A great snack classic, compote is appreciated by young and old alike. In a bottle or jar, sweetened or not, brands compete in ingenuity to make us buy their products. But which ones are the best? Here are the top 3, according to the Yuka application.
These compotes rated 100/100 by Yuka appeal to consumers
Rich in fiber, low in calories and without risky additives, several industrial compotes stand out for their exemplary quality. According to the Yuka application, these references obtain the maximum score of 100/100, a rare performance for a processed product.
These are:
- Freshona organic applesauce (Lidl). It seduces with its minimalist recipe: 97% fruit, without synthetic pesticides, with only 13 g of sugar per 100 g;
- Lupilu organic apple-peach-mango compote, also distributed by Lidl. A good student, it contains 100% organically grown fruit and no added sugar;
- Finally, Simply Good and Organic applesauce. Sold in Aldi stores, it displays 99% fruit and a single additive deemed “acceptable”, ascorbic acid, for a smooth texture and natural taste.
These products, without preservatives or artificial flavors, offer a healthy alternative to homemade desserts and make it easier to consume fruit on a daily basis.
Ingredients to spot on the label…and avoid
If the compote market wants to be more and more “natural”, not all of them are equal. According to Julie Boët, dietician-nutritionist, the main danger lies in the sugar content.
“Prefer compotes ‘without added sugars’, a statement which guarantees the absence of sucrose, glucose-fructose syrup or other sweeteners“, she confided in a previous article. “The ideal is that the sugar present comes only from the fruits themselves. To be sure, take a look at the list of ingredients: it should be short and contain only fruit (sometimes a little lemon juice or natural pectin).
The specialist also warns against “light” products.
“These compotes may contain sweeteners (such as aspartame or sucralose), which are not necessarily desirable for regular consumption. Also avoid artificial flavors, colorings or preservatives, especially if they are not necessary for preservation,” she continues.
Good reflexes for choosing the right compote
Julie Boët provides other essential advice for choosing the right product. “Check that the compote does not contain too much added water, which dilutes the benefit of the product. A good compote contains at least 85 to 90% fruit. Also look at the fiber content, which is often low in industrial compotes due to grinding and filtration. Choose those with chunks or a rustic texture, which retain some of the fiber.
Another important benchmark: the labels. The AB (Organic Agriculture) label guarantees cultivation without synthetic pesticides, while the mention “without pesticide residues” constitutes a good alternative for tighter budgets.
A healthy dessert, but to be consumed with common sense
Even though compote is practical and nutritious, it remains a processed product. “Despite its advantages, compote remains a processed product, generally low in fiber and with a high glycemic index. It therefore causes a rapid rise in blood sugar, especially if it is consumed alone. The ideal is to combine it with an oilseed (a few almonds, for example) and/or a natural dairy product to slow down the absorption of sugar” advises Julie Boët. Before rightly recalling: “Even the best compote will never replace a piece of fruit you have bitten into with your teeth!”