Are Outshine Bars Healthy? A Dietitian Answers 

If you're looking for a refreshing fruity treat for yourself and your family this summer, you may wonder if Outshine bars are healthy or if they're just another sugary popsicle. Read on to see if Outshine bars are right for your family!

When you're trying to make healthier choices for yourself and your family but still want a refreshing, sweet treat, Outshine fruit bars might seem like a great option. They’re fruity, light, and easy to grab when the weather’s hot and everyone wants something sweet. But are Outshine bars actually healthy, or are they just acting like it? 

As a dietitian, I’m all about balance—no foods are off-limits, and there’s always room for something that brings you joy. But I also know how frustrating it can be to feel misled by clever marketing and confusing labels. A green box with pictures of fruit on it; how can that not be healthy?!

If you’re looking for a healthier popsicle or frozen treat to enjoy as the weather heats up or when there’s a sore throat to soothe, Outshine bars may be one you reach for.

But, are Outshine bars healthy? We’ll look at the ingredients in Outshine fruit bars, their nutrition, and potential benefits or drawbacks so you can make the right choice for you and your family. 

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Nutrition Facts

Here are the nutrition facts for one Strawberry mini fruit pop: 

• Calories:  40 calories. 
• Protein:  0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 10 grams 
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Sugars: 10 grams
• Added sugars: 8 grams. 

And the nutrition facts for a regular-sized strawberry fruit bar: 

• Calories:  60 calories. 
• Protein:  0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 15 grams 
• Fiber: <1 gram
• Sugars: 14 grams
• Added sugars: 12 grams. 

Ingredients 

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll find in a strawberry Outshine bar. The ingredients change just slightly to account for the various flavors and colors based on the flavor Outshine fruit bar you choose. 

Strawberries

The first ingredient by weight? Real fruit! Outshine isn’t just claiming to be made with real fruit—they actually use it. However, while strawberries are the main ingredient, these bars aren’t just fruit. You can tell by looking at the rest of the ingredient list and the fact that each bar contains 0 to less than 1 gram of fiber—a sign that the fruit has been processed rather than left whole.

Cane sugar

The second ingredient is cane sugar, which adds extra sweetness. While fruit naturally contains sugar, it can also be tart or have flavors that don’t always translate well into a frozen treat. Outshine bars use cane sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, which some people may prefer.

Citric acid

Citric acid occurs naturally in citrus fruits and is often added to foods to enhance flavor and act as a preservative. In Outshine bars, it likely helps balance the tartness and sweetness of the strawberries.

Guar gum and carob bean gum

Both of these are natural thickening and stabilizing agents that help improve the texture of the bars.

• Guar gum comes from guar beans and is a type of fiber. While it has benefits, too much can cause digestive issues, which is why the FDA limits its use in food. Given that it appears toward the end of the ingredient list and these bars contain little fiber, the amount is likely minimal.
• Carob bean gum is made from carob tree seeds and contains soluble fiber, which has digestion and heart health benefits. However, some people may be sensitive or allergic to it.

Ascorbic acid

This is simply vitamin C, added to help preserve color and provide a slight nutritional boost.

Strawberry juice concentrate

This ingredient adds more strawberry flavor and additional sugars, making the bars taste extra fruity.

Natural flavor

A vague but common term used on ingredient labels, natural flavors come from plant or animal sources like fruit, vegetables, herbs, or spices to enhance taste.

Beet Juice color and turmeric oleoresin color

Instead of artificial dyes, Outshine uses beet juice and turmeric oleoresin to give the bars a vibrant red color.

Health Benefits

To decide if Outshine bars are actually healthy, let’s look at some of the potential health benefits they offer:

• Made with real fruit: Unlike some frozen treats that rely mostly on artificial flavors, Outshine bars do feature real fruit, providing a more natural source of flavor and nutrients.
• No high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners: For those who prefer to avoid ultra-processed sweeteners, these bars use cane sugar instead. Even so, it is still an added sugar, a nutrient to be mindful of. 
• Vitamin C boost: Thanks to the addition of ascorbic acid and real fruit, Outshine bars are a good source of vitamin C. One strawberry mini pop and a regular-sized pop have 10% of the DV for vitamin C. 
• Lower in calories: Depending on the flavor and size, Outshine bars typically contain 40-70 calories per bar, making them a lighter option compared to ice cream or other frozen desserts.
• No artificial colors: Outshine gets its vibrant colors from fruit, vegetables, and spices instead of synthetic food dyes, which some people prefer to avoid.

Potential Cons 

While nothing stands out as a reason to avoid Outshine bars altogether (unless you have an allergy to one of the ingredients), there are a few things to be mindful of. 

• Contains added sugar: Even though cane sugar is a natural sweetener, it still counts as added sugar. Each bar has 10-14 grams per serving, which can add up if you’re eating them frequently.
• Low in fiber: Despite being made with real fruit, the lack of fiber suggests that the fruit has been processed and isn’t as plentiful as the packaging makes it appear. Eating an Outshine bar doesn’t offer the same nutritional benefits as eating whole fruit or a bar made from a higher amount of whole fruit. 
• Can be easy to overeat: Because they’re light and refreshing, it’s easy to grab more than one, which means you’re consuming more sugar than you might realize.
• Contains gums and stabilizers: While guar gum and carob bean gum are safe and commonly used, some people with digestive sensitivities or allergies may not tolerate them well and choose to avoid them. 

How to include Outshine bars in a healthy, balanced diet

I occasionally buy and enjoy Outshine bars with my kids as a simple and convenient treat to have on hand, and they can absolutely fit into a balanced diet for you, too! Here’s how I’d recommend including Outshine fruit bars as part of a healthy, stress-free way of eating:

• Enjoy them as part of a refreshing snack:  Outshine bars are light and hydrating, making them a great option for a warm day or a sweet craving. But since they lack protein, fiber, and healthy fats, they won’t keep you full for long. Try pairing them with a handful of nuts or some Greek yogurt for a snack that will stick with you. 
• Balance added sugars throughout the day:  Since Outshine bars contain 10-14 grams of added sugar per serving, it helps to be mindful of sugar intake from other sources. They’re a great option for a sweet treat when fruit, veggies, proteins, and healthy fats are included in other meals and snacks of the day. 
• Use them as a fun alternative to ice cream: If you’re looking for a lighter frozen treat, Outshine bars can be a great swap for traditional ice cream or other high-sugar frozen desserts. You still get a cold, fruity treat without as much added sugar, fat, and calories, making them a good dessert option after a high-protein meal. 
• Practice mindful eating: If you’re reaching for an Outshine bar, take a moment to enjoy it. Eating it slowly, noticing the flavor and texture, and letting yourself fully enjoy the treat can help you feel more satisfied with just one, rather than mindlessly grabbing another.

The Bottom Line: Are Outshine Bars Healthy? 

Outshine fruit bars can absolutely fit into a balanced diet as an occasional treat. They’re made with real fruit, are free from artificial colors and high fructose corn syrup, and are a good source of vitamin C. However, they also contain added sugar and minimal fiber, meaning eating an Outshine fruit bar is not the same as eating whole fruit. 
If you enjoy Outshine bars, there’s no need to overthink it—just be mindful of how they fit into your overall eating pattern. Pair them with more nutrient-dense snacks, enjoy them in moderation, and, most importantly, let yourself enjoy them without guilt.