Demystifying Outshine's 'No Sugar Added' Label
The phrase "no sugar added" can be a beacon for health-conscious consumers, but it requires closer examination. While Outshine's products in this specific line contain no sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup, they are not entirely devoid of sugar. The sweetness is derived from a combination of natural fruit sugars and sugar substitutes. Understanding the difference is key to making a truly informed dietary choice.
The Role of Sweeteners in Outshine's No Sugar Added Popsicles
Outshine's "No Sugar Added" popsicles achieve their sweet flavor by incorporating alternative sweeteners. These are not sugar, but they still provide a sweet taste without the calories or blood sugar impact of traditional sugar. The primary non-nutritive sweeteners found in Outshine's no sugar added products include:
- Sucralose: An artificial sweetener that is far sweeter than sugar and contains zero calories. It is a key component in providing sweetness to the fruit bars.
- Acesulfame Potassium: Often used in combination with other sweeteners, this is another zero-calorie artificial sweetener that enhances the sweet taste profile.
Additionally, sugar alcohols like Sorbitol and ingredients like Maltodextrin are frequently used. Sorbitol can have a laxative effect if consumed in excess, and both contribute to the overall texture and sweetness without being classified as added sugar. The natural fruit used also contains its own fructose, which is a form of sugar.
Comparing Traditional vs. No Sugar Added Outshine Bars
To highlight the nutritional differences, let's examine a comparison of a typical fruit bar versus its no sugar added counterpart. This table demonstrates why reading the label is crucial for consumers mindful of their sugar intake.
| Feature | Traditional Outshine Fruit Bar (e.g., Grape) | No Sugar Added Outshine Fruit Bar (e.g., Strawberry) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 80-120 per bar | Approximately 25-45 per mini bar |
| Total Sugar | High, e.g., 29g (Raspberry) to 32g (Peach) | Low, e.g., 2g (Strawberry) to 4g (Black Cherry/Mixed Berry) |
| Added Sugar | Yes, primarily from cane sugar or concentrates | No added sugar |
| Sweeteners Used | Natural fruit sugars and added cane sugar | Natural fruit sugars, plus artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame potassium) and sugar alcohols (sorbitol) |
| Fiber | Typically lower | Often includes polydextrose for added dietary fiber |
| Texture/Taste | Standard sweet popsicle texture | Can sometimes have a slightly different texture or aftertaste due to alternative sweeteners |
The Impact of 'No Sugar Added' for Different Consumers
The availability of a 'no sugar added' option makes Outshine popsicles suitable for several specific diets, though it is not a universally 'healthy' choice without careful consideration. For individuals with diabetes, these bars can provide a sweet treat without the direct impact on blood glucose that traditional sugar would cause. However, the inclusion of sorbitol means people with sensitive digestive systems should moderate their consumption.
Parents looking for lower-sugar alternatives for their children may also prefer the 'no sugar added' option. The absence of high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors and flavors in Outshine's products is a significant plus. However, some nutrition experts caution against frequent consumption of artificial sweeteners, which may perpetuate a desire for overly sweet foods.
For those seeking a truly all-natural option, the regular fruit bars, while containing added sugar, are made with simple ingredients like real fruit puree and cane sugar. The 'no sugar added' version contains a more complex list of ingredients, including sweeteners and fillers, which some may wish to avoid. Ultimately, consumer preference and specific health needs will determine the best choice.
Making a Smarter Snack Choice
When you're at the grocery store, the first step is to carefully read the product packaging. Look for the label that explicitly states "No Sugar Added" to ensure you are selecting the right product. Then, check the ingredients list and the nutritional panel. Compare the grams of Total Sugars and look for the specific sweeteners used. The presence of natural fruit sugars from the fruit itself will prevent these popsicles from ever being truly "sugar-free" in the strictest sense, but the removal of added sugars is the key distinction.
For those still wary of artificial sweeteners, consider whole fruit or homemade fruit popsicles as alternatives. These offer complete control over ingredients and sweetness levels. However, for a convenient, flavorful frozen treat, Outshine's 'No Sugar Added' line is a solid option that effectively reduces sugar content compared to its traditional counterparts.
Conclusion
In summary, while some Outshine popsicles are not sugar-free, the brand does offer a "No Sugar Added" line that is suitable for people who want to reduce their sugar intake. This option achieves sweetness through artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, rather than added sucrose. Consumers must differentiate between the regular fruit bars and the no sugar added variety by reading labels carefully. This information empowers individuals to choose the product that best aligns with their dietary preferences and health goals.
This article was created for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional regarding dietary changes or health concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outshine Popsicles
Q: Is Outshine's "No Sugar Added" line suitable for diabetics?
A: Outshine's no sugar added fruit bars are often a suitable option for diabetics as they contain artificial sweeteners instead of added sugar, which helps manage blood sugar levels. However, they still contain natural sugars from fruit, so monitoring intake is recommended, and consulting a doctor is always best.
Q: What is the difference between "sugar-free" and "no sugar added"?
A: "Sugar-free" means the product contains virtually no sugar, while "no sugar added" means no additional sucrose or other sugars were included during processing. The product may still contain natural sugars from its ingredients, such as fruit.
Q: Do all Outshine popsicles contain artificial sweeteners?
A: No, only the "No Sugar Added" line of Outshine popsicles contains artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium. The traditional Outshine fruit bars use real fruit puree and cane sugar.
Q: What ingredients are in the No Sugar Added Outshine popsicles?
A: The no sugar added varieties typically contain water, real fruit purees or juices, sugar alcohols like sorbitol, maltodextrin, glycerin, and artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium.
Q: Are Outshine's traditional fruit bars low in sugar?
A: No, the traditional Outshine fruit bars contain significant amounts of sugar from both the fruit juice and added cane sugar. The sugar content is clearly listed on the nutritional label.
Q: Can a child eat Outshine's No Sugar Added popsicles?
A: Yes, a child can consume the no sugar added popsicles as a sweet treat. The product is made with real fruit and does not contain artificial colors or high fructose corn syrup. Parents should be mindful of the sugar alcohol content, which can cause digestive issues if consumed in large quantities.
Q: Are there any negative side effects from the sweeteners in Outshine's No Sugar Added popsicles?
A: Some individuals may experience a laxative effect from excess consumption of sorbitol, a sugar alcohol used in the no sugar added bars. Additionally, some nutrition experts raise concerns about the long-term health implications of artificial sweeteners, which some studies suggest may influence food cravings.
Q: Do Outshine popsicles have a good source of vitamins?
A: Yes, many Outshine fruit bars, including the "No Sugar Added" options, are a good source of Vitamin C due to the inclusion of real fruit and added ascorbic acid. The specific vitamin content varies by flavor.
Q: What is the difference in calorie count between regular and no sugar added Outshine popsicles?
A: The calorie count is typically much lower in the no sugar added varieties. For example, some no sugar added mini fruit pops are only 25 calories per bar, whereas traditional bars can be 70 calories or more.
Q: Are there other Outshine flavors available besides the fruit-based ones?
A: While Outshine is primarily known for fruit bars, they have also previously offered other lines such as Fruit & Cream and Fruit & Veggie bars. However, the fruit and no sugar added fruit bars are their most prominent offerings today.
