How long do fruit cups last? A fruit cup also known as a summer cup is an assortment of chopped fruits that is served usually in a cup or a glass as a dessert or appetizer.
Fruit cups are a better snack choice than chips or cookies (which only deliver empty calories)
This is because they deliver vitamins and minerals and most fruit cups have no added sugar or chemicals in them.
It is an effective way to fit in a serving of fruit as part of a meal or for a quick snack.
So, how long do fruit cups last in the fridge?
Like canned fruits, all-natural fruit cups that are properly stored will keep for up to a year in the refrigerator.
Getting your kid to get their daily intake of fruits and veggies isn’t a small task, and sometimes it is nearly impossible.
Also, fruit can rot quickly or are out of season in most cases.
The good news is that fruit cups are a fun way to get your kids and yourself to eat fruits every now and then.
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How Long Do Fruit Cups Last Past Expiration Date?
Fruit cups don’t have an expiration date but a “Use By” date which is a guideline as to when the food may no longer be at its peak.
So you should be fine if you eat commercially packaged fruit cups for months after the “Use By” date.
Do Dole Fruit Cups Expire?
Dole Fruit Cup tastes just as natural as real fruit because it is made with all-natural varieties with no added sugar or preservatives
Is typically packed in fruit juice instead of syrup.
Like canned fruits, dole fruit cups will keep for up to 1 year if kept refrigerated before it expires.
How Do Fruit Cups Last So Long?
Fruit cups, which are packaged in plastic, are heat-pasteurized to ensure they are pathogen-free and kept sterile with an airtight seal
Making it impossible for air penetration.
Without oxygen, most bacteria will find it difficult to act on the fruits,
While the rest bacteria are killed by the heat.
This is the reason why fruit cups last long.
Can You Eat Out Of Date Fruit Cups?
As earlier said, the use-by date on fruit cups is just a general guideline.
Commercially packaged fruit cups should be fine to eat for months after the Use By date,
If it were bad then it is likely to taste bad so if it doesn’t that means it’s still safe to eat.
But if it smells or tastes like plastic, or tastes funny, probably don’t eat them.
Where Is The Expiration Date On Fruit Cups?
The date on the package is not an “expiration date” but a “use-by” or best-by date. This date is clearly printed on the body of the can.
How Long Do Pineapple Cups Last?
If Stored in the refrigerator, pineapple cups will last up to six weeks before starting to lose their freshness.
How Do You Keep Fruit Cups Fresh?
1. Leave in the original container:
These airtight containers create the perfect level of humidity and moisture for cut fruit, thereby helping the pieces stay fresher for longer.
2. Keep in the refrigerator:
it is best to store fruit cups in the refrigerator because the cold temperature helps reduce the activities of bacteria.
10 Best Substitutes For Fruit Cups
1. Frozen fruit
Contrary to popular belief, frozen fruit is nutritious because they preserve the nutrients of fully ripened fresh fruit before being frozen.
2. Fruit and veggie chips
These chips are cut into thin slices and baked, which gives them their characteristic crunchy texture.
Fruit and veggie chips boost your daily fruit and vegetable intake,
Which may help lower your risk of certain cancers, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
It is best you make your fruit and veggie chips instead of choosing store-bought options that may harbor preservatives and added sugar and preservatives
3. Fresh fruit
Fresh fruit is naturally sweet and packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and it may also provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Dark-chocolate coconut chips:
These chips are known for their high levels of antioxidants, which may improve brain function, heart health, and insulin sensitivity.
Meanwhile, coconut is an excellent source of MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides),
A type of fat that may boost fat metabolism weight loss, and gut health.
The slight bitterness of dark chocolate is masked with the sweetness of coconut chips
Making a crunchy treat that can be used as a topping for yogurt or eaten alone.
5. Sugar-baked chickpeas
Garbanzo beans which are commonly known as chickpeas are rich in minerals, vitamins, protein, and fiber.
Chickpeas may help reduce your risk of certain conditions, including type 2 diabetes and they also boost heart health.
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6. Dried fruit
Dried fruit is highly concentrated in nutrients and sugar because it is dehydrated.
This is the reason it is sweeter and calorie-denser than fresh fruit.
Research has shown that people who eat dried fruit have good diet quality and nutrient intake with lower body weight.
Dried fruit can be found almost everywhere, but ensure your product doesn’t contain added sugars.
7. Avocado-chocolate pudding
Avocado fruits are a great source of healthy fiber, fats, vitamins, and beneficial plant and minerals like vitamin C, folate, and potassium compounds.
Studies show that avocado is essential for weight control because the fat and fiber in it may help reduce appetite.
Avocado-chocolate pudding can be made by blending the fruit with cocoa powder and any sweetener of your choice.
8. Homemade popsicles
This gives you all the benefits of fruit without the artificial ingredients and extra sugar of packaged varieties.
The preparation of homemade popsicles is very simple, all you have to do is blend the fruit of your choice with water, juice, or milk.
Pour the mixture into a plastic cup or popsicle mold, place a popsicle stick in the center of each, and freeze overnight.
If you want it to be creamy then blend it with yogurt instead.
9. Dark-chocolate-covered strawberries
Strawberries have vitamins and antioxidants that may help prevent heart disease.
To prepare them, simply dip the strawberries in melted dark chocolate, then place them on wax paper and freeze for 15 to 20 minutes.
10. ‘Nice cream’
Nice cream is used to refer to fruit-based ice cream,
Which is made by blending frozen fruit with optional add-ins like coconut milk, honey, or peanut butter and freezing the mix for 10 to 15 minutes or preferably overnight.
Best Types Of Fruit Cups
1. Del Monte Fruit and Oat Snacks:
These dessert-like fruit cups are jazzed up with oats, making them a more wholesome breakfast, dessert, or snack replacement.
You can enjoy it either cold or warm because they are microwavable.
Del Monte Fruit & Oat Snacks is a great source of vitamin C, omega-3, and fiber. In addition, you will not find any high-fructose corn syrup inside.
2. Dole Fruit Cups:
These sweet and healthy treats are made with 100 percent fruit juice and are packed with vitamin C,
No high-fructose corn syrup, and no artificial sweeteners.
You can always keep a stock on hand because they are shelf stable.
With this, you can never run out of fruit when you are in a pinch.
3. Member’s Mark Fruit Cups:
These delicious fruit cups are filled with juicy mandarin oranges with no artificial flavor inside
so you can feel good about giving your family these fruit cups.
They are easy to chew, soft, and smooth, making them easy for little ones to snack on.
Are Fruit Cups A Healthy Snack?
Yes, fruit cups are a healthy and better snack choice over chips or cookies
This is because they deliver vitamins and minerals and most fruit cups have no added sugar or artificial flavor in them.
A fruit cup is an effective way to fit in a serving of fruit as part of a meal or for a quick snack.
How To Tell If Fruit Cups Are Bad
The best way to tell if your fruit cups are bad is by smelling and looking at them.
If the fruit cup develops an off odor, appearance, or flavor, or if mold starts to grow, it should be discarded.
Also, all canned fruit cups that are leaking, bulging, or severely dented should be discarded.
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Conclusion
Whether you have a kiddo who won’t eat any fresh fruit or you are looking for an easy way to add on another serving of fruit, these small fruit cups can save the day.