Fruit Cocktail

Fruit cocktail is a colorful, sweet-tart dessert or side dish made from a medley of diced fruits, often suspended in a light syrup or fruit juice. Its classic ingredients typically include peaches, pears, grapes, pineapple, and maraschino cherries. While its exact origins are debated, it became a staple of American cuisine in the early 20th century, popularized by canned versions.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

A typical serving is high in carbohydrates, primarily from natural sugars and added syrup, with minimal fat and protein. It provides a good source of vitamin C and some dietary fiber, with a calorie count generally ranging from 50 to 100 calories per half-cup serving.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	50 kcal
Protein	0.5 g
Carbs	13 g
Fat	0.1 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugar	11 g
Sodium	10 mg
Vitamin C	15 mg
Potassium	200 mg
Vitamin A	45 mcg RAE
Folate	25 mcg
Manganese	0.3 mg
Copper	0.1 mg
Vitamin K	5 mcg
Magnesium	15 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, canned fruit cocktail is a nostalgic symbol of mid-century American convenience cooking and potluck gatherings. Nutritionally, it's unique as a dessert that offers vitamins and hydration, though its nutritional profile can vary greatly depending on whether it's made with fresh fruit in juice or canned in heavy syrup.