What Are 'That's it.' Bars?
'That's it.' bars are a line of fruit bars distinguished by their remarkably simple ingredient list. For most of their original fruit bars, the ingredients are listed as just two fruits—for example, 'Apples, Strawberries' or 'Apples, Mangoes'. The company prides itself on offering 100% natural, plant-based, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly snacks with no added sugars, concentrates, or purees. The original bars are also fat-free, a factor that differentiates them from many other protein or nut-based bars on the market. The company has since expanded its product line to include fruit bars with added probiotics or vegetables, but the core 'Fruit Bar' remains its most recognized product.
The Nutritional Profile: A Closer Look
At first glance, the nutrition label for a 'That's it.' bar is impressive. A typical bar contains around 100 calories, offering a quick and portable snack. However, as with any packaged food, a deeper dive into the macronutrients and sourcing is necessary to understand its true health impact.
The Benefits: Why 'That's it.' Bars Can Be a Healthy Choice
For many people, these bars represent a significant improvement over traditional, high-sugar snacks. Here's why they can be a positive addition to a diet:
- Simple, Whole-Food Ingredients: The ingredient list contains real, recognizable food items with no artificial additives or preservatives. This is a major advantage over snacks with long, complex ingredient lists.
- No Added Sugar: The sweetness comes entirely from the natural sugars found in the fruits used. This is a critical distinction from many 'fruit snacks' that are primarily high-fructose corn syrup.
- Good Source of Fiber: Each bar provides 3–4 grams of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and can help promote satiety.
- Allergen-Friendly: Made in an allergen-free facility, the bars are free from the top 12 allergens, including nuts, dairy, and soy. This makes them a safe snack choice for many with dietary restrictions.
- Convenience: The bars are highly portable and shelf-stable, making them an excellent on-the-go option for busy schedules, travel, or lunchboxes.
The Limitations: When 'That's it.' Bars Fall Short
While the simple ingredients are a huge plus, there are also limitations to consider depending on your specific health goals.
- High in Natural Sugar: A standard bar contains approximately 17–23 grams of sugar, all from fruit. While not added sugar, this can still cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, especially without the balancing effect of protein and fat. This is a key consideration for individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as diabetics.
- Lacks Protein and Healthy Fats: The bars contain very little protein (around 1 gram) and are fat-free. Protein and healthy fats are crucial for sustained energy and satiety. Without them, you may feel hungry again shortly after eating.
- Context is Key: The healthfulness of a That's it. bar depends heavily on when and how you eat it. It's a quick energy source, but not a satisfying meal replacement. Pairing it with a handful of nuts or a cheese stick is recommended to create a more balanced snack.
'That's it.' Bars vs. Other Popular Snack Bars
To put the nutritional profile of 'That's it.' bars into context, here's a comparison with other common, perceived-as-healthy bars. Data is based on standard varieties and can vary by flavor.
| Feature | That's it. Fruit Bar | RXBAR | LaraBar | KIND Bar (Nut) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Apples + another fruit | Dates, egg whites, nuts | Dates, nuts, fruit | Nuts, fruit, honey |
| Added Sugar? | No | No | No | Yes, typically low |
| Protein (approx.) | 1g | 12g | 4g | 6g |
| Fiber (approx.) | 3-4g | 4-6g | 4g | 5g |
| Healthy Fats? | No (Fat-Free) | Yes, from nuts | Yes, from nuts | Yes, from nuts and seeds |
| Primary Function | Quick fruit serving | Protein boost/meal part | Quick energy/dessert | Balanced snack |
How to Incorporate 'That's it.' Bars into a Healthy Diet
To get the most nutritional value from a 'That's it.' bar, it's best to think of it not as a complete snack, but as a component of one. Here are some strategies:
- Pair with Protein: Combine the bar with a source of protein like a handful of nuts, seeds, or a string cheese stick. This balances the fruit sugar and promotes longer-lasting satiety.
- After a Workout: For a fast-digesting carbohydrate source to replenish energy stores post-exercise, a That's it. bar is a great option. Follow up with a protein-rich meal later.
- As a Sweet Treat: Use it as a healthier alternative to a candy bar or a sugary dessert. You get the sweetness from natural sources without the processed additives.
- Portion Control: For kids, or for those monitoring their sugar intake, consider having a mini bar or splitting a regular-sized bar into smaller portions. This still provides the fruit benefits without a large sugar load.
The Verdict: So, are that's it bars actually healthy?
The answer to whether That's it. bars are healthy is a nuanced yes, with a few caveats. They are undeniably healthier than many processed, high-sugar alternatives due to their simple, whole-food ingredients and lack of added sugar. However, they should be viewed as a source of fruit and quick energy, rather than a nutritionally complete or satisfying meal replacement. For a more balanced snack, pairing the bar with protein and healthy fats is the optimal approach. Ultimately, they represent a solid choice for when you need the convenience of a grab-and-go fruit serving, but nutritional context is key.
For more information on the company's commitment to clean ingredients, you can visit their website.
Key Takeaways
- Simple Ingredients: The original 'That's it.' bars contain only two whole-fruit ingredients with no added sugar or preservatives.
- Natural Sugar Source: All sugar comes from fruit, but the quantity can still cause blood sugar spikes, a consideration for some diets.
- Low in Protein and Fat: The bars lack the protein and healthy fats necessary for a truly balanced, satiating snack.
- Best Paired with Other Foods: For a more complete snack, it is recommended to pair a bar with a source of protein like nuts or yogurt.
- Healthier Than Processed Snacks: Compared to many sugary, processed 'fruit snacks', That's it. bars are a significantly better and more natural choice.
- Convenience for On-the-Go: Their simple, portable nature makes them an easy way to get a serving of fruit when fresh produce isn't available.
