Are That’s It Bars Healthy? A Dietitian’s Review
That’s It bars have become my go-to at the airport and Starbucks when I am searching for some portable fruit and healthy fiber on the road. I love the blueberry or the mango flavors for a little naturally sweet snack on-the-go. But are they really healthy?
As a dietitian and diabetes educator, I’m here to break this down and answer all of your burning questions.
What Ingredients Are in That’s It Fruit Bars?
That’s It bars are made with only two ingredients: fruit and apples… nothing else. Each bar contains a serving of fruit, without any added sugars, preservatives, or additives.
How do they compare to eating fresh fruit?
Sometimes, choosing fruit leather over whole fruit is not healthier. Especially when the brand uses a lot of added sugar and removes fiber. However, since That’s It has a serving of fruit in each bar, including an impressive 3 to 5 grams of fiber, you get almost exactly the same nutrition.
However, one caveat: you’ll miss out on the volume of fresh fruit since the water content has been removed. That means you might not feel as full or satisfied from a bar compared to if you ate the fresh fruit before it was dried.
Flavors
That’s It bars come in a few flavors, but the basis of each is apple and another fruit. My absolute favorites are Apple + Blueberry, Apple + Mango, and Apple + Fig. You can find them on Amazon or Costco if you like to buy in bulk.
Nutrition Label
Each That’s It bar typically contains:
- Calories: 100-110
- Fiber: 3-5 grams
- Sugar: 17-22 grams (naturally occurring from fruit, no added sugars)
- Protein: 1 gram
- No added sugar or preservatives
Ingredients
The simplicity of ingredients is what makes That’s It bars stand out to me as a dietitian. Each bar contains just fruit, ensuring you get real, whole-food ingredients. It is a portable serving of fruit on a busy day!
They also now have chocolates that are sweetened with figs and caffeinated bars that could be great for an energy boost on the go.
Health Claims
That’s It bars are marketed as:
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Kosher
- Paleo
- No added sugars
Cost of That’s It Fruit Bars
That’s It bars are more expensive than fresh fruit, but their convenience factor makes them a popular grab-and-go snack for me and many of my clients. Prices range from $1.50 to $2.00 per bar depending on the package you buy.
Are That’s It Fruit Bars Processed?
That’s It bars are minimally processed, using only dried fruit and turning it into a fruit leather bar of sorts. They maintain their nutrient content, but their processing removes water, which does impact the feeling of fullness compared to eating for example, a whole apple.
Remember, processing isn’t always “bad” and it can make food more shelf-stable, meaning you have a healthy snack on the go in a pinch. So, yes, That’s It bars are processed, but that is what makes them such an easy option!
Read Next: Is Garden Cup Worth It?
The Role of Fiber in That’s It Fruit Bars
Fiber helps slow digestion and promotes feelings of fullness. With 3 to 5 grams of fiber in each bar, That’s It bars can help keep you satisfied between meals and support digestive health. It is hard to find high fiber snacks with real food ingredients, so I love this!
Plus, they now have a high fiber line that contains a whooping 7 grams of fiber per bar! I haven’t tried them yet, but the nutrition facts on these looks incredible!
That’s It Bars Compared to Other Leading Snack Bar Brands
When comparing That’s It to other popular snack bars, the key difference lies in the simplicity of ingredients and the lack of added sugars or filler ingredients. Many snack bars contain refined sugars, no fiber, and extra added ingredients, which That’s It avoids.
However, some snack bars have added protein or healthy fats, and That’s It bars do not have these nutrients. I recommend adding them to this snack for a little more balance, especially if you’re thinking about your blood sugar.
How to Incorporate That’s It Bars into Your Routine
- Travel: Perfect for packing in your bag for long trips.
- Balanced Snack: Pair with nuts, seeds, or cheese for added protein and healthy fats.
- Serving of Fruit: Convenient way to get a serving of fruit on the go.
- Family-Friendly: Kid-approved and allergy-friendly with no nuts, making them a safe option for school snacks.
- Pre-Workout: The caffeine-added line is a great option for a carb and energy boost before a workout.
FAQs
Are That’s It fruit bars healthy for diabetics?
Are That’s It fruit bars good for people with allergies?
Are That’s It fruit bars low FODMAP?
Are That’s It fruit bars organic?
Are That’s It fruit bars keto?
Bottom Line
That’s It bars are a healthy, convenient snack option made from simple ingredients. Plus, as a new mom, they’re super kid-friendly! While they can’t fully replace fresh fruit, they are a great alternative when you need a quick and portable source of fiber. Keep them in your snack rotation, but balance them with protein and fat for a more satisfying meal or snack.
Next Read: 10 Vitamins to Stop Sugar Cravings: Tips from a Dietitian
