Vimto squash is a popular soft drink, enjoyed by people of all ages. It is made from a combination of fruits, including grapes, blackcurrants and raspberries.
Many people believe that Vimto squash is healthy because it contains fruit. So, what’s the truth?
In this blog post, we will analyse the ingredients in Vimto squash to see how healthy they are, look at the nutritional information to see how much sugar there is, and finally, we will reveal whether Vimto is healthy or not.
What does Vimto contain?
The main ingredients in Vimto squash are water, sugar, grape juice, blackcurrant juice and raspberry juice (from concentrate).
Vimto squash also contains citric acid, natural flavouring, colouring and acidity regulator Sodium Citrate.
The drink is preserved with Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate and has an addition of artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame K.
Vitamin C and D are added to Vimto to make it more nutritious.
So, overall, Vimto squash does contain some healthy ingredients. However, it also contains sugar and artificial sweeteners. Sugar is a source of calories and can cause weight gain and tooth decay while artificial sweeteners are also not that innocent as they can cause digestive problems and other side effects.
Vimto squash – Nutrition facts
A 200ml serving of Vimto squash (diluted with water) contains:
- Energy: 38 kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Saturates: 0g
- Carbohydrate: 9.6g
- of which sugars: 9.4g
- Protein: 0g
- Salt: 0.06g
- Vitamin C: 12mg (15% of the daily recommended value)
- Vitamin D: 0.75µg (15% of the daily recommended value)
The nutritional information reveals that there is no fat or protein in Vimto squash and only a small amount of salt.
However, it is high in sugar with over nine grams per 200ml serving. This is nearly two teaspoons of sugar and means that Vimto squash is not a healthy choice for those who are trying to reduce their sugar intake.
Vimto squash also contains added vitamins C and D. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to protect cells from damage while vitamin D is important for bone health.
So, overall, Vimto squash does contain some healthy ingredients and vitamins. However, as it is quite high in sugar, it is not the healthiest drink to consume.
How many calories are in Vimto squash?
Vimto Original squash is relatively high in calories containing 38 calories per 200ml serving. This is because of the added sugar which provides energy (calories).
In comparison, a can of Coca-Cola contains 139 calories (330ml), while a 200ml serving of orange juice has 85 calories. So, Vimto squash is not as high in calories as some other popular soft drinks but it is still quite high.
Benefits of drinking Vimto squash
The main benefit of Vimto squash is that it contains vitamins C and D. These vitamins are important for our health as they can boost our immune system. Vitamin D is also necessary for bone health.
In addition, Vimto squash contains water and fruit juices which means it can contribute to your daily fluid intake. It is important to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather or when exercising. However, it is important to note that sugary drinks like Vimto can also lead to weight gain and tooth decay.
Another benefit of Vimto squash is that it does not contain caffeine. This means that it can be consumed by children and pregnant women who need to limit their caffeine intake.
Finally, Vimto squash gives you energy as it contains sugar. This means that it can be a good choice if you need a quick energy boost, especially when you are active.
So, overall, Vimto squash does have some benefits. However, these need to be weighed up against the negatives such as the high sugar content.
FAQs
Is Vimto good for weight loss?
No, Vimto is not good for weight loss as it contains sugar which can lead to weight gain when consumed in excessive amounts. If you are trying to lose weight it’s better to drink water or low calorie drinks instead of Vimto squash to stay hydrated.
Is Vimto safe during pregnancy?
Yes, Vimto is safe in pregnancy as it contains no caffeine. However, as it is quite high in sugar, you should limit its intake to avoid unnecessary weight gain which can be dangerous in pregnancy.
Is Vimto bad for your teeth?
Yes, Vimto can be bad for your teeth as it contains sugar which can cause tooth decay.
Is Vimto no added sugar good for you?
Although the Vimto squash with no added sugar is a better option than some other soft drinks, it contains artificial sweeteners which come with their own health risks. For this reason, it’s best to consume it only occasionally and in moderation.
Vimto vs Ribena: What’s the difference?
Vimto and Ribena are both squashes containing very similar ingredients: water, sugar, juices from concentrate, flavourings, preservatives and artificial sweeteners. However, there are some key differences between them.
Firstly, Vimto contains added vitamin D while Ribena does not. This means that Vimto might be a better choice if you are looking for a drink that can boost your immune system. Vitamin D is also important for bone health.
Secondly, Vimto is made from a mix of fruit juices while Ribena is made from only one type of juice – blackcurrant juice. In addition, the percentage of juice in Ribena is much higher than in Vimto (30% vs 10%).
Is Vimto squash healthy or not?
After looking at the ingredients and nutritional information, we can conclude that Vimto squash is not a very healthy drink. It is pretty high in sugar and contains artificial sweeteners which can cause digestive problems. However, it does contain vitamins C and D which are beneficial for our health. It is also healthier than many other soft drinks available on the market today.
If you do choose to drink Vimto squash, diluting it with more water will help to reduce the amount of sugar you consume. And remember, moderation is key! Too much of anything is never good for you.
