What Are That's it Bars?
That's it bars are a line of plant-based snack bars that emphasize minimalist ingredients. The company's core philosophy is to provide snacks with as few ingredients as possible—usually just two types of fruit. For example, a popular bar contains only apples and mangoes, while others combine apples with blueberries or strawberries. The manufacturing process involves pressing and dehydrating fruit, which is why the ingredient list is so short. The brand prides itself on having no added sugars, no preservatives, and no juice concentrates. While this sounds excellent, the crucial difference between a bar and a fresh piece of fruit lies in the processing.
The Nutritional Breakdown: That's it Bars vs. Whole Fruit
While That's it bars are made from real fruit, the processing involved changes their nutritional profile compared to consuming fruit in its whole form. Here's a closer look at the key nutritional differences:
Sugar Content
A single That's it fruit bar (35g) contains around 17-24 grams of naturally occurring sugar, depending on the flavor. While this sugar isn't "added" by a manufacturer, it is still a concentrated form of fructose. When you eat a whole apple, its high water content and intact cellular structure slow down the digestion of its natural sugars. In contrast, the concentrated, dehydrated fruit in a bar allows for quicker sugar absorption, which can cause a more rapid spike in blood sugar levels. A medium apple, for instance, contains about 19 grams of sugar, but its larger volume and higher water content make it more satiating and less likely to cause a sugar crash.
Fiber Content
One of the most significant benefits of That's it bars is their relatively high fiber content, providing 3-4 grams per bar. This is a respectable amount, especially when compared to many other snack options. Fiber is crucial for digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar. However, the type of fiber can differ. The processing of fruit into a bar can break down some of the fiber's cellular walls, which can slightly reduce its benefits compared to the complex fiber structure found in whole fruit. Nevertheless, the fiber content is a major plus and sets these bars apart from juice concentrates, which typically lack fiber entirely.
Vitamins and Minerals
Heat-sensitive nutrients like Vitamin C can be degraded or lost during the drying and heating processes used to create the bars. While That's it bars list some vitamins like Vitamin C and A on their labels, these can be less potent than those in a raw, fresh piece of fruit. Fresh fruit also contains a more diverse array of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that can be partially compromised during processing. This isn't to say the bars are devoid of nutrients, but they aren't a perfect one-to-one replacement for the full spectrum of benefits from whole, fresh fruit.
That's it Bars vs. Whole Fruit: A Comparison Table
| Feature | That's it Bar (e.g., Apple + Mango) | Whole Fruit (e.g., 1 medium apple) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Two types of dehydrated and pressed fruit | One fresh, unprocessed piece of fruit | |
| Processing | Dehydrated and pressed into a bar | Raw and unprocessed | |
| Fiber | 3-4g per bar, but some cellular structure compromised | All naturally occurring fiber is intact | |
| Sugar | 17-24g of naturally occurring, concentrated sugar | Natural, slower-digesting sugars | |
| Vitamins | Some vitamins remain, but heat-sensitive ones may be reduced | Full spectrum of vitamins and nutrients | |
| Satiety | Less filling due to concentrated nature | More filling due to high water and fiber content | |
| Convenience | Highly convenient and portable | Requires washing or peeling, less portable |
The Verdict: Are They a Good Source of Fruit?
The answer depends on your perspective. That's it bars are undeniably a better choice than many traditional sugary snacks, candy, or other highly processed fruit-flavored products. They contain real fruit, fiber, and no added sugars, making them a healthier on-the-go option. For someone who struggles to get any fruit in their diet, a That's it bar can help bridge that nutritional gap.
However, it's crucial to understand that they are not a perfect substitute for whole, fresh fruit. The concentration of natural sugars and potential loss of some heat-sensitive nutrients means they don't provide the same holistic benefits as an unprocessed piece of fruit. Think of them as a great alternative snack rather than a direct replacement for your fruit bowl.
How to Incorporate That's it Bars into a Healthy Diet
To make the most of That's it bars, consider these tips:
- Use as a Quick Energy Boost: They are excellent for a quick boost before a workout or when you need a portable snack. The concentrated sugar provides fast energy.
- Pair with Other Foods: To slow down sugar absorption and increase satiety, eat the bar alongside a protein or healthy fat source, like nuts or yogurt.
- Moderation is Key: Treat the bars as an occasional snack, not a staple. Rely on whole, fresh fruits for the majority of your daily fruit intake.
- Read the Label: While That's it is known for simplicity, always read the label to ensure no unwanted ingredients have been added to specific varieties, as some probiotic versions may have additional components.
Conclusion
While That's it bars are a clean, convenient, and legitimately fruity snack, they should not be seen as a perfect substitute for whole, fresh fruit. Their concentrated sugar and reduced vitamin profile compared to fresh fruit mean they are best used in moderation as a healthy alternative to more processed, sugary junk food. For optimal health and a complete range of nutrients, prioritize eating whole fruits first. Ultimately, if the choice is between a bag of candy and a That's it bar, the bar is the clear winner for a healthy, real fruit snack.
More Resources
For deeper insights into the benefits of consuming whole fruits and fiber, consult reputable nutritional research, such as articles available through the National Institutes of Health.
