Do That's it. Bars Contain Preservatives?
The main point of the That's it. brand is the absence of artificial preservatives. Many processed foods use chemicals like sodium benzoate to extend shelf life. However, That's it. bars do not use these. Instead, they rely on the natural properties of the fruit itself. The classic two-ingredient bars, such as apple and blueberry, are mashed, dried, and pressed. The company highlights the clean ingredient list.
How Do That's it. Bars Stay Fresh Without Preservatives?
That's it. bars can last up to two years without refrigeration, which raises questions for consumers. The methods used to achieve this include:
- Low Moisture: The dehydration process removes most of the water. This prevents the growth of bacteria and mold.
- Natural Sugars: The natural sugars in the fruit also help preserve the bars. Sugar acts as a humectant, retaining moisture and preventing spoilage.
- Modified Atmosphere Packaging: The bars are sealed in packaging that has had oxygen removed. Oxygen can cause fats to spoil and encourages microbial growth. Replacing oxygen with gases like nitrogen extends shelf life.
- Natural Acidity: Some fruits, like apples, contain citric acid. This acts as a natural preservative.
Comparing That's it. Bars to Other Fruit Snacks
Here's a comparison of a That's it. fruit bar to a conventional fruit snack:
| Feature | That's it. Fruit Bar | Conventional Fruit Snack |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Two fruits (e.g., apples and strawberries) | Fruit puree concentrate, sugar, corn syrup, modified corn starch, citric acid, artificial flavors, and preservatives like sodium benzoate |
| Preservatives | No artificial preservatives. Natural preservation through moisture control | Contains chemical preservatives to extend shelf life |
| Added Sugars | No added sugars. Only fruit sugars | Contains added sugars, such as corn syrup |
| Nutritional Profile | Vegan, Gluten-free, Non-GMO, High in fiber | May contain gluten and other additives. Lower nutritional density |
| Shelf-life | Up to 2 years, without refrigeration | Similar shelf-life, but relies on chemical preservatives |
Quality Control and Processing of That's it. Bars
The manufacturing process helps ensure the safety and shelf-stability of the fruit bars.
- Fruit Sourcing: The company uses real fruit.
- Mashing and Pureeing: The fruit is processed to create a consistent texture.
- Dehydration: The fruit is dried to a specific moisture level. This maintains nutritional value and extends shelf life.
- Bar Formation: The dried fruit mixture is pressed into bar shapes and packaged quickly.
- Packaging: The modified atmosphere packaging protects the product from spoilage.
Conclusion: The Natural Preservation of That's it. Bars
The lack of preservatives in That's it. bars results from a manufacturing process that uses natural preservation methods. The company uses techniques like dehydration along with modern packaging to create a product that is both simple and long-lasting. This makes That's it. bars a healthy, unprocessed snack choice that doesn't need chemical additives to stay fresh. Visit www.thatsitfruit.com for more product and ingredient information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the ingredients in That's it. fruit bars? That's it. fruit bars are made with only two ingredients: fruit and fruit. The Apple + Mango bar, for example, contains only apples and mangoes.
2. How long do That's it. fruit bars last? That's it. fruit bars have a long shelf-life of up to two years, due to natural preservation methods like dehydration and special packaging.
3. Do That's it. probiotic bars have preservatives? The probiotic fruit bars state that they also contain no preservatives or added sugars, just fruit and probiotics.
4. Is citric acid used in That's it. bars as a hidden preservative? No, That's it. bars do not add citric acid. Any citric acid comes naturally from the fruits, such as apples.
5. Are all That's it. products preservative-free? All of the company's classic fruit bars and probiotic bars are marketed as having no added preservatives. It is best to check the specific ingredient list for other product lines like chocolate truffles.
6. What makes That's it. fruit bars different from other fruit snacks? That's it. bars use whole, real fruit and no artificial preservatives, unlike many fruit snacks that contain concentrates, purees, and added sugars.
7. Can I find That's it. bars without any added ingredients at all? Yes, the original two-ingredient fruit bars contain only the fruit listed on the package, with absolutely nothing else added.
8. Do That's it. fruit bars need to be refrigerated? No, That's it. fruit bars do not require refrigeration. They are shelf-stable for an extended period, making them a convenient snack.
