Fruit pouches for kids can cause cavities

TAMPA - "My daughter likes the one that is the apple, strawberry, banana,” said Heather Mineo.

Fruit pouches come in all kinds of flavors that look pretty yummy -- strawberry-banana, apple and pear mango. They are also portable and convenient with pop-off, reusable tops.

"It was quick and easy, and it was something that would not be a mess and get all over the place," said Mineo.

These pouches of fruit and vegetable puree are also good for picky eaters like Mineo's three year old daughter.

"This one here is spinach.  My daughter is not going to eat spinach, but at least they're getting it with the fruit, which is a sweet, and you're also getting the vegetable," she said.

But what moms and dads may not realize is the fruit pouches pack a sugar punch. We found some on the shelf that had as much as 18 grams which is equal to three teaspoons or one full tablespoon of sugar.

"When they puree something, the sugar content is much higher," said Dr. Myles Levitt.,

Pediatric dentist Dr. Levitt says when the sticky puree sits on teeth, it can cause cavities.

"They're getting like one and a half times the amount of sugar that they normally would in just eating an apple or eating a pear or having some vegetables. The other thing they're not getting, which is also just as good, is they're not getting that fiber content that you normally would get when you're eating a healthy snack," said Levitt.

He says getting kids to brush afterwards is key.

Mineo tells me she'll read labels more closely from now on.

"I guess if you buy these, make sure that you get the one that has the least amount of sugar," she said.