A 2007 study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies' annual convention in Toronto found that drinking 100% pure fruit juice was not associated with children being overweight or at risk of developing weight problems. The study also found that children in the 2-3 year old category who drank the most juice were nearly three times less likely to be overweight or at risk for becoming overweight than children who drank no juice at all.

Study chief Dr. Theresa Nicklas, a child nutrition specialist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, says, "The bottom line is that 100 percent juice consumption is a valuable contributor of nutrients in children's diet and it does not have an association with being overweight."

In addition, the study discovered the following:

• Drinking juice was linked to a lower intake of total fat, saturated fat, salt and added sugars.
• Juice drinking was linked to a higher consumption of whole fruit.
• Kids who drank more fruit juice did not decrease the amount of milk they were drinking.

Commenting on the research results, the Heart and Stroke Foundation advised parents not to confuse 100% fruit juice with fruit-flavoured juices that contain mostly sugar and water. Look for labels that say 100% fruit juice and always double-check the ingredients for added sugar, which may also be listed as fructose and glucose.

At Sun-Rype we're proud to say we use nothing artificial! Our 100% fruit snacks and 100% juice products contain naturally occurring fruit sugar. The great taste of Sun-Rype also comes with no artificial flavours and no artificial colours because we know that what's not in our juices and fruit snacks is just as important as what is.