Fruit Puree

Fruit puree is a processed food product made from whole fruit. It is created by crushing, blending, or sieving fruit, often after removing seeds and skins, to produce a smooth, thick liquid or paste. This process retains much of the fruit's natural flavor, color, and nutrients.

Manufacturers add fruit puree to products primarily for its natural flavor, sweetness, and color. It also contributes to the texture and moisture content of foods. It is commonly used in yogurts, smoothies, baby foods, jams, sauces, and baked goods.

Fruit puree is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA as a whole food ingredient when made from edible fruits. It provides vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, similar to whole fruit, although processing can slightly alter nutrient levels. While generally beneficial, consuming large quantities of pureed fruit can lead to a higher intake of natural sugars compared to eating whole fruit, as the fiber structure is altered. As a whole food ingredient, fruit puree is not typically subject to the same additive evaluations by bodies like JECFA or EFSA.