Brothers All Natural takes a different approach than baked fruit chips: freeze-drying. The process preserves more nutrients, creates a lighter texture, and produces genuinely vibrant fruit that kids love.
The Freeze-Drying Difference
Freeze-drying removes water through sublimation (turning ice directly to vapor) rather than heat. This preserves:
- Original nutrients (vitamins, antioxidants)
- Natural colors
- Fruit structure
- Flavor intensity
The result is fruit that's light, crunchy, and tastes intensely like itself. Freeze-dried strawberries taste like concentrated strawberry.
One-Ingredient Simplicity
Brothers varieties contain exactly one ingredient:
- Fuji Apple Crisps: Fuji Apples
- Strawberry Crisps: Strawberries
- Banana Crisps: Bananas
- Peach Crisps: Peaches
No added sugar. No preservatives. No anything except fruit.
Nutritional Preservation
Freeze-drying retains nutrients that heat-based drying destroys:
- Vitamin C largely preserved
- Antioxidants maintained
- Fiber intact
- Natural enzymes retained
Per serving (varies by fruit, approximately 10g):
- Calories: 35-45
- Sugar: 6-9g (all from fruit)
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Vitamin C: 10-25% DV (depending on fruit)
This is closer to eating fresh fruit than any other preserved form.
The Sensory Experience
Freeze-dried fruit has a unique texture: light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth crunchy. It's different from the harder crunch of baked apple chips. Kids often describe it as "fruit candy" - but it's just fruit.
The colors are vivid. Freeze-dried strawberries are bright red because no heat damaged the pigments. This visual appeal matters for kids.
Kid Reception
My kids legitimately love these. They request them by name. The strawberry variety disappears fastest, followed by banana. The texture is unique and fun - something between eating chips and eating cotton candy, but it's actual fruit.
The intense flavor concentration means a little goes a long way. A small bag feels satisfying.
Allergen Status
Brothers All Natural Fruit Crisps are:
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Nut-free
- Soy-free
- Vegan
- Top-8 allergen-free
- Manufactured in dedicated allergen-free facility
This level of allergen safety makes them perfect for school settings with strict policies.
Variety Options
Brothers offers numerous single-fruit and blend options:
- Singles: Fuji Apple, Strawberry, Banana, Pear, Peach, Pineapple
- Blends: Asian Pear, Tropical, etc.
- Disney-themed: Character packaging for extra kid appeal
The Disney licensing adds cost but increases kid excitement - depends on your family's priorities.
Value Consideration
At $12.99 for a 12-pack of 0.35oz bags (~$1.08 per bag), Brothers is premium-priced. You're paying for:
- Freeze-drying technology
- One-ingredient purity
- Nutrient preservation
- Allergen-free facility
- Individual packaging
For the quality delivered, the price is reasonable. For budget-conscious families, it adds up.
Portion Reality
The individual bags are small (0.35oz). They're a snack component, not a meal. For older kids with bigger appetites, you might need two bags. Factor this into value calculations.
Who Should Buy This
Families seeking nutrient-preserved fruit snacks. Parents with allergen concerns requiring certified-safe options. Kids who respond to fun textures and intense flavors. Anyone wanting fruit in lunchbox-friendly format.
Who Should Skip This
Budget-conscious families seeking maximum value. Those who prefer the denser crunch of baked fruit chips. Parents who need larger portion sizes per package.
The Verdict
Brothers All Natural Fruit Crisps represent freeze-dried perfection: one ingredient, preserved nutrients, vibrant colors, and taste kids love. The premium price reflects the technology and quality. For families who prioritize nutrition preservation and allergen safety, these are an excellent choice. They're actual fruit in a format that makes kids excited to eat fruit.
