How Healthy Are Outshine Fruit Bars? A Detailed Nutritional Breakdown

December 5, 2025 •

4 min read

While often marketed as a healthier alternative to ice cream, Outshine fruit bars contain varying levels of added sugar depending on the flavor, and many varieties rely on fruit juice concentrate rather than whole fruit. This raises the question: how healthy are Outshine fruit bars, really?

Quick Summary

Outshine fruit bars offer a lower-calorie, fat-free alternative to traditional frozen desserts but contain added sugar and thickening gums. The 'No Sugar Added' versions use artificial sweeteners, which some people prefer to avoid. While made with real fruit, they lack the fiber of whole fruit and should be enjoyed in moderation.

Key Points

Moderate Healthiness: Outshine fruit bars are healthier than many sugary frozen desserts but are not a substitute for whole fruit.
High in Added Sugar: Standard Outshine bars can contain significant amounts of cane sugar and lack the fiber of whole fruit, so moderation is key.
Artificial Sweeteners in 'No Sugar Added': The sugar-free options rely on artificial sweeteners like sucralose, which have potential health considerations for some individuals.
Low in Fat and Calories: Most Outshine bars are fat-free and low in calories, making them a lighter treat option compared to rich ice cream.
Contains Additives: Both standard and no-sugar-added bars use gums and thickeners that can cause digestive issues in some people.
Made with Real Fruit, But Processed: While the brand uses real fruit, it's often in the form of juice concentrate or puree, resulting in minimal fiber content.

The Nutritional Profile of Outshine Fruit Bars

Outshine fruit bars are often presented as a healthy frozen snack option. Examining their nutritional breakdown provides a clearer understanding of what they offer. While many varieties are low in fat and calories, particularly the mini-pop and no-sugar-added options, the sugar content can vary. A standard Strawberry Outshine bar contains around 60 calories and 12 grams of added sugar. This is a notable amount, especially considering the American Heart Association's recommendation for daily added sugar intake (no more than 36 grams for most adult men and 25 grams for most adult women).

Core Nutritional Facts

Calories: Generally ranges from 40 to 70 calories for a standard bar, but can be higher for creamy flavors like coconut (110 calories).
Fat: Most fruit varieties are fat-free; creamy flavors may contain dairy fat.
Carbohydrates: Primarily from sugar, both natural and added. Total carbs in standard bars are typically 14-17 grams.
Fiber: Low, usually less than 1 gram per bar, despite being made with real fruit.
Protein: Generally negligible.
Vitamin C: Many varieties are fortified with Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).

Key Ingredients: What's Really Inside?

Outshine avoids high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, and artificial flavors in its standard bars. However, a full ingredient review is important.

Common Ingredients List (Standard Bar):

Water and fruit puree or juice from concentrate
Cane sugar
Thickening agents (guar gum, carob bean gum)
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Natural flavors and colors

Ingredients in No Sugar Added Varieties:

Water, fruit puree, and juice from concentrate
Sugar alcohols (Sorbitol) and artificial sweeteners (Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium).
Thickeners and natural colors Excessive consumption of sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners may have potential health implications.

Regular vs. No Sugar Added Varieties

Outshine's standard bars contain added cane sugar, similar to traditional frozen treats. The "No Sugar Added" versions use artificial sweeteners as a sugar replacement. The choice between these depends on individual dietary preferences regarding added sugar versus artificial additives.

Health Pros and Cons

Potential Health Pros

Lower Calories: Generally fewer calories than many traditional frozen desserts.
Fat-Free: Most fruit flavors are fat-free.
Real Fruit: Contains real fruit or juice.
Vitamin C Source: Many provide a good amount of Vitamin C.
No High Fructose Corn Syrup: Absent in most standard products.

Potential Health Cons

Added Sugar: Standard bars contain notable added sugar.
Processed Fruit: Fruit is often in concentrate or puree form, reducing fiber.
Additives: Thickeners can cause digestive issues in some.
Artificial Sweeteners: 'No Sugar Added' varieties use artificial sweeteners which are a concern for some and may not help with sugar cravings.
Low Nutritional Value: Lacks protein and fiber, offering little satiety.

How Outshine Compares to Other Frozen Treats


Feature	Outshine Fruit Bar (Standard)	Traditional Ice Cream Bar	Homemade Fruit Pop	Outshine No Sugar Added
Calories	40-70 per bar	150-300+ per bar	Variable, often lower	25-40 per bar
Fat	0g (Creamy Coconut excluded)	Significant, often high	Low to no fat	0g
Added Sugar	High (10-12g+)	Often very high	Minimal to none	0g (uses artificial sweeteners)
Ingredients	Real fruit, cane sugar, gums	Cream, sugar, corn syrup, fillers	Whole fruit, water/juice	Real fruit, artificial sweeteners, gums
Fiber	Very low	Very low	High (with whole fruit)	Very low

A Balanced Approach to Enjoying Outshine Bars

Outshine fruit bars can fit into a balanced diet, ideally as an occasional treat rather than a primary source of nutrients. They are a lighter option than many high-calorie frozen desserts. For those managing sugar intake, the "No Sugar Added" versions offer an alternative, though they introduce artificial sweeteners. The most nutritious option remains homemade frozen pops using whole fruits, which retain fiber and allow ingredient control.

When consuming an Outshine bar, consider pairing it with a protein or healthy fat source, like nuts or Greek yogurt, to help balance the sugar and improve satiety. Ultimately, while convenient and tasty, Outshine bars are not a replacement for whole fresh fruit.

Conclusion

So, how healthy are Outshine fruit bars? They are a relatively healthier frozen treat option compared to many others, being lower in calories and fat and avoiding artificial colors and high-fructose corn syrup in most standard varieties. However, the presence of added sugar in standard bars and artificial sweeteners in the 'No Sugar Added' versions means they shouldn't be considered equivalent to eating whole fruit. The processing of fruit into concentrates also results in minimal fiber. Enjoyed in moderation, Outshine bars can be a refreshing snack, but understanding their nutritional profile is key to making informed choices. Homemade fruit pops from whole fruit offer superior nutritional benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Outshine fruit bars are made with real fruit or real fruit juice, but they often use fruit juice concentrates rather than only whole, unprocessed fruit.

Standard Outshine bars contain a notable amount of added cane sugar. For example, a regular strawberry bar has around 12 grams of added sugar. The 'No Sugar Added' versions contain zero grams of added sugar but use alternative sweeteners instead.

Outshine bars can fit into a balanced diet, especially since they are lower in calories and fat than many frozen desserts. However, due to their sugar content and low fiber, they won't provide a lasting feeling of fullness.

The 'No Sugar Added' Outshine bars are sweetened with sugar alcohols like Sorbitol and artificial sweeteners such as Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium.

No, an Outshine bar is not a substitute for fresh, whole fruit. While they contain real fruit ingredients, they lack the fiber and some of the nutrients found in whole fruit.

Outshine's standard fruit bars do not contain artificial flavors or colors. The colors are derived from natural sources, such as beet juice or turmeric.

Thickening agents like guar gum and carob bean gum are used to create the desired texture and stabilize the fruit bar. While generally safe, they can cause digestive upset in some sensitive individuals.