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Course:FNH200/Assignments/2025/Smucker Jam Strawberry

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Introduction

Strawberry jam has been around since the 16th century and remains a popular spread enjoyed by people of all ages[1]. In 2023, its global market value reached about 4.6 billion USD, and it's expected to nearly double by 2027 [2]. With rising health awareness, many consumers are now looking for lower-sugar options. Smucker’s original strawberry jam contains 10 grams of sugar per 15 millilitres, which led to the release of a no sugar added version. Due to Canadian regulations[3], this version can't be called "jam" and is instead labeled “Strawberry Fruit and Concentrated Grape Juice Spread.” This assignment will compare both products by examining their ingredients, nutrition, and labeling.

Pictures of the Products

Image 6: Smucker's No Sugar Added Spread Back Label Nutrition Facts
Image 1: Smucker's Pure Strawberry Jam Front Label.
Image 3: Smucker's Pure Strawberry Jam Back Label Ingredients List.
Image 4: Smucker's No Sugar Added Spread Back Label Ingredients List.
Image 2: Smucker's No Sugar Added Spread Front Label
Image 5: Smucker's Pure Strawberry Jam Back Label Nutrition Facts.






















Ingredient lists

1. Ingredients

Smucker’s® Pure Strawberry Jam Smucker’s® No Sugar Added Spread
  • Sugar (Glucose-fructose sugar)
  • Strawberries
  • Citric acid
  • Pectin
  • Mono and diglycerides
  • Strawberries
  • Concentrated white grape juice
  • Water
  • Pectin
  • Citric acid
  • Guar gum
  • Mono and diglycerides
  • Potassium sorbate
  • Calcium chloride
  • Sucralose
  • Colour
  • 7 mg of sucralose per 15 mL serving

2. Substitutes & Additives used

Smucker’s® Pure Strawberry Jam Smucker’s® No Sugar Added Spread
Sugar Substitutes None
  • Concentrated white grape juice
  • Sucralose
Fat Substitutes None None
Additives
  • Pectin
  • Citric acid
  • Mono and diglycerides
  • Pectin
  • Guar gum
  • Citric acid
  • Potassium sorbate
  • Calcium chloride
  • Mono and diglycerides
  • Colour

3. Role of Substitutes & Additives

Smucker's® Pure Strawberry Jam

Sugar Substitutes: None.

Fat Substitutes: None. The product contains no fat.

Additives:

  • Pectin: Pectin is a type of naturally occurring polysaccharide that is generally found in the cell walls of fruits and vegetables. It is added in Jam to act as a thickening and gelling agent to give the jam that viscous and thick consistency that most jams have. [4]
  • Citric Acid: Citric acid is generally added to Jam to help with the help with the texturing, and to provide an enhancement to flavour and brighten the colour of the Jam. It binds together with the pectin molecules in the jam to create a more firm structure, which can also help with preservation. [5]
Smucker's® No Sugar Added Strawberry Fruit and Concentrated White Grape Juice Spread

Sugar Substitutes:

  • White Grape Juice: Considered a common natural sweetener alternative, it’s naturally high in glucose and fructose and contains a variety of other nutrients while providing a sweet taste. [6]
  • Sucralose: An artificial non-caloric sweeter which is also commonly known as Splenda in Canada. It’s considered to be roughly 600 times sweeter than regular table sugar, and is therefore needed in smaller amounts. It’s considered a true sugar substitute as it contains zero calories. [6]

Fat Substitutes: None. The product contains no fat.

Additives:

  • Pectin: Pectin is a type of naturally occurring polysaccharide that is generally found in the cell walls of fruits and vegetables. It is added in Jam to act as a thickening and gelling agent to give the jam that viscous and thick consistency that most jams have. [4]
  • Guar Gum: A natural extract usually extracted from guar beans with high viscous properties that could help the jam reach its known thick consistency. [7]
  • Citric Acid: Citric acid is generally added to Jam to help with the help with the texturing, and to provide an enhancement to flavour and brighten the colour of the Jam. It binds together with the pectin molecules in the jam to create a more firm structure, which can also help with preservation. [5]
  • Potassium Sorbate: A common chemical additive that serves as a preservative, as it inhibits the growth of mold, yeast and certain bacteria. Commonly applied in a variety of foods and cosmetics globally. [8]
  • Calcium Chloride: Usually added as a firming agent, to help work with pectin to enhance the firmness and texture of the jelly. Helps to provide chewiness and structure, which can increase shelf life and withstand long transportation processes. [9]
  • Colour: Added dye for colouring, to enhance visual appeal.

Compare and contrast in the two products

Common: Both products use strawberries and pectin as their main fruit and gelling agents

Difference:

Basis Smucker's Pure Strawberry Jam Smucker's No Sugar Added Strawberry Spread
Sweetner Uses sugar, glucose, and glucose-fructose. These provide sweetness, help form the gel with pectin, lower water activity (preserving the jam), and improve texture and mouthfeel. Uses concentrated white grape juice (natural sugars) and sucralose (a non-caloric sweetener). Since it lacks functional sugars, it requires other ingredients to mimic texture and preservation.
Texture Modifier Uses pectin and sugar to form a gel. Sugar supports the structure by interacting with pectin and acid. Adds guar gum (a thickener) and calcium chloride (helps pectin gel without sugar) to compensate for sugar’s absence.
Preservations Preserved naturally through high sugar and low pH (citric acid), which reduce water activity. Requires potassium sorbate, a chemical preservative, since sugar is not present to bind water.
Color Gets its color from strawberries and sugar’s effect during cooking. Adds artificial color to match expected appearance, as grape juice and lack of browning can dull the product visually.
Sensory Traditional sweet taste and full mouthfeel. Tastes sweet due to sucralose but may have a lighter texture and slightly different sweetness profile.

Labels

Labelling Requirement [10] Smucker's Pure Strawberry Jam Smucker's No Sugar Added Strawberry Spread
Bilingual Labelling [11] All mandatory information, including product name and Nutrition Facts, is shown in both English and French. All mandatory information, including product name and Nutrition Facts, is shown in both English and French.
Common Name of Food Common name “Strawberry Jam” on the front label. Common name “Strawberry Fruit and Concentrated White Grape Juice Spread”, not “jam” due to non-sugar sweeteners on front label.
Country of Origin Declared Product of the USA. Declared Product of the USA.
Date Marking and Storage Instructions [12] Best-before date printed below country of origin. Below the nutrition facts table, the label says to refrigerate after opening. The jam lasts for roughly two years after opening. Best-before date printed beneath ingredients list on the back label. Below the nutrition facts table, the label says to refrigerate after opening. The spread lasts for roughly one year after opening.
Fortification [13] Not fortified. Not fortified.
Identity and Principal of Business [14] Manufacturer J.M. Smucker Company in Ohio, USA. Manufacturer J.M. Smucker Company in Ohio, USA.
Irradiated Foods [15] Not applicable - no irradiated ingredients declared or expected in jam formulation. Not applicable - no irradiated ingredients declared or expected in spread formulation.
Legibility and Location The label is legible and the information is easy to locate on the packaging. The product is imported from the USA and readily available in Canada. The label is legible and the information is easy to locate on the packaging. The product is imported from the USA and readily available in Canada.
List of Ingredients Sugars (Glucose-Fructose, Sugar), Strawberries, Citric Acid, Pectin, Mono and diglycerides. Strawberries, Concentrated Grape Juice, Water, Pectin, Citric Acid, Guar Gum, Mono and diglycerides, Potassium Sorbate, Calcium Chloride, Sucralose, Allura red, Brilliant blue FCF, 7mg of sucralose per 15 mL serving.
Allergens [16] Jam is free from ingredients requiring allergen labelling. Spread is free from ingredients requiring allergen labelling.
Nutrition Facts Table [17] The table includes all necessary details, including calories, fat (saturated and trans), carbohydrates (fiber and sugars), protein, sodium, potassium, calcium, and iron. The table includes all necessary details, including calories, fat (saturated and trans), carbohydrates (fiber and sugars), protein, sodium, potassium, calcium, and iron.
Net Quantity of the Food 250 mL declared on front label in metric units, as required. 500 mL and 1L are also available. 310 mL declared on front label in metric units, as required.
Sweeteners Sweetened with added sugars (sugar and glucose). Sweetened with concentrated fruit juice and sucralose; complies with “no sugar added” [18] claim regulations and declared on label as required.
Food Additives Pectin, Citric Acid Pectin, Guar Gum, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Calcium Chloride, Colour
Claims and Statements Composition Claim [19]

The word “pure” refers to the common name “strawberry jam” [20]. Other claims include: “No artificial colours”, “No artificial flavours”, “No preservatives”.

Production Claim [21]

Certified kosher [22] by Orthodox Union (OU) Certification Agency

Composition Claim [19]

Nutrient content claim: “No sugar added” permitted as no sugar is used, and natural fruit sugar only contributes total sugar.

Production Claim [21]

Certified kosher [22] by Orthodox Union (OU) Certification Agency

Nutrient Claim

Front label states that each 15mL (1 tsp) serving contains 20 calories

All labelling adheres to the federal requirements set by Canada's Food and Drugs Act.

References


  1. ↑ Confitures, A. (2022, April 14). Strawberry jam: an untouchable must-have or a source of inspiration? Maison Andrésy. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://www.maison-andresy.com/strawberry-jam-incontrovertible-source-of-inspiration-maison-andresy/#:~:text=%E2%80%93%20The%20French%20by%20habit%3A%20the,access%20to%20the%20same%20fruits.
  2. ↑ Jam, Jelly, and Preserves Market Analysis | Industry Growth, Size & Forecast Report 2030. (2025a, June 4). Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/jam-jelly-and-preserves-market
  3. ↑ Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2024c, March 18). Criteria for the nutrient content claim no added sugars. inspection.canada.ca. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/industry/nutrient-content/no-added-sugars
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Nast, C. What is pectin, anyway? Retrieved on July 21, 2025 from: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/what-is-pectin
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Sunarharum, W. B., Renika, F., Ali, D. Y., & Asih, N. E. (2021). Optimization of pectin and citric acid concentration on the physical and organoleptic characteristics of Barhi date jam using response surface methodology. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 782(3), 032092. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/782/3/032092
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Harvard Health Publishing. Added sweeteners. Retrieved on July 21, 2025 from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/added-sweeteners
  7. ↑ Ajmera, R. Is guar gum healthy or unhealthy? The surprising truth. Retrieved on July 21, 2025 from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/guar-gum
  8. ↑ Hecht, M. Everything you should know about potassium sorbate. Retrieved on July 22, 2025 from: https://www.healthline.com/health/potassium-sorbate
  9. ↑ Crecompany. Calcium chloride. Retrieved on July 21, 2025 from: https://www.crecompany.com/company_news_en/Calcium-chloride220.html‌
  10. ↑ Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2024, March 18). Labelling requirements for processed fruit or vegetable products. inspection.canada.ca. Retrieved July 21, 2025, from https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/industry/processed-fruit-vegetable-products
  11. ↑ Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2025, January 15). Bilingual food labelling. inspection.canada.ca. Retrieved July 21, 2025, from https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/industry/bilingual-food-labelling#c1
  12. ↑ Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2023, June 22). Date markings and storage instructions on food labels. inspection.canada.ca. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/industry/date-markings-and-storage-instructions
  13. ↑ Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2025d, January 15). Fortification of food. inspection.canada.ca. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/industry/fortification
  14. ↑ About our company | The J.M. Smucker Company. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://www.jmsmucker.com/about
  15. ↑ Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2019, January 15). Irradiated foods. inspection.canada.ca. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/industry/irradiated-foods
  16. ↑ Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2025a, January 15). Allergen-free, gluten-free and cross-contamination statements. inspection.canada.ca. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/industry/allergens-and-gluten
  17. ↑ Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2024d, March 18). Nutrition labelling. inspection.canada.ca. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/industry/nutrition-labelling
  18. ↑ Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2024a, March 18). Criteria for the nutrient content claim no added sugars. inspection.canada.ca. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/industry/nutrient-content/no-added-sugars
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2025b, January 15). Food composition and quality claims. inspection.canada.ca. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/industry/composition-and-quality#s7c2
  20. ↑ Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2025c, January 15). Food composition and quality claims. inspection.canada.ca. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/industry/composition-and-quality#s1c2
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2024a, January 24). Method of production claims on food labels. inspection.canada.ca. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/industry/method-production-claims#c5
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Goldberg, R. C. (2024, March 5). OU Kosher symbols explained - OU Kosher Certification. OU Kosher Certification. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://oukosher.org/blog/industrial-kosher/all-ou-symbols-explained/
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