Too Good To Be Food: Edy's Antioxidant Fruit Bars

It's hot hot hot (in most of the country at least!). I think many of us are planning our days around air conditioning, icy cold beverages and cool, tasty treats. Here is one that grabbed my attention: Edy's Antioxidant Fruit Bars in pomegranate flavor. This fat-free frozen bar says it is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and loaded with real pomegranate and all natural ingredients. Sounds like a perfect treat for an antioxidant lover like me. High in nutrition, low in added junk, and cool and refreshing? Let's see if it's Too Good To Be Food...

What's In It:
Water, sugar, pomegranate juice from concentrate, elderberry juice from concentrate, malic acid, natural flavor, black currant concentrate color, carrot juice concentrate, guar gum, carob bean gum, ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Water, well, that's a good start as a hydrating treat. Sugar? I am giving this ingredient a thumbs down with a caveat. The total sugar grams are from a piece of actual fruit and I prefer the "real" thing versus artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols. Pomegranate juice and elderberry juice from concentrate are next up -- a little more "fruit." Nothing wrong with that. The next ingredient is malic acid. You can think of this ingredient as what makes a green apple sour. Black currant concentrate, carrot juice, while there's probably not much of these ingredients' nutrients in the bar, as they're low in the ingredient list, look at them as a bonus. Guar gum and carob bean gum are natural and simply added for consistency. Last, but not least, a little vitamin C -- nothing wrong with little vitamin boost.

Bottom Line:
This delicious frozen treat satisfies a sweet craving while allowing you to feel confident that you are not putting any artificial colors, sweeteners or other junk into your body. At the same time, is it a piece of fruit? No. Is it a great way to get in your antioxidants? No. Is it an excellent, cool treat that is about the same calories and sugar grams as a piece of "real" fruit that does provide some antioxidant value? Yes! It has 20 percent of your daily vitamin C requirement (keep in mind a small orange has 106 percent). As far frozen treats go, this product is a smart choice! I can't wait for dessert tonight.

Nutrition Info:
Calories: 70
Fat: 0
Sat Fat: 0
Trans Fat: 0
Cholesterol: 0
Sodium: 0
Carbohydrate: 17
Fiber: 0
Sugar: 16
Protein: 0

See what Keri's take is on Cocoa Roast Almonds -- are they too good to be food?

Nationally recognized nutrition expert and published author of "The O2 Diet" Keri Glassman is the founder and president of Keri Glassman, Nutritious Life, a nutrition practice based in New York City. For years Keri has been a leader in advancing a "whole person" approach to health and wellness. She has dedicated her career to creating services and promoting education through her "Nutritious Life" brand.