Jelly, Sugary Processed Food!

Most people do not think of jelly as bad for you. Well, if you make your own jelly or you buy jelly from a Farmer’s Market – it usually isn’t. Sure, it still has natural sugar in it – but it isn’t filled with processed, refined sugar.  The jelly that you buy in the supermarket, on the other hand, is bad for you. Here’s why;

It’s sugar, sugar and calories. For example, one TBSP on low-sugar Smuckers has 5 grams of sugar. Here’s the label.  Welches Concord Grape Jelly has 13 grams of sugar per TBSP and 50 calories. Also, check out the label below. What really is in this jelly? Corn syrup!

To be clear, processed jellies often contain a set of basic ingredients, which are the actual fruit used, followed by sugar, corn syrup, and food starch. Relatively minor amounts of lecithin (an emulsifier), anti-foaming agents, beeswax or carnauba wax, salt, and confectioner’s glaze are also added to some store-brand products.

If you have to have your jelly but you don’t want all the sugar, calories, or random ingredients, try making your own fruit compote at home, or go for savory and use some homemade salsa! I love the avocado and toast trend that is happening right now, too. You can get creative or you can find healthy jelly to go with your toast in the morning.  If you want some ideas specific to your nutritional plan, contact me! I’m always available to talk and point you to a program that will work for your specific needs!