We are going to have to face facts in this nonstop, always on the go world, we've made for ourselves. When we eliminate preservatives, which is a great idea, prepackaged becomes much less desirable. Preservatives and prepackaged tend to go hand in hand, and did from the onset. I, personally, would not want to serve my kids or grandkids something that was prepackaged, that I could not see the contents, yet contained no preservatives.
As one who cans and preserves everything from fruits and vegetables to milk, I use natural preservatives, and excessive heat and pressure. My natural preservatives are salt or vinegar, sometimes both, and heat not only serves to kill anything that could potentially "grow," it also serves as the catalyst to the vacuum process of canning. In this process, however; I am using jars I can see through and lids that clearly indicate a good seal or the lack thereof.
These boxes with plastic liners, although I'm sure meet all the high tech standards, do not afford the simple checkpoints most moms and grandmas have always relied upon. We truly have no idea of the process used that somehow manages to keep liquid in a plastic bag in a cardboard box through temperature changes and shipping.
The simplest way to avoid any chances of contamination while still providing healthy preservative free snacks is to make snacks at home, keep them in the freezer if time is an issue and it always is, or fresh for after school snacks and outings. As for beverages, filtered water or spring water is always best, especially if there are sports activities. The body needs plenty of good fresh water and salted nuts or seeds are a great source of protein as well as providing the salt that can be lost in summer activities. Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are easy to grow, easy to roast and do last quite awhile when stored ahead, when salted in the roasting process.
I think you'll find the linked article very informative. Why I Stopped Buying Juice Boxes
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