Hosts looking to serve without cutting
If guests need to be able to take a portion straight from the table, look for confirmation that each piece is individually wrapped, rather than just a mention of a multi-bar pack.
Who is this choice for?
Shoppers who pay attention to labels
When serving confectionery to a group, compare the sugar content and check the ingredients list. The French Ministry of the Economy states that allergens in prepacked foods must be emphasised in the ingredients list.
People looking for organic bars to share
A box of several bars may suit this preference. If every guest needs their own sealed bar, check separately that each one has its own wrapper.
What should you look for?
First decide how guests will take the fruit pastes from the table, then compare the labels of products that suit that way of serving.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portions | Look for an explicit statement that the pieces are individually wrapped, and check the number of portions. | If I want everyone to help themselves without cutting, I look for a sealed portion; around 44% of consumers put this way of serving first. |
| Sugars and allergens | Check the sugar content per 100 g and per portion, as well as any highlighted allergens. | When guests have dietary restrictions, I want to read the ingredients before serving; checking the label is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Recipe and sharing | Check whether it is organic or the fruit content, depending on the variety, and then how the bars are actually packaged. | If I prefer a particular recipe or several bars to share, individual wrapping comes after that preference; it takes priority for around 23% of consumers. |
Things not to confuse
-
Assuming the number of bars means they’re individually wrapped
A box containing several pieces doesn’t guarantee that each one is sealed separately. At Auchan, the description of Gayelord Hauser bars mentions individual wrapping, while the product feature “individual sachets” is marked no.
If sealed portions are essential, check this feature on the product listing and its packaging.
-
Assuming organic or fruity means lower in sugar
The Père Louis listing at Monoprix Courses states 71 g of sugars per 100 g; the Saint Siffrein assortment listing at Auchan states 69 g per 100 g. The recipe and the amount of sugar answer two different questions.
Compare the “of which sugars” figure per 100 g, then check the amount in the portion you plan to serve, if given.
-
Assuming fruit paste contains no wheat
The listing for Gerblé fruit pastes at Auchan mentions wheat starch. The presence of fruit alone doesn’t tell you which allergens a recipe contains.
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the variety you buy before offering it to anyone who needs to avoid particular ingredients.
-
Assuming Nutri-Score labelling is compulsory
In France, the DGCCRF distinguishes between the mandatory nutrition declaration for relevant prepacked foods and the voluntary display of Nutri-Score. So the absence of Nutri-Score alone isn’t enough to judge whether a product complies with the rules.
Use Nutri-Score if it appears on the packaging, but don’t let it replace checking the nutritional values and ingredients.
Brands to consider
Gerblé
The Gerblé listing at Auchan describes fruit pastes in six individually wrapped 27 g sachets, in a range designed for exercise.
- The product feature confirms that individual sachets are included, which is a practical point for serving at the table.
- The listing states 18 g of sugars per portion and mentions wheat starch. Its sports-focused positioning doesn’t determine whether it’s suitable for your guests.
Père Louis
Monoprix Courses offers an organic product in a box of six bars, weighing 180 g in total.
- The listing states that the fruit pulp content is 55%, depending on the flavour, making it easier to compare recipes.
- It also states 71 g of sugars per 100 g and doesn’t confirm that each bar is individually wrapped.
Gayelord Hauser
The product listed at Auchan contains five 25 g bars, available in several flavours.
- The listing provides a detailed ingredients list so you can check the recipe.
- The information about individual wrapping is contradictory, so check the pack if this matters to you.
Saint Siffrein
Auchan offers an assortment of 24 sachets, weighing 720 g, which may suit serving a group.
- The stated number of pieces helps you plan what to put on the table.
- The product feature “individual sachets” is marked no; the listing also states 69 g of sugars per 100 g.
An individually portioned option on Joybuy
If you’re serving fruit pastes in individual portions at a drinks party, this box of six is worth considering first for its packaging, then for its ingredients list.
Image unavailable
Andros Sport assorted fruit pastes x6, 180 g
Worth considering if you want to serve portions without cutting them: the description says they’re individually wrapped. The listing states 18 g of sugars per 30 g portion and mentions wheat starch; check the ingredients and allergens on the product you receive before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nutri-Score compulsory on fruit pastes in France?
No. According to the DGCCRF, displaying Nutri-Score is voluntary; a nutrition declaration is compulsory for relevant prepacked foods. If Nutri-Score isn’t shown, check the nutrition information, particularly the sugar content per 100 g.
How can you tell if each bar is individually wrapped?
Look for an explicit statement that the pieces come in individual sachets, and check the packaging of the product you choose. A bar count followed by “x6” or “5 x 25 g” describes the quantity, not necessarily how each piece is packaged.
What should you check if a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients?
Read the ingredients list and check any allergens highlighted on the variety being served. The French Ministry of the Economy confirms that this labelling is required for prepacked foods; for example, the Gerblé listing at Auchan mentions wheat starch.
How can you compare the sugar content of bars in different sizes?
First compare the sugar content per 100 g, then check the amount in the portion you plan to serve, if it’s given. The Gerblé listing at Auchan states 66 g of sugars per 100 g and 18 g per 27 g portion: the two figures serve different purposes.