture and stability.
Family watchlist
Emulsifier many users may want to track.
Natural FlavorConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Additive · Vague label term
What this is
Vague ingredient
Processing category
Unknown / not listed
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Undisclosed flavor systems make the formula harder to read.
Additional note
Broad flavor category with undisclosed source compounds.
Family watchlist
Vague flavor category many users want clarified.
Xanthan GumConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernThickenerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Thickener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Gums signal texture engineering in candy formulas.
Additional note
Fermentation-derived thickener and stabilizer.
Family watchlist
Thickening gum many users may want to track.
MaltodextrinConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernRefined starchAdditive
What this is
Refined starch
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Maltodextrin is a refined starch used as a filler and texture aid.
Additional note
Refined starch derivative used for bulk and texture.
Palm and/or Palm Kernel OilConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernRefined oilWatchlist
What this is
Refined oil
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Refined palm oils are industrial fats many users want to track.
Additional note
Refined palm-derived fat used for texture and coating.
Family watchlist
Refined industrial oil many users may want to track.
SugarConcern 4/10 — Mild concernRefined sweetenerWatchlist
What this is
Refined sweetener
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Added sugar is a leading ingredient here.
Additional note
Refined sugar is a primary sweetener.
Family watchlist
Refined sweetener many users may want to limit.
FructoseConcern 4/10 — Mild concernRefined sweetenerWatchlist
What this is
Refined sweetener
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Additional isolated sugar adds to the sweetener load.
Additional note
Refined sugar added for sweetness.
Family watchlist
Refined sweetener many users may want to limit.
GlycerinConcern 3/10 — Mild concernHumectantAdditive
What this is
Humectant
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Helps retain moisture and texture in gummy candy.
Additional note
Humectant that keeps the candy soft.
Sodium CitrateConcern 3/10 — Mild concernBufferAdditive
What this is
Buffer
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Adjusts acidity and helps stabilize the formula.
Additional note
Buffering salt that controls acidity.
Potassium CitrateConcern 3/10 — Mild concernBufferAdditive
What this is
Buffer
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Acidity regulator used alongside other acids.
Additional note
Buffering salt that controls acidity.
Agar-AgarConcern 3/10 — Mild concernGelling agentAdditive
What this is
Gelling agent
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Provides gel structure as a texture helper.
Additional note
Seaweed-derived gelling agent.
Pear PureeConcern 2/10 — Very low concernFruit ingredient
What this is
Fruit ingredient
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Fruit content is present but ranks below several sweeteners.
Additional note
Fruit puree adds some real fruit content.
Citric AcidConcern 2/10 — Very low concernAcidulantAdditive
What this is
Acidulant
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Functions as a flavor and preservation aid.
Additional note
Acidulant commonly used for tartness.
White Grape Juice ConcentrateConcern 2/10 — Very low concernFruit ingredient
What this is
Fruit ingredient
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Concentrate adds fruit flavor but is minor here.
Additional note
Concentrated fruit juice used for flavor and sweetness.
Malic AcidConcern 2/10 — Very low concernAcidulantAdditive
What this is
Acidulant
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Adds sour flavor as a formulation helper.
Additional note
Acidulant adding tartness.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)Concern 2/10 — Very low concernVitamin additiveAdditive
What this is
Vitamin additive
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Added for stability and fortification in small amount.
Additional note
Added vitamin used as an antioxidant.
Food Integrity is an ingredient-based formulation estimate, not a medical safety rating. Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
How this product may fit different goals
The same food can look different depending on what matters most to you. Here is a general preview of how this product may align with several common goals.
Low-Spike Stability
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low-Spike Stability, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar on watchlist (see Food Integrity)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
GLP-1 Eating Support
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing GLP-1 Eating Support, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar", "syrup", "fructose". See ingredients for details.)
Low Sugar Lifestyle
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low Sugar Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar on watchlist (see Food Integrity)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Appetite & Portion Awareness
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Appetite & Portion Awareness, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar", "syrup", "fructose". See ingredients for details.)
Low-Carb Lifestyle
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low-Carb Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Carb-dense ingredients (Mentions "corn syrup", "maltodextrin", "corn starch". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Keto-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Keto-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Carb-dense ingredients (Mentions "corn syrup", "maltodextrin", "corn starch". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Minimally Processed Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Minimally Processed Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Ultra-processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Whole-Food Focused Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Whole-Food Focused Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Ultra-processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Ultra-processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Paleo-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Paleo-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Grain/legume ingredients (Mentions "corn". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Heart-Healthy Eating
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Heart-Healthy Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Athletic Fueling
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Athletic Fueling, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Workout Recovery
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Workout Recovery, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Strength & Protein Focus
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Strength & Protein Focus, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Vegetarian
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegetarian, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Vegan
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegan, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Plant-Based
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Plant-Based, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Pescatarian
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Pescatarian, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Low Gluten Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low Gluten Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Mediterranean-Style Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Mediterranean-Style Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Healthy Fat Focus
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Healthy Fat Focus, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
See how this product fits your goals
Choose what matters most to you and explore a more detailed interpretation of this product's nutrition, ingredients, and tradeoffs.
Understanding the Food Integrity analysis
What the Food Integrity analysis evaluates
The Food Integrity analysis focuses on how a packaged food is formulated and made. It examines processing level, ingredient quality, additives, oils, sweeteners, purity cues, and how clearly a label communicates what is in the product. The Food Integrity Score summarizes that formulation and transparency picture on a 0–100 scale. It is not a full nutrient report and it is not a personalized meal plan.
Why processing, ingredients, and transparency matter
Processing level and ingredient quality shape what you are actually eating beyond calories on the label. Additives, industrial oils, and intense sweeteners can change how clean or heavily engineered a product feels, even when the front of pack looks wholesome. Purity and transparency matter because incomplete or marketing-heavy labeling can hide tradeoffs that only show up when the full ingredient list is reviewed carefully.
Who may prioritize Food Integrity
Some people care mainly about Food Integrity because their dietary goals center on formulation rather than macros alone. Examples include checking vegetarian or vegan suitability, preferring simpler ingredient sources, avoiding certain additives or sweeteners, watching oil choices, or preferring less processed options. For those priorities, the Food Integrity Score can be the more practical first read.
How Food Integrity differs from Longevity
Food Integrity is the focused analysis of processing, ingredients, additives, purity, and transparency. Longevity is the broader analysis of nutritional composition, metabolic and dietary characteristics, processing, and ingredient quality together. Favorable nutrition values do not necessarily mean strong Food Integrity: a product can look balanced on macros yet still rely on heavy processing or additives that the Food Integrity analysis flags in more detail.
Why the two analyses overlap—and why to review Longevity too
The analyses overlap intentionally. Food Integrity–related characteristics contribute to Longevity, and Longevity still benefits from the same ingredient-quality lens. They are not competing verdicts; they answer different questions at different depths. Reviewing the Longevity analysis can add information about nutritional composition, metabolic characteristics, and dietary balance that Food Integrity alone does not emphasize. Looking at both usually gives the most complete understanding of tradeoffs.
Common questions about this product
Is Gushers Watermelon And Sour Apple Fruit Flavored Snacks highly processed?
Food Integrity lists processing level as Ultra-processed. That reflects formulation and processing signals from the ingredient analysis — not a medical or regulatory classification.
Why are the Longevity and Food Integrity scores different?
Longevity emphasizes nutrition per serving and longer-term dietary alignment. Food Integrity emphasizes ingredients, additives, processing, and label transparency. The same product can score differently on those lenses.
How much fiber is in one serving?
Gushers Watermelon And Sour Apple Fruit Flavored Snacks shows about 0g of fiber per labeled serving in the Longevity nutrition facts.
Does it contain added sugar?
Gushers Watermelon And Sour Apple Fruit Flavored Snacks: 14g added sugar per serving; sweetener signals include Corn syrup, Sugar. Confirm the current package Nutrition Facts and ingredient list.
What helped the Longevity Score?
Key positives called out in the analysis include: Low sodium per serving; Contains a small amount of pear puree.
What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?
Key concerns noted include: 14g sugar per serving, mostly added sugars; Corn syrup and sugar lead the ingredient list; Artificial colors Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1.
Who might evaluate this product differently?
People prioritizing different goals (for example lower carbs, higher protein, or minimally processed eating) may weigh the same snacks differently. Use the goal preview on this page, then personalize in KarbCoach for your priorities.
Source data and Healthy Food Guide analysis
- Public label databases (including USDA FoodData Central and Open Food Facts) — Possible sources for package ingredients and nutrition.
- Healthy Food Guide analysis (Longevity and Food Integrity) — Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards.
- How the Longevity Score is calculated
- How the Food Integrity Score is calculated
- Scoring models: KarbCoach Longevity and Food Integrity.
- Independent analysis. No manufacturer affiliation.
- Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions. Full sources and safety details.
Label accuracy and safety information
Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
See how this item lines up with your goals
Healthy Food Guide covers this product in detail. In KarbCoach, your goals shape what matters most for your meals.
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