That’s It Fruit Bars Review: The Two-Ingredient Snack That Ended My Label-Reading

I am a chronic, almost obsessive, snack-label-reader. I’m constantly disgusted by so-called “health bars” that are really just candy bars with some added fiber and a dozen unpronounceable ingredients. My search for something genuinely clean and simple felt impossible until I found That’s It bars.

The name says it all. If you are tired of the marketing hype and just want real, portable fruit that tastes amazing, you absolutely need to stock your pantry with these. My goal here is to explain why this minimalist wonder has become my permanent go-to snack.

My Experience With That’s It Fruit Bars

My discovery of That’s It bars was a moment of pure desperation at an airport newsstand. I was starving, my flight was delayed, and my only options were a $12 bag of mixed nuts, a greasy-looking muffin, or a wall of “performance” bars that all listed brown rice syrup or high-fructose corn syrup as the first ingredient. Tucked in the corner was this bright, simple, almost child-like wrapper: “That’s It. Apple + Mango.”

I picked it up, fully expecting to be disappointed. I flipped it over to the ingredient panel, and I had to read it twice.

It said: “Apples, Mangos.” I thought, “No. That can’t be it. Where are the ‘natural flavors’?

Where is the ‘fruit juice concentrate’? Where are the ‘preservatives’?” There was nothing.

Just apples and mangos. The name wasn’t a slogan; it was the literal ingredient list.

I was so intrigued, I bought two, even at the inflated airport price.

I opened one on the plane. The first thing I noticed is that it’s not a dry, crumbly granola bar. It’s a dense, dark, slightly sticky bar of compressed fruit. It was a bit… well, leathery. It didn’t look like a conventional snack.

Then I took a bite.

This is where everything changed for me. It wasn’t a “blast” of fake, candy-like mango flavor. It was the authentic, deep, concentrated taste of real mango, with a slightly tart background of apple. The texture was fantastic. It was chewy, but not in a “gummy” way. It was a substantial chew. I actually had to take my time eating it, which I loved. It wasn’t a snack I could inhale in ten seconds. It felt satisfying.

My second “aha!” moment came about 30 minutes later. I just felt… better. I didn’t have the sluggish, heavy feeling I get from a nut-based bar, and I didn’t have the shaky, jittery crash I get from a sugary, “energy” bar. I just felt clean, level energy. I had just eaten an apple and a mango, and my body knew it.

From that day on, I was a convert. I went home and immediately ordered a variety box online. I’ve now integrated them into every part of my life. The Apple + Strawberry is my 3 PM slump-buster at my desk. It’s sweet, tart, and just enough to get me through the end of the workday without ruining my dinner.

But my “holy grail” use is as a pre-workout snack. I’m a runner, and I hate eating before a run. A banana is too much, a Clif Bar is a lead-weight in my stomach. I now eat one That’s It bar 30 minutes before every run. It’s a 100-calorie, fast-acting, clean-burning carbohydrate boost. It gives me the instant fuel I need to get started, but it’s so light that I don’t even notice it in my stomach.

It’s become my “peace of mind” snack. I throw them in my gym bag, my car, and my office drawer. It’s the only bar I’ve ever found where I don’t have to compromise on ingredients, taste, or function.

Read More: Comparison Of Nutty Bars And Nutty Buddy

Pros Of That’s It Fruit Bars

• The “Two Ingredient” Promise Is Real And Revolutionary: This is the single biggest “pro” and the entire reason for the brand’s existence. It is not a marketing gimmick. I cannot overstate how clean this label is. The Apple + Blueberry bar contains: Apples, Blueberries.¹ That is it. There are no added sugars of any kind (no cane sugar, no syrups, no stevia).² There are no preservatives. There are no “natural flavors” to hide behind. There are no fruit juice “concentrates” or “purees.” You are eating whole, real fruit that has been compressed. This makes it a slam-dunk for almost every clean-eating lifestyle, including Vegan, Paleo, Non-GMO, and it’s one of the few bars on the market that is fully Whole30 Approved. It’s also Top 12 allergen-free, so it’s a perfect, safe snack for kids to take to school. In a world of lies on ingredient labels, this bar is the truth.
• It’s A “Good Sugar” Snack Buffered By Fiber: Yes, the bar is high in sugar (around 20-25 grams).³ But this is where you have to be analytical. This is not the same as a candy bar. This is natural fructose, and it comes packaged as nature intended: with fiber. Each bar contains 3-4 grams of natural dietary fiber from the fruit skins and pulp.⁴ This fiber is the bar’s secret weapon. It forces your body to slow down the absorption of the sugar, which means you get a steady, stable release of energy instead of a sharp, jittery insulin spike and the inevitable crash. It’s the difference between drinking a can of soda and eating a large apple. This fiber also makes the bar more satiating than a “fruit leather” or a glass of juice.
• The Perfect “Fast Carb” Energy Boost: This is my favorite functional pro. This bar is not a protein bar. It is not a fat-heavy meal replacement. It is a pure, efficient, fast-acting carbohydrate source. This makes it the perfect tool for a specific job: fueling activity. I use it 30-45 minutes before a run, a bike ride, or a weightlifting session. It provides an immediate, clean-burning fuel source that my body can access now. It’s also my go-to “brain food” for the 3 PM work slump. When I’m feeling foggy and unproductive, this bar is like a clean shot of energy to my brain that a heavy, fat-and-protein bar just can’t provide.
• Amazing Authentic Taste And Satisfying Texture: The flavors are bright, deep, and authentic. The Apple + Mango bar tastes like a perfectly ripe, sun-dried mango. The Apple + Strawberry is tart and zesty. The Apple + Cherry is rich and deep. Because it’s not “flavored,” it’s 100% authentic. The texture is a huge part of the experience. This is not a thin, wimpy, kid’s fruit roll-up. It is a dense, chewy, substantial bar. It takes time and effort to eat, which I find incredibly satisfying. It forces me to slow down and actually eat my snack, which signals to my brain that I’m full in a way that a crumbly, airy bar can’t.
• Ultimate Convenience And Shelf-Stable Durability: This is the whole point of a bar, and That’s It nails it. It’s portable fruit without the problems. I don’t have to worry about a banana getting smashed in my bag, or an apple getting bruised and brown. These bars are indestructible. They don’t melt in a hot car (a huge advantage over chocolate-coated KIND bars). They don’t crumble into a million pieces (a huge advantage over oat-based granola bars). I can keep them in my gym bag, my office desk, or my car’s glove compartment for months, and they are ready to go. They are a self-contained, durable, no-mess, “peace of mind” snack.

Cons Of That’s It Fruit Bars

• The “Sticky-And-Tough” Texture Can Be A Problem
  • It Will Stick To Your Teeth: This is the most common and legitimate complaint. The bar is made of compressed, dried fruit. That means it’s dense, leathery, and sticky. The natural fruit sugars are concentrated, and they will absolutely stick to your teeth. As I’m eating one, I can feel it gripping my molars. If you have sensitive dental work, crowns, fillings, or braces, this could be a deal-breaker. It’s a very “tacky” and “tough” chew, which can also be a workout for your jaw.
  • It’s Sticky, Period: The bar is sticky to the touch. It will make your fingers sticky. It can be a little annoying to unwrap, as the bar often sticks to the inside of the wrapper. It’s not a “clean hands” snack in the same way a dry protein bar is. I always want to be near a sink or have a napkin after I eat one.
• It Is Not A Source Of Protein Or Fat
  • This Is Not A “Meal Replacement”: This is the biggest misconception I see. People grab it, see “health bar,” and think it will keep them full. It will not. It has, on average, 1 gram of protein and 0 grams of fat. It is a one-dimensional (carbohydrate) macro snack. Its job is energy, not satiety. If you eat this bar by itself for a mid-morning snack, you will likely be hungry again in 30-45 minutes. It’s not a “balanced” snack, and it’s not intended to be.
  • The “Bar” Category Is Confusing: The brand’s biggest challenge is that it sits next to Clif Bars and KIND bars, which are formulated with protein and fats. This is not a “protein bar” or a “nut bar.” It is, quite literally, a “fruit bar.” You have to know what you’re buying it for.
• The High Price Per Bar
  • You Are Paying For Simplicity: This is a premium product. A single bar at a cafe or airport can be $2.50 or more. Even in a bulk box from Costco or Amazon, you are paying $1.25 to $1.50 per bar. When you break it down, you are paying a lot of money for an apple and a handful of fruit. You are paying for the convenience, the processing, and the “clean label” promise. It is absolutely not the most budget-friendly snack, and it’s much more expensive than just, well, eating an apple.
• It Is A Concentrated Source Of Sugar
  • Not For Low-Carb Or Keto Diets: Let’s be very clear. This bar is 100% fruit. Fruit is 100% carbohydrates. A single bar has anywhere from 19 to 28 grams of sugar and a similar amount of total carbs. Yes, it’s natural, fiber-buffered fructose, which is far better for your body than processed syrups. But for someone on a strict ketogenic diet, it’s an absolute non-starter. It’s also a significant sugar load that diabetics would need to be very, very careful with. It is a fruit bomb.

Maintenance Tips For That’s It Fruit Bars

• How To Store Them (The Refrigerator Hack)
  • Temperature Is Key: I’ve learned that the storage of these bars drastically changes the experience. Do not leave them in a hot car or a sunny pantry. The heat makes the natural sugars get very soft, gooey, and extra-sticky. The bar will become a messy, tacky log that is frustrating to eat.
  • The Refrigerator Is Your Best Friend: This is my number one pro-tip. I store my entire box in the refrigerator. A cold bar is a better bar. The cold firms up the fruit, making it significantly less sticky. It also makes the texture even more satisfying—it becomes a firmer, tougher, longer-lasting chew. It’s a complete game-changer.
  • They Are “Backpack Proof”: On the flip side, they are great for hiking or travel because they don’t have ingredients that will “go bad.” They don’t have chocolate to melt or whey protein to get funky. They are just fruit. They are perfectly shelf-stable for months, so keeping one in my desk drawer is the perfect “emergency” snack.
• How To Eat Them (The “Push-Pop” And “Pairing” Methods)
  • The “Push-Pop” Method (No-Mess): This sounds silly, but it’s the most practical tip. Don’t tear the entire wrapper off at once. Your fingers will get sticky. I tear off just the top, then I “push” the bar up from the bottom as I eat it, just like a push-pop. This keeps the bar contained in its wrapper and my hands completely clean.
  • The “Pairing” Method (For Satiety): This is the most important “use” tip. I know this bar is 100% carbs, so I “maintain” my blood sugar by pairing it. If I want this to be a true, 2-hour snack, I will eat an Apple + Cherry bar along with a handful of almonds, a cheese stick, or a scoop of peanut butter. The protein and fat from the nuts/dairy/legume dramatically slows the digestion of the fruit sugar. This “balances” the bar and turns it from a “fast-energy” snack into a “long-satiety” snack.
• Knowing When To Use The Bar
  • This Is A “Tool,” Not A “Treat”: Well, it’s a healthy treat, but it’s best used as a tool. I “maintain” my energy levels by using it at specific times.
  • As A Pre-Workout: This is the best use. Eat one 30-45 minutes before any physical activity for a burst of clean, fast-burning fuel.
  • As A 3 PM “Slump-Buster”: It’s the perfect snack to clear brain fog and get you through the end of the day.
  • As A “Bad” Habit Replacement: I’ve used this to break my candy bar habit. When I’m craving something sweet and chewy, this satisfies that urge with whole food, not junk.
  • What Not To Do: I would not eat one of these right before bed. It’s a significant shot of fruit sugar that your body just doesn’t need while it’s trying to sleep.

Comparison With Other Brands

• Versus LarabarsWhen I’m looking for a minimalist bar, my other choice is often a Larabar. The comparison is crucial. A Larabar’s base is dates and nuts (e.g., “Cashew Cookie” is just dates and cashews). A That’s It bar’s base is fruit only (e.g., apples and cherries).⁵ This means the Larabar is a balanced “slow-burn” snack; it has carbs from the dates, but also protein and fat from the nuts. It’s heavier, higher in calories (around 200-220), and will keep you fuller, longer. The That’s It bar is a “fast-burn” snack; it’s all carbs, lower in calories (around 100-120), and provides quick energy. I choose Larabars for a hike. I choose That’s It for a pre-run boost.
• Versus KIND BarsKIND bars are not minimalist. They are a “whole-ingredient” bar, which is different. When I look at a KIND bar, I see whole nuts and seeds glued together with syrups (like honey or tapioca syrup) and often coated in chocolate or yogurt. They are an engineered snack, designed for a specific “crunchy” texture and taste profile. They are delicious, but they are full of added sugars and fats. A That’s It bar is the philosophical opposite. It’s not an “assembled” bar; it’s a whole food that’s been compressed. It’s cleaner, simpler, and 100% fruit.
• Versus Clif BarsClif Bars are not “health bars” in my mind; they are “performance fuel.” I’m comparing them because people buy them as snacks. A Clif Bar is a dense, baked-oat bar with 9-10 grams of protein, a lot of carbs, and a long list of added syrups and soy-protein isolates. It’s a 250+ calorie brick designed to fuel you for a 3-hour bike ride. A That’s It bar is a 100-calorie, light, simple fruit snack. Using a Clif Bar as a 3 PM office snack is total overkill. The That’s It bar is the appropriate choice for that job.
• Versus Traditional Fruit LeathersMy last comparison is to a “fruit leather,” like a Stretch Island or a classic Fruit Roll-Up. Those products are made from fruit purees that are dried thin. They are like “fruit paper.” They dissolve in your mouth in seconds and provide almost no “chew” or “satiety.” A That’s It bar is made from whole, non-pureed fruit. It is a dense, thick bar. It’s the difference between eating a “slice” of an apple (the fruit leather) and eating the entire apple (the That’s It bar). The That’s It bar is far more substantial and satisfying.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Pure Protein Galactic Brownie

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

My long, frustrating search for a truly clean, simple, and portable snack is officially over. That’s It bars have earned a permanent, “subscribe-and-save” spot in my pantry and my life. If you are a parent, an athlete, or just a person who is sick of being tricked by confusing labels and just wants to eat real food, you need to buy these. You get exactly what’s on the wrapper: 100% fruit, and a peace of mind that is priceless. That’s it.