Research & Practice
The use of 100% fruit juice as a fruit and vegetable equivalent in snacks served in federally-subsidized child care homes
Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, and increases in the per capita daily intake of caloric beverages, particularly sugar-sweetened beverages and 100% fruit juice, parallel the climbing rates of childhood obesity. Consumption of 100% fruit juice is a common way for US children to meet government recommendations for daily fruit servings. While 100% fruit juice contains nutrients that can increase diet quality, it also has energy density similar to sugar-sweetened beverages and might contribute to excess caloric intake, weight gain, and obesity. The aims of this thesis report were to (1) describe the fruit/vegetable composition and associated costs of snacks offered by a sample of CACFP-participating child care providers, and (2) determine if snacks that include whole fruits and vegetables differ from those that include 100% fruit juice in terms of nutrient adequacy, cost and inclusion of food-based indicators of diet quality.
Materials Available
Project Type(s): Master's Thesis
Author(s): Juli Louttit
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2012
Adviser(s):