Understanding the Ingredients: What's Inside Your Outshine Bar?
Outshine positions itself as a wholesome alternative to traditional ice cream and frozen desserts, highlighting the use of real fruit or fruit juice, and the absence of high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, and flavors. However, a closer look at the ingredient list reveals a more complex picture.
The Real Fruit vs. Concentrates Debate
Many flavors, such as Strawberry or Raspberry, are made with real fruit and fruit juice concentrates. While this provides a more natural flavor than artificial alternatives, it's important to note the difference between whole fruit and fruit concentrates. Fruit concentrates are processed, often removing fiber and concentrating natural sugars. This means the nutritional benefits are not equivalent to eating a whole piece of fruit.
The Role of Added Sugars
For the standard fruit bars, cane sugar is often the second ingredient listed, contributing significantly to the total sugar count. Excess consumption of added sugar is a major health concern linked to weight gain, diabetes, and other health issues. Even though it’s cane sugar and not high-fructose corn syrup, it is still an added sugar that needs to be consumed mindfully, especially given how easy it is to overeat these light, refreshing treats.
The 'No Sugar Added' Compromise
The 'No Sugar Added' varieties, while avoiding cane sugar, introduce a new set of considerations. These bars often rely on non-nutritive sweeteners like sorbitol, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium. Some studies suggest potential health risks associated with artificial sweeteners, though they are FDA-approved within certain limits. Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, can also cause digestive discomfort like bloating or diarrhea in some people when consumed in excess.
Common Additives: Gums and Thickeners
Outshine bars commonly contain stabilizing and thickening agents such as guar gum and carob bean gum. While these are generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies, some individuals with sensitive digestive systems may experience issues. In rare cases, some additives have been linked to intestinal inflammation.
Comparison: Outshine Fruit Bars vs. Other Frozen Treats
To assess the healthiness of Outshine bars, it's helpful to compare them with alternatives. {Link: Clean Eating Kitchen website https://www.cleaneatingkitchen.com/are-outshine-fruit-bars-healthy/} provides a comparison table of a standard Outshine bar to a typical ice cream and a homemade fruit pop.
Are Outshine Fruit Bars a Healthy Choice?
Outshine bars are a better-for-you alternative to full-fat ice creams laden with high-fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients. Their lower calorie count and absence of artificial flavors and colors make them a more appealing option for those seeking a lighter dessert. However, the sugar content, even from cane sugar, is a concern. The processing of fruit into concentrates diminishes the nutritional value, particularly the fiber content. 'No Sugar Added' versions substitute artificial sweeteners with potential issues.
Making Smarter Choices for a Balanced Diet
- Read the label carefully: Check the ingredients and nutritional information, especially the sugar content, as it varies between flavors.
- Portion control: Be mindful of consumption to avoid excessive sugar intake.
- Pair it up: For a more balanced snack, pair with protein and fiber.
- Consider homemade: Making your own with whole fruit is a healthier option.
Conclusion: A Refreshing Treat in Moderation
The healthiness of Outshine fruit bars is nuanced. They are a healthier choice compared to many traditional frozen desserts but are still a processed product with added sugars or artificial sweeteners and lack the fiber and nutrients of whole fruit. Enjoy them mindfully as an occasional treat. A homemade alternative using real, whole fruit is the most nutritious option.
: https://graciouslynourished.com/are-outshine-bars-healthy/
Lists
{Link: Clean Eating Kitchen website https://www.cleaneatingkitchen.com/are-outshine-fruit-bars-healthy/} lists variations of Outshine fruit bar flavors and common ingredients. Healthier alternatives to consider include fresh whole fruit, homemade fruit popsicles, frozen yogurt bars, fruit smoothies with no added sugar, and plain Greek yogurt with fresh fruit.
What to Look For on the Label
Checking the nutrition label is crucial. Pay attention to the 'Sugars' and 'Added Sugars' lines, ingredient order (fruit or fruit puree should be high on the list), and the type of sweeteners used (cane sugar vs. artificial). Some bars have added Vitamin C. Also, note stabilizing gums and thickeners.
The Final Verdict on Healthiness
Outshine bars are a better choice than many traditional frozen desserts due to lower calories and the absence of high-fructose corn syrup and artificial additives, but they are not a health food. They still contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners, and using fruit concentrates reduces fiber and nutrient content compared to whole fruit. Enjoy Outshine bars in moderation as an occasional treat.
