The Sweet Truth: Not All Bars Are Equal
Outshine is a popular brand known for its frozen fruit bars, often marketed as a refreshing and healthier alternative to traditional ice cream. However, a common misconception exists that every bar in their product lineup is made without added sugar. This is incorrect. The company produces two distinct categories of frozen fruit bars: the standard line, which contains added cane sugar, and a specific "No Sugar Added" line designed for those managing their sugar intake or watching their calories.
Understanding the difference begins with a careful reading of the product packaging. The "No Sugar Added" variants are always clearly labeled to distinguish them from their regular counterparts. This is a critical first step for consumers to make an informed choice based on their dietary needs and preferences.
Deciphering Outshine's Product Labels
To ensure you are buying the right product, always examine the packaging. For instance, a box of regular Outshine Strawberry Fruit Bars lists cane sugar as a primary ingredient, along with strawberries and other components. The nutrition label on these regular bars will show a significant amount of both total sugars and added sugars. In contrast, the Outshine "No Sugar Added" Strawberry Fruit Bars will have a nutrition facts panel showing 0g of added sugars, though they still contain natural sugars from the fruit itself.
What to look for on the box:
- Regular Fruit Bars: Check for "cane sugar" listed in the ingredients and a higher "Includes Added Sugars" value on the nutrition label.
- "No Sugar Added" Fruit Bars: The front of the box will prominently display "No Sugar Added." The ingredients list will include artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, and the nutrition label will show 0g of added sugar.
Comparing the Sweeteners: Natural vs. Artificial
The primary difference in the formulation of Outshine's two bar types lies in their sweetening agents. The standard fruit bars achieve their sweetness through cane sugar, a simple carbohydrate derived from sugar cane. This is a traditional form of sugar that adds both calories and sweetness. The "No Sugar Added" bars, however, replace cane sugar with a combination of non-nutritive sweeteners and sugar alcohols.
Sweeteners in "No Sugar Added" bars include:
- Sorbitol: A sugar alcohol that can have a laxative effect if consumed in excess, particularly for sensitive individuals.
- Sucralose: A highly processed artificial sweetener. Concerns have been raised regarding its potential impact on the gut microbiome and its safety, although it is FDA-approved.
- Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): Another artificial sweetener, sometimes associated with health concerns in animal studies, despite also being FDA-approved.
While Outshine emphasizes the use of real fruit or fruit juice in all its bars, the choice of sweetener dramatically changes the nutritional profile and potential effects on the body.
A Head-to-Head Comparison: No Sugar Added vs. Standard
For a clearer understanding, let's compare the nutritional facts of a standard Outshine fruit bar (using Strawberry as an example) versus its "No Sugar Added" counterpart based on reported values.
| Feature | Regular Outshine Strawberry Bar | No Sugar Added Outshine Strawberry Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Sweetener | Cane Sugar | Sorbitol, Sucralose, Acesulfame K |
| Total Sugars | ~14g per bar | ~2g per bar (from fruit) |
| Added Sugars | ~14g per bar | 0g per bar |
| Calories | ~60-70 per bar | ~45 per bar |
| Vitamin C | Good source | Excellent source |
| Potential Side Effects | Contributes to sugar intake | Potential laxative effect from sorbitol |
Health Considerations: Who Should Choose Which?
The decision of which Outshine bar to choose depends largely on individual health goals and dietary sensitivities. For those who are diabetic, on a low-sugar diet, or simply wish to reduce their calorie and sugar consumption, the "No Sugar Added" line may seem like the obvious choice. However, the presence of artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols introduces a new set of considerations.
Some individuals experience digestive discomfort from sugar alcohols like Sorbitol. Others prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners altogether due to personal health beliefs or concerns raised by studies, such as the potential impact on the gut microbiome and appetite regulation suggested by some research.
For someone who is not concerned with minimizing added sugar and prefers to avoid artificial ingredients, the standard Outshine bars with cane sugar might be a more suitable choice. It's important to remember that even with cane sugar, Outshine bars are generally a lower-calorie and lower-fat option compared to many other frozen desserts.
The healthiest option of all, as pointed out by nutritionists, is often to opt for whole, unprocessed foods. For those seeking a frozen treat, a homemade popsicle made from fresh fruit and a splash of juice or water eliminates all added sugars and artificial ingredients.
Conclusion
In summary, the notion that all Outshine bars are no sugar added is a myth. The company offers two distinct product lines, and consumers must read the labels to differentiate between them. The "No Sugar Added" bars utilize artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, while the regular bars are sweetened with cane sugar. Each option presents different nutritional profiles and potential health implications, from sugar intake to digestive effects. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific dietary needs and how you weigh the trade-offs between different sweetening agents. For a deeper look into the health considerations of these ingredients, explore this detailed nutritional analysis: Are Outshine Fruit Bars Healthy (From a Nutritionist)?.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between regular and 'No Sugar Added' Outshine bars?
Regular Outshine bars are sweetened with added cane sugar, while the "No Sugar Added" versions use non-nutritive sweeteners and sugar alcohols, and contain only natural sugars from fruit.
Do Outshine 'no sugar added' bars contain artificial sweeteners?
Yes, the "No Sugar Added" Outshine bars are sweetened with artificial sweeteners such as Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium, as well as sugar alcohol like Sorbitol.
Why do some Outshine bars have a laxative warning?
Products containing sugar alcohols, like Sorbitol, can cause a laxative effect in sensitive individuals if consumed in excess. This warning is often found on the packaging of the "No Sugar Added" varieties.
Are Outshine 'no sugar added' bars low in calories?
Yes, the "No Sugar Added" bars generally have fewer calories than the standard bars because they replace the caloric cane sugar with non-caloric sweeteners.
Can people with diabetes eat Outshine 'no sugar added' bars?
While the "No Sugar Added" bars are lower in carbohydrates, individuals with diabetes should consult their healthcare provider, as artificial sweeteners can still impact blood sugar levels for some.
Do Outshine bars contain high fructose corn syrup?
No, Outshine prides itself on using no high fructose corn syrup in its fruit bars, regardless of whether they are the standard or "no sugar added" variety.
How can I make my own healthy frozen fruit popsicles?
You can make healthy frozen fruit popsicles at home using simple ingredients like fresh fruit, fruit puree, and a liquid like water or coconut water, avoiding both added sugars and artificial sweeteners.
