The quest for convenient and healthy snacks has led many to explore options like That's It fruit bars, which promise wholesome goodness with minimal processing. On the surface, the simple ingredient list—just fruit and nothing else—paints a picture of health. However, a deeper dive into the nutritional details, including the type of sugar and fiber content, is crucial for a complete assessment.
Unpacking the Simple Ingredient List
That's It bars stand out in the crowded snack bar market because of their famously short ingredient list. The classic bars contain only two fruits, for example, apples and cherries or apples and mangoes. This transparency means consumers know exactly what they are eating, which is a major advantage over many processed snacks filled with fillers, artificial flavors, and preservatives. The fruits are simply pulped and pressed together, resulting in a naturally chewy and sweet bar.
Nutritional Breakdown of a Standard Bar
A typical That's It bar is around 100 calories, a moderate energy amount for a snack. Here is a look at the approximate nutritional profile of a 35-gram bar, using the apple and mango flavor as an example:
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 27g
- Total Sugars: Approximately 23g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 3g
- Protein: Approximately 0-1g
- Fat: 0g
The 0g of added sugar is a key selling point. The high sugar content comes entirely from the natural fruit sugars, which are packaged with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This is a healthier alternative to snacks with added refined sugars, as the fiber helps to regulate the absorption of the sugar, preventing sharp spikes in blood sugar. The bars are also fat-free, gluten-free, and vegan, catering to a wide array of dietary restrictions.
The Role of Sugar and Fiber
While the naturally occurring sugars are a positive, it's important to recognize that the bars are still a concentrated source of sugar. The processing, though minimal, removes some of the water and breaks down some of the cellular structure of the fruit, making the sugars more readily available to the body compared to eating a whole, fresh piece of fruit. The Environmental Working Group has noted that some bars are 63% sugar by weight, highlighting the need for mindful consumption.
Fiber, however, is the saving grace. The 3-4 grams of dietary fiber per bar, depending on the flavor, helps to slow digestion and the release of sugar into the bloodstream. Fiber also promotes satiety, making the snack more filling than a piece of candy with the same amount of sugar. For those looking to increase their fiber intake, these bars can contribute meaningfully towards the recommended daily intake.
Are That's It Fruit Bars Right for You?
That's It fruit bars can be a healthy snack option depending on your dietary goals and lifestyle. Their simplicity and clean ingredients are a significant plus. They are a better alternative to conventional sugary snacks, but they are not a replacement for fresh fruit. Integrating them thoughtfully into your diet, alongside whole fruits and other nutrient-dense foods, is the best approach. They are particularly useful for those who need a quick energy boost, are managing specific allergens, or want a simple, portable snack.
Comparison with Other Snack Bars
To put That's It bars into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular snack options based on an average bar's serving:
| Feature | That's It Bar (Apple + Mango) | Standard Granola Bar (e.g., chewy, flavored) | Standard Energy Bar (e.g., protein-based) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Whole fruit (typically 2) | Oats, high-fructose corn syrup, sugar, flavorings, oils, nuts, other grains | Protein blend, sweeteners, syrups, oils, fiber additives, vitamins, minerals |
| Added Sugar | 0g | Often significant | Can be significant, depending on brand |
| Total Sugar | ~23g | Highly variable, often 10-15g | Highly variable, can be low or high |
| Fiber | ~3g | Variable, often 1-2g | Variable, often higher with added fiber |
| Protein | ~0-1g | ~1-3g | High, often >10g |
| Processing Level | Low (pressed fruit) | Moderate (baked, mixed) | High (engineered formula) |
| Best For | Clean eating, quick fruit serving, low-fat diets | General snacking, budget-friendly | Muscle recovery, high-endurance athletes |
Final Verdict
For those seeking a pure, straightforward fruit snack without added sugars or complex ingredients, That's It fruit bars are an excellent choice. They offer a good source of natural fruit fiber and vitamins and are perfectly suited for on-the-go consumption. However, due to their concentrated natural sugar content, they should be consumed in moderation, especially by individuals watching their sugar intake. They are a healthier alternative to most fruit-flavored candies and snacks but shouldn't replace fresh, whole fruits in your diet. Integrating them as a planned part of a balanced nutrition diet can be a great strategy for a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, That's It fruit bars are a genuinely healthy and transparent snack option. Their core strength lies in their simplicity, consisting only of fruit. While they contain a significant amount of sugar, it is natural fruit sugar balanced by dietary fiber, making them a far superior choice to most other processed snack bars with added sugars. Their convenience, coupled with their clean ingredient profile, makes them a valuable addition to many dietary regimens, provided they are consumed as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, whole, fresh fruit.
