Are the pastilles suitable for children, and how should they be included in a child's diet? — Fruit Pastilles without sugar,assorted 400 g — SuperNut

Fruit pastilles are traditionally considered a gentler alternative to chocolates or hard sweets: they are based on fruit purée rather than a caramel mass. Nevertheless, they are still a sweet and should be treated as such.

A few practical points worth considering:

• Portion size. The pack weighs 400 g, which is convenient for a family, but that is precisely why it is important to decide on a sensible portion for a child in advance rather than leaving the packet within easy reach.
• Age. For very young children, the chewy texture of the pastilles may be awkward, so go by the age at which the child can already chew such foods confidently.
• Ginger in the composition. One of the flavours in the assortment contains ginger. For most children this is not a problem, but if your child is sensitive to spices, bear it in mind.
• Balanced diet. The pastilles work well as a small treat with tea or after a meal, but they should not crowd out fresh fruit and other sources of nutrients.

If your child is allergic to stone fruit (plum, cherry, apricot) or has other dietary restrictions, consult a paediatrician before introducing the product into their diet.