Understanding the 'No Sugar Added' Label
Many consumers are drawn to products labeled 'no sugar added', believing them to be inherently healthier. While products like Outshine's no sugar added strawberry fruit bars do not contain additional cane sugar, it is important to understand what provides the sweet flavor. Instead of sugar, these treats rely on a mix of sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners to achieve the desired taste profile while keeping calorie and sugar counts low. This makes them a suitable option for some dietary plans, but it also means their ingredients are more processed than a simple whole fruit snack.
Deconstructing the Ingredients in No Sugar Added Strawberry Outshine
Breaking down the ingredient list reveals how this treat is formulated to be a low-sugar alternative. Key components include:
- Water: The primary ingredient, forming the frozen base of the bar.
- Strawberries and Fruit Juice Concentrates: Real strawberries and juice concentrates provide the primary flavor and an excellent source of Vitamin C.
- Sorbitol: A sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and humectant. It adds sweetness but can have a laxative effect if consumed in excess, particularly for sensitive individuals.
- Maltodextrin: A polysaccharide derived from starches, used as a thickener and to add bulk. It contributes an insignificant amount of total sugars.
- Glycerin: A sugar alcohol that acts as a sweetener and softening agent.
- Polydextrose: A synthetic polymer used as a food additive to replace sugar. It provides sweetness and texture.
- Artificial Sweeteners: Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium provide intense sweetness with no calories. Sucralose is a chlorinated sweetener, and some studies have raised concerns about its long-term health effects.
- Thickeners and Stabilizers: Guar Gum and Carob Bean Gum are natural thickeners that help create the bar's texture and prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Coloring: Natural colors from sources like beet juice and turmeric oleoresin are used for visual appeal.
Nutritional Profile at a Glance
One Outshine No Sugar Added Strawberry Frozen Fruit Bar offers a low-calorie treat with minimal carbohydrates. A single 70g bar contains approximately 45 calories, 11g of total carbohydrates, and 2g of sugar, with zero added sugar. It also provides a significant portion of the recommended daily intake for Vitamin C. The product is fat-free, gluten-free, and contains no high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors or flavors.
No Sugar Added Strawberry Outshine vs. Regular Outshine Strawberry
Comparing the no sugar added version with the regular strawberry Outshine highlights the trade-offs consumers make. While both are made with real fruit and offer a boost of vitamin C, their nutritional profiles and sweetener types differ significantly.
| Feature | No Sugar Added Strawberry Outshine | Regular Strawberry Outshine | Comparison | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~45 per bar | ~60 per bar | No sugar added is lower in calories. | , |
| Added Sugar | 0g | ~12g per bar | The key difference; no sugar added version contains none. | , |
| Total Sugars | ~2g (from fruit) | ~16g | Regular version has significantly higher total sugar content. | , |
| Sweetener | Sorbitol, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium | Primarily Cane Sugar | Swapping cane sugar for sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners. | , |
| Real Fruit | Yes, contains real strawberries | Yes, contains real strawberries | Both contain real fruit, but the no sugar added uses juice concentrates. | , |
How it Fits into a Nutrition Diet Plan
Incorporating Outshine No Sugar Added Strawberry into a diet depends on individual health goals. For those needing to control blood sugar levels, such as individuals with diabetes, or those following a low-calorie diet, this product offers a refreshing treat without the added sugar that can cause spikes. The lower calorie count makes it a lighter indulgence compared to traditional ice cream or other frozen desserts. However, the presence of sugar alcohols like sorbitol means moderation is key, as excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal distress. The artificial sweeteners also raise concerns for some who prefer a less-processed diet.
The Whole Foods Alternative
While products like Outshine provide convenience, a truly whole-food-based alternative involves simply blending fresh or frozen strawberries with a splash of water and freezing the mixture in a popsicle mold. This method guarantees a treat free of added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and stabilizers, maximizing nutritional value from the fruit alone. For those interested in minimizing processed ingredients, this approach is often the best option.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
Outshine No Sugar Added Strawberry Frozen Fruit Bars represent a popular and accessible option for a low-calorie, no-added-sugar frozen treat. They are an excellent source of Vitamin C, fat-free, and contain no high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors. However, their sweetness comes from sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and sucralose, which some people may prefer to avoid due to potential digestive side effects or general preference for less processed foods. Ultimately, whether this product fits into your nutrition diet depends on your personal health goals, your sensitivity to alternative sweeteners, and your overall dietary philosophy. It serves as a good reminder that a 'no sugar added' label does not mean the product is entirely natural or free of other additives. For a truly whole-food snack, homemade frozen fruit pops are an excellent alternative.
For more information on comparing frozen treats, check out this guide from a clean eating perspective: Are Outshine Fruit Bars Healthy (From a Nutritionist)?
