Fruit cup

The fruit cup is a classic, simple side dish commonly found in American diners and cafeterias, consisting of a mix of pre-cut, canned fruits served in light syrup or juice. Typical ingredients include diced peaches, pears, grapes, pineapple, and maraschino cherries, all combined in a small plastic or glass cup.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is primarily a source of simple carbohydrates from the fruit and added sugars in the syrup, offering minimal protein and fat. It provides key vitamins like Vitamin C and some potassium, with a typical serving containing roughly 80-120 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	70 kcal
Protein	1 g
Carbs	18 g
Fat	0 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	14 g
Sodium	10 mg
Vitamin C	30 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Vitamin A	60 mcg
Folate	40 mcg
Manganese	0.3 mg
Vitamin K	10 mcg
Magnesium	20 mg
Copper	0.1 mg

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

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the fruit cup is a nostalgic symbol of classic American casual dining, often representing a convenient, non-perishable alternative to fresh fruit. Nutritionally, it's interesting because while it offers fruit-based nutrients, the syrup can significantly increase its sugar content compared to whole fruit.