Outshine Fruit Bars have become a popular frozen treat for those looking for something refreshing, fruity, and made with real ingredients. They stand out in the crowded market of frozen desserts because they focus on using real fruit juice and fruit puree, offering flavors that are not only vibrant and juicy but also free from artificial colors and high fructose corn syrup. Whether enjoyed on a hot summer day or as a light after-dinner snack, Outshine Fruit Bars offer a guilt-free indulgence. But how exactly are these flavorful fruit bars made? The process is a blend of simplicity, quality control, and attention to natural ingredients.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
Real Fruit at the Core
The first and most important step in making Outshine Fruit Bars is selecting high-quality fruit. These bars often feature ingredients like strawberries, mangoes, pineapples, raspberries, and peaches, depending on the flavor. The fruit is typically sourced when it is ripe to ensure maximum sweetness and flavor. Fresh or frozen fruit is then pureed or juiced, depending on the bar’s texture and flavor profile.
This focus on using real fruit juice and puree ensures that the bars have a naturally sweet taste, unlike artificial alternatives. Many Outshine bars also include small pieces of fruit, adding texture and a more authentic fruity bite with every lick or nibble.
Simple Sweeteners and Natural Additions
To maintain a balance between taste and health, Outshine Fruit Bars use simple sweeteners such as cane sugar or fruit juice concentrate. There are no artificial sweeteners or corn syrup, which appeals to health-conscious consumers. Other natural ingredients like citric acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) may be added to preserve freshness and flavor.
Depending on the variety, Outshine bars may also contain a small amount of stabilizers like guar gum or pectin. These ingredients help give the bars their smooth, consistent texture without compromising their clean label philosophy.
Mixing and Flavor Development
Blending the Base
Once the fruit is prepared and sweeteners are measured, the next step is blending. The pureed fruit or juice is combined with sweeteners, water, and any other natural flavors in a large mixing tank. This ensures a uniform mixture that can be poured into molds later. At this stage, any small fruit chunks that will be included in the final product are also added.
The mixing process must be closely monitored to ensure consistency across all batches. Factors like temperature, viscosity, and sugar content are checked to keep the flavor and texture the same, whether the batch is strawberry, lime, or coconut.
Quality Checks During Mixing
During the blending phase, manufacturers conduct various quality control checks. They measure sugar concentration (brix level), pH levels, and taste-test small samples to ensure the flavor is just right. If anything seems off, adjustments are made before proceeding to the next stage.
Freezing and Molding
The Freezing Process
After blending, the fruit mixture is poured into stainless steel molds. These molds are designed to give the bars their classic, rectangular shape. The molds are then lowered into a freezing bath that is extremely cold often around -40 degrees Fahrenheit. This quick-freeze method helps lock in flavor and preserves the bar’s texture.
Fast freezing is important for maintaining the integrity of the fruit and juice, preventing large ice crystals from forming. The result is a smooth and consistent texture that is easy to bite into straight from the freezer.
Inserting the Stick
Once the mixture has partially frozen firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough for insertion a wooden stick is added to each mold. The bars then continue freezing until they are completely solid. This stick-freezing method is common in the production of popsicles and ensures each bar can be conveniently held and eaten without mess.
Demolding and Packaging
Removing Bars from Molds
After the bars are fully frozen, the molds are warmed slightly on the outside to loosen the frozen bars without melting them. This gentle warming allows the bars to slide out of the molds cleanly and retain their perfect shape. The process must be done quickly and efficiently to prevent any damage or temperature rise that could cause sticking or deformation.
Protective Packaging
Each bar is individually wrapped in a moisture-resistant wrapper to protect it from freezer burn and maintain freshness. The wrappers often include nutritional information, ingredients, and branding. After wrapping, the bars are boxed and sent to cold storage before being distributed to retailers across the country.
Variety and Innovation
Different Flavors and Lines
Outshine offers more than just classic fruit bars. Over the years, the brand has expanded its product line to include creamy yogurt bars, fruit and veggie blends, and no sugar added versions. While the core process remains the same real ingredients, careful mixing, and precise freezing each line has its own tweaks to accommodate different ingredients and consumer preferences.
- Classic Fruit Bars: Made with real fruit or juice, ideal for a refreshing, low-calorie snack.
- No Sugar Added: Sweetened with natural alternatives like monk fruit extract or erythritol.
- Fruit & Cream Bars: A mix of fruit and dairy for a smoother, richer texture.
- Fruit & Veggie Bars: Incorporate vegetables like carrots or beets without overpowering the fruity flavor.
Seasonal and Limited Editions
From time to time, Outshine introduces limited edition flavors, often inspired by seasonal fruits or dessert combinations. These special runs follow the same basic production process but may involve unique ingredients or adjusted blending techniques to achieve the desired flavor profile.
Why People Choose Outshine Fruit Bars
Health-Conscious Consumers
Many people choose Outshine Fruit Bars because they offer a cleaner alternative to traditional frozen treats. With fewer additives and no artificial colors, they appeal to those who read labels carefully. The use of real fruit and juice gives a feeling of eating something natural and wholesome rather than overly processed.
Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Options
Outshine bars are gluten-free and made in facilities that carefully manage allergens. Many varieties are also dairy-free, which makes them suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. This inclusivity broadens their appeal to families with specific nutritional considerations.
Outshine Fruit Bars are made through a process that highlights real ingredients, careful blending, and modern freezing technology. From selecting the ripest fruits to flash-freezing them into smooth, flavorful bars, every step is focused on quality and taste. With a variety of flavors and styles to choose from, Outshine continues to be a top pick for those looking for a healthier frozen snack. Their commitment to clean labels, natural ingredients, and bold fruity flavors ensures that these bars remain a freezer staple for many households around the world.