The 10 Unhealthiest Grape Jellies Hiding In Your Grocery Aisle

You’d think something made from fruit would be a safe bet—but when it comes to grape jelly, that’s not always the case. Many store-bought options are loaded with high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and barely any actual fruit. Here are 10 grape jellies that seem innocent but are packing more sugar and fillers than you’d expect.

1. Welch’s Concord Grape Jelly

Welch’s Concord Grape Jelly is a staple in many households. However, this beloved brand is often criticized for its high sugar content and low grape concentration. Many find themselves drawn to its rich, sweet taste, not realizing the presence of high fructose corn syrup.

The jelly’s consistency is smooth, making it easy to spread, but this texture owes much to its added sugars and preservatives. A morning toast with this jelly might be more about indulgence than nutrition.

Did you know? Despite its vintage appeal, Welch’s remains a top choice in spreading sweetness.

2. Smucker’s Grape Jelly

Smucker’s Grape Jelly, a nostalgic name for many, conceals more sugar than actual fruit. This classic brand leans heavily on added sugars and corn syrup, which contributes to its unmistakable sweetness.

The familiar jar might evoke childhood memories, but today, it’s packed more with sweeteners than grapes. Smucker’s delivers on taste, but falls short on genuine fruit content, making it more of a sugary treat than a healthy spread.

For those looking for nostalgia without the nutritional compromise, this might not be the best pick.

3. Great Value Concord Grape Jelly (Walmart)

At first glance, Great Value Concord Grape Jelly seems like a wallet-friendly choice. However, its affordability comes with a trade-off in quality. Packed with corn syrup and sugars, it lacks genuine grape essence.

This jelly offers a sweet deal for those counting pennies, but at a cost to their health. The syrupy consistency and artificial flavors dominate the jar, leaving little room for actual fruit.

While it may fit the budget, it doesn’t fit the bill for those seeking a nutritious spread.

4. Kroger Grape Jelly

Kroger Grape Jelly, a staple in many generic store brand offerings, appears simple but is essentially a sugar spread in disguise. Its artificial grape flavor is overshadowed by an abundance of sweeteners and additives.

This jelly provides an easy spread for sandwiches but sacrifices health benefits for taste. With zero fiber and a host of preservatives, it’s more about convenience than nutrition.

For those in search of a genuine grape experience, this option might leave you wanting more.

5. Market Pantry Grape Jelly (Target)

Market Pantry Grape Jelly from Target is a classic example of sweetness overshadowing substance. With both corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup, it wins in sweetness but loses in nutritional value.

This jelly is more about pleasing the sweet tooth than providing a real fruit experience. Its bright packaging might catch the eye, but its contents lean heavily on artificial ingredients.

If you’re in search of real grape flavor, this might be more style than substance.

6. Signature Select Grape Jelly (Safeway/Albertsons)

Signature Select Grape Jelly, often found in Safeway and Albertsons, is a common choice for shoppers. Despite its appealing presentation, it’s high in added sugars and uses artificial preservatives.

The promise of a tasty spread is overshadowed by the lack of real nutrition. Its texture is smooth and consistent, but this comes at the expense of actual grape content.

For those valuing health over convenience, this jelly doesn’t quite meet the mark.

7. Food Lion Grape Jelly

Food Lion Grape Jelly, while budget-conscious, doesn’t deliver on the health front. Its sweetness is dominated by syrupy additives that overshadow any real fruit character.

For those looking for a quick and cheap option, this jelly might check the box. However, the cost is a lack of genuine grape flavor and nutritional value.

With its overwhelming sweetness, it serves more as a sugary snack than a fruit-filled spread.

8. Best Choice Grape Jelly

Best Choice Grape Jelly is an option for those prioritizing budget over quality. Loaded with sugar and artificial coloring, it trades fruit quality for shelf life.

The vibrant hue might be appealing, but it’s more about appearance than real grape content. This jelly is sweet, but it’s a sweetness that owes to its additives rather than real grapes.

For those seeking genuine flavor, this might not fulfill that desire.

9. Essential Everyday Grape Jelly

Essential Everyday Grape Jelly is conveniently placed on many kitchen shelves, yet it contains both glucose and high fructose corn syrup. Its grape flavor seems more lab-developed than vineyard-grown.

This jelly might offer the classic sweet taste, but it lacks the authenticity of natural fruit. Its texture and color are notably artificial, appealing to those who prioritize taste over nutrition.

While it spreads easily, its real fruit content is disappointingly low.

10. Clover Valley Grape Jelly (Dollar General)

Clover Valley Grape Jelly, found at Dollar General, is more akin to candy than a fruit preserve. With artificial flavorings and synthetic colors, it’s a sticky sugar bomb in a jar.

While its price and availability make it tempting, the jelly is dominated by sweeteners rather than grapes. It’s a wallet-friendly option that might satisfy a sugar craving but not a fruit-focused diet.

For those wanting a healthier alternative, this choice might fall short.