What's in Outshine Bars? A Look at the Ingredients
To determine if Outshine bars are a genuinely healthy alternative, it's essential to scrutinize their ingredients. The brand offers several variations, primarily divided into standard fruit bars and "No Sugar Added" options, with ingredient lists that differ significantly.
Standard Fruit Bars
The standard Outshine bars are made with real fruit puree or fruit juice from concentrate. While the presence of real fruit is a positive, it's important to recognize that juice concentrate is a processed form of fruit that often lacks the fiber found in whole fruit. The primary sweetener in these bars is cane sugar, which is still an added sugar that should be consumed in moderation. Common flavors often include water, cane sugar, natural flavors, and stabilizers like guar gum and carob bean gum.
No Sugar Added Bars
For those seeking to reduce sugar intake, Outshine offers a 'No Sugar Added' line. These bars replace cane sugar with a blend of sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium. While this drastically reduces the sugar and calorie count, these alternatives come with their own set of considerations. Some artificial sweeteners, particularly sucralose, are controversial and have been linked to potential side effects like gut microbiome disruption in studies. Additionally, sugar alcohols like sorbitol can cause digestive discomfort, gas, or a laxative effect if consumed in excess.
Outshine Bars Nutritional Breakdown
Compared to many other frozen desserts, Outshine bars are a lower-calorie and fat-free option (with the exception of the creamy coconut flavor, which contains dairy). Most standard bars range from 60 to 110 calories per bar. The 'No Sugar Added' versions are even lower, often around 45 calories per serving. The bars provide a good source of Vitamin C, but offer minimal to no fiber or protein.
Are They Truly a "Healthy" Alternative?
This is where the nuance comes in. Outshine bars are certainly a better choice than a standard scoop of ice cream packed with saturated fat and high amounts of sugar. However, they are far from a whole food and don't offer the same nutritional benefits as eating a piece of fresh, whole fruit. The use of fruit juice concentrate removes most of the fiber, and the addition of cane sugar or artificial sweeteners moves it further from a natural, healthy snack.
Pros and Cons of Outshine Bars
Here’s a quick overview of the advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
- Lower in calories than many traditional frozen desserts.
- Fat-free (most varieties) and a good source of Vitamin C.
- Made with real fruit puree or juice and contain no high-fructose corn syrup.
- Offer a wide variety of refreshing fruit flavors.
Cons
- Standard bars contain a significant amount of added cane sugar.
- The "No Sugar Added" bars use controversial artificial sweeteners.
- Fruit juice concentrate contains less fiber than whole fruit.
- Contains additives like gums that can cause digestive issues for some people.
Outshine Bars vs. Other Frozen Treats: A Comparison
To put Outshine bars into perspective, here's how they stack up against other common frozen treats:
| Feature | Outshine Bars (Standard) | Outshine Bars (No Sugar Added) | Traditional Ice Cream | Homemade Fruit Sorbet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 60–110 per bar | ~45 per bar | 150+ per serving | Varies, typically low |
| Fat | 0g (most varieties) | 0g | High in saturated fat | 0g |
| Added Sugar | Present (e.g., 12g+ per bar) | 0g | High amount | Often minimal or natural |
| Sweeteners | Cane sugar | Artificial sweeteners (Sucralose, Acesulfame K, Sorbitol) | Sugar, corn syrup, etc. | Natural fruit sugars |
| Fiber | Minimal or 0g | ~1g | Minimal or 0g | Present from whole fruit |
| Processing | Moderate (concentrates, gums) | Highly processed (sweeteners, fillers) | Varies, often high | Low |
How to Enjoy Outshine Bars Mindfully
Ultimately, enjoying an Outshine bar as an occasional treat is a reasonable choice for most people, especially when compared to more indulgent desserts. However, mindfulness is key. Consider pairing it with a source of protein or healthy fats, such as a handful of nuts or some Greek yogurt, to make it a more balanced and satisfying snack. For those concerned about artificial sweeteners or added sugar, making your own frozen fruit pops at home using fresh fruit is an even healthier and more natural alternative.
For more ideas on creating your own healthy frozen treats, you can explore recipes online.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Outshine Bars
Outshine bars can be a refreshing and lower-calorie alternative to ice cream, but they should not be mistaken for a truly healthy food. The regular versions contain added sugar, while the no-sugar-added options include controversial artificial sweeteners. Because they lack significant fiber and other nutrients found in whole fruit, they are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple. For optimal health, consuming whole, fresh fruit remains the superior option.
