Did you know constipation is one of the top reasons for visits to the pediatric gastroenterologist? In fact, it accounts for up to 25% of those visits. One major reason? Most kids (not just picky eaters!) aren’t getting enough fiber—an incredible 95% fall short of their daily needs!
That’s where prunes and 100% prune juice come in.
How Do Prunes and Prune Juice Help with Constipation?
Thanks to their natural combo of fiber, sorbitol, and powerful plant compounds, Sunsweet Amaz!n Prunes and Prune Juice offer a gentle, effective way to keep things moving naturally. Just five prunes provide 3 grams of fiber, which helps soften stools and promote regular bowel habits.
Here’s how they help: Sorbitol, the natural sugar found in prunes, draws water into the gut to ease things along without causing cramping or urgency. Other compounds found in prunes help stimulate gut movement, offering additional relief. Plus, thanks to 100% prune juice’s water content it supports hydration which can prevent stools from becoming dry—one of the most common triggers for constipation in kids.
When is the Best Time for Children to Drink Prune Juice for Constipation?
When it comes to reducing constipation, adding fiber any time during the day can be helpful. However, consuming prune juice on an empty stomach in the morning may help maximize the effectiveness since gut motility is naturally higher at this time.
However, adding prune juice any time during the day can be helpful when it comes to improving gut health and reducing constipation risk. For some children, enjoying a small glass of prune juice before bedtime can also be helpful for prevention. Consistency is key for effectiveness, so find a routine that works best for your child.
How Much Prune Juice Should My Child Have?
According to the guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the amount of prune juice varies based on age.
● Children ages of 1 to 3 years: 4 ounces of 100% prune juice per day
● Children ages 4 to 6 years: up to 6 ounces of prune juice per day
● Children over the age of 7 years: up to 8 ounces of prune juice per day.
● For children under the age of one year, consult your pediatrician to see if 100% prune juice for constipation is right for them.
What Are Creative Ways to Introduce Prune and Prune Juice to Picky Eaters?
So prune juice works, but how can you get your picky eater to add them? Thankfully, it is incredibly versatile and easy to add into everything from snacks, to dessert, smoothies, and even dinner recipes! Here’s a few kid-approved ways to add more prunes and prune juice to your child’s plate in ways that he or she will actually look forward to eating:
● Serve your picky eater a bento box filled with a mix of their favorite foods and one or two new foods to increase exposure and acceptance. For instance, you can include a mix of dry cereal, Sunsweet Amaz!n Prunes, cheese slices, crackers, and a veggie such as carrot sticks. By offering new foods with familiar foods, you can help your picky eater become more willing to try more foods.
● Puree prunes and use them as a swap for added sugar in a 1:1 ratio in baked goods. The next time you whip up a batch of your picky eater’s favorite cookies, swap out the added sugar for pureed prunes instead. You’ll maintain the sweet taste but increase the fiber and the nutrition! Give it a try with this recipe for soft prune cookies.
● Use Sunsweet Amaz!n prune juice as a base in your child’s favorite smoothies. Mix with frozen fruits and yogurt to add more flavor and thicken the smoothie. Get them involved in the cooking process by letting them select the additional ingredients.
Want more ideas? Try these delicious recipes for your picky eater:
● Creamy Vanilla Prune Popsicles: What kid can resist dessert on a stick? These popsicles combine pureed prunes with yogurt, honey, and vanilla, resulting in a creamy frozen treat that’s rich in fiber and fluid- making it a win-win for digestion and flavor!
● Peanut Butter & Prune Jam Sandwich: This twist on the classic PB&J uses homemade prune jam, offering a familiar favorite while amping up the fiber content. It's an easy way to introduce prunes into your child's diet without straying from familiar foods.
Bottom line
Constipation can be tough on kids—and parents too—and picky eating definitely doesn’t help. But prunes and prune juice offer a natural, gentle, and effective solution for constipation with their powerful blend of fiber, sorbitol, and gut-supporting compounds. Plus, they taste great and are so versatile, making it easy to add prunes into your child’s diet on a regular basis. Whether you stir them into smoothies, bake them into cookies, or offer a small glass of 100% prune juice to start your morning, there are so many delicious, kid-friendly ways to make prunes part of your family’s routine.
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