As the summer months approach, people are often on the lookout for a refreshing and healthy alternative to traditional ice cream. One such option that has been gaining popularity in recent years is Outshine fruit bars. But are these frozen treats actually healthy, or just another sugar-laden treat masquerading as nutritious?
Firstly, it’s important to understand what exactly goes into an Outshine fruit bar. According to their website, each bar contains “real fruit or fruit juice,” as well as “no high fructose corn syrup and no artificial colors and flavors.” This sounds promising – after all, real fruit is definitely healthier than fake flavorings and synthetic dyes.
However, upon closer inspection of the nutrition label, a few red flags arise. Each bar contains around 15 grams of sugar – more than many candy bars! And while some of this sugar comes from the natural sweetness of the fruit used in each bar, much of it is likely added during production to enhance flavor.
Additionally, out of the seven different flavors listed on Outshine’s website (strawberry, raspberry, mango, peachy mango blend, tangerine medley blend, blueberry medley blend), only two flavors (tangerine medley blend and blueberry medley blend) contain any fiber at all. Fiber plays an important role in digestion by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates in our bodies.
So what does all this mean for someone trying to make a health-conscious choice? While Outshine bars do contain some real fruit and lack artificial colors/flavors/high fructose corn syrup (all pluses), they also contain quite a bit of added sugar with little-to-no fiber content (both minuses). People looking for a truly wholesome snack might be better off choosing fresh fruits like sliced apples or berries instead.
Of course everyone’s dietary needs are different – one person may not be too concerned about consuming 15 grams of added sugars while another may want to avoid it altogether. However, as a rule of thumb, if you’re seeking a refreshing treat while also keeping an eye on your sugar and fiber intake, Outshine fruit bars may not be the best choice.
Ultimately, eating in moderation is key; if you’re craving an Outshine bar once in awhile or want to try a new flavor, go for it! It’s always worth balancing indulgences with other healthy choices throughout your day. But as far as long-term health goes, snacking on whole fruits instead of prepackaged frozen treats is likely the way to go.
As summer heats up, many people turn to refreshing frozen treats as a way to cool down while still enjoying something sweet. One option that has gained popularity in recent years is the Outshine fruit bar. These treats claim to be made with real fruit and lack artificial colors, flavors, and high fructose corn syrup – but are they truly healthy?
At first glance, the ingredient list for Outshine bars seems promising: “real fruit or fruit juice” is listed as the top ingredient. However, upon closer inspection of the nutrition label, it becomes clear that each bar contains around 15 grams of sugar – more than many candy bars! While some of this sugar comes from natural sources like the fruits used in each bar, much of it is likely added during production to enhance flavor.
Another concerning factor is that only two out of seven flavors (tangerine medley blend and blueberry medley blend) contain any fiber at all. Fiber plays an important role in digestion by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates in our bodies. Without fiber present in most Outshine flavors, consumers might experience a spike in blood sugar levels after consumption.
So what does this mean for someone trying to make healthier food choices? While Outshine bars do offer some benefits such as containing real fruit and lacking artificial ingredients like colors/flavors/high fructose corn syrup, they also have downsides such as ingesting quite a bit of added sugars with little-to-no fiber content.
For those seeking truly wholesome snacks without added sugars or excessive amounts of processed ingredients altogether could consider choosing fresh fruits like sliced apples or berries instead. However; one should keep in mind their dietary needs when deciding whether or not these bars would fit into their regimen- certain individuals may not have significant concerns about consuming 15 grams of added sugars while another may want to avoid them altogether.
It’s always worth balancing indulgences with other healthy choices throughout your day- moderation should be kept in mind. So, if you’re craving an Outshine bar once in awhile or want to try a new flavor, go for it – but relying on whole fruits instead of prepackaged frozen treats is likely the best choice for overall health benefits.