The Promise of 'Real Fruit' Versus Processed Reality
Outshine has built a reputation for offering a seemingly wholesome frozen treat, but the truth is more nuanced than the simple promise of 'real fruit' suggests. While it's true that most varieties contain real fruit or fruit juice, they are still a processed product and their nutritional value varies greatly depending on the specific bar. A regular mango fruit bar, for example, is made with mango puree and mango juice concentrate, but also includes cane sugar, gums for texture, and natural flavors. The addition of sugar is the primary nutritional concern for most people when evaluating these bars.
The Sugar Conundrum: A Closer Look at the Labels
When comparing an Outshine bar to a scoop of traditional ice cream, the fruit bar often appears to be the healthier choice due to its lower calorie and saturated fat content. However, the high added sugar content in many of the standard fruit bar flavors can be misleading. The typical peach-flavored bar contains 30 grams of sugar, while other flavors can contain 16-17 grams per bar. For most people, this is a significant portion of their recommended daily intake of added sugars. Unlike the natural sugars found in fresh fruit, added sugars contribute to empty calories and can negatively impact health. Furthermore, the processing of fruit into purees and concentrates can diminish some of the nutritional benefits, such as fiber, that you would get from eating whole fruit.
Demystifying 'No Sugar Added' Outshine Bars
To address the sugar concern, Outshine offers 'No Sugar Added' varieties. While this solves one problem, it introduces another: the use of non-nutritive, artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium. Research into the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners is ongoing and some studies suggest they may encourage weight gain by increasing sugar cravings. The no-sugar-added versions also contain sugar alcohols like sorbitol, which can cause digestive issues in some individuals. For many health-conscious consumers, trading cane sugar for artificial sweeteners is not a desirable solution.
Outshine's Ingredient List Breakdown
To make an informed decision, it's helpful to break down the common ingredients found in Outshine bars.
- Real Fruit/Fruit Juice: Provides natural fruit flavor and some vitamins, like Vitamin C. However, fruit concentrates can be lower in fiber and other nutrients than whole fruit.
- Cane Sugar: The primary source of sweetness in regular varieties, adding significant sugar and calories.
- Natural Flavors: Can be a vague term, and some have raised concerns about additives.
- Gums (Guar, Carob Bean): Used as thickeners and stabilizers to improve texture and prevent ice crystal formation. Some people with sensitive digestive systems may experience issues.
- Artificial Sweeteners: Found in 'No Sugar Added' bars, including sucralose and acesulfame potassium.
- Additives (Citric Acid, Colors): Used for flavor and color, including added colors from natural sources.
Comparison: Regular vs. No Sugar vs. Homemade
To put the differences into perspective, here is a comparison table of different frozen fruit bar options.
| Feature | Regular Outshine Bar (e.g., Peach) | 'No Sugar Added' Outshine Bar (e.g., Strawberry) | Homemade Fruit Pop (e.g., Strawberry, Watermelon) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Sweetener | Cane sugar | Artificial sweeteners (Sucralose), sugar alcohols | Honey or natural fruit sugars |
| Typical Total Sugar | 30g | 2g | Varies based on fruit |
| Added Sugar | ~20-30g | 0g | Varies (e.g., honey) |
| Calories | 120 calories | Typically <40 calories | Varies (e.g., 60-70 calories per pop) |
| Fiber | Low, approx. 1g | Low, approx. 1g | Moderate, higher if whole fruit is used |
| Ingredients | Fruit puree, water, cane sugar, gums, flavors | Real fruit, water, sweeteners, gums, flavors | Fresh fruit, water, and optional natural sweeteners |
The Verdict: A Treat, Not a Health Food
For many people, an Outshine bar can be a better choice than a high-calorie, high-fat ice cream bar, especially the lower-sugar varieties. However, it is crucial to recognize them for what they are: a processed dessert, not a substitute for fresh, whole fruit. The best option for a nutrient-dense snack remains whole fruit, which provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals without added sugars or artificial ingredients. If you choose an Outshine bar, consider it an occasional treat and be mindful of the added sugar or artificial sweeteners, depending on the variety you choose.
Beyond the Freezer Aisle: Healthier Frozen Dessert Alternatives
For those seeking a truly healthy frozen dessert, several alternatives provide more nutritional value.
- Homemade Fruit Popsicles: The simplest and most nutritious option. Blend fresh or frozen fruit with a little water or coconut water and freeze in molds. This gives you complete control over the ingredients and sugar content.
- Frozen Fruit: Simply freezing grapes, banana slices, or berries offers a naturally sweet, cold, and refreshing snack. This preserves all the fiber and nutrients.
- Yogurt Pops: Combine Greek yogurt with berries and freeze. Greek yogurt adds protein, making it a more satiating and balanced snack. For some ideas, you can check out this resource: Are Outshine Fruit Bars Healthy (From a Nutritionist)?.
Conclusion
Are Outshine bars actually healthy? The answer is not a simple yes or no. The healthiness depends on the variety and your overall diet. Regular Outshine fruit bars contain significant added sugar, making them less healthy than whole fruit, while the 'No Sugar Added' versions use artificial sweeteners, which carry their own set of concerns. While they can be a satisfying, low-fat dessert in moderation, they should be viewed as a treat rather than a daily health food. For the most nutrition and least processing, whole fruits and homemade popsicles remain the best options for a refreshing, sweet snack.
