Fruit Bars vs. Dried Fruit: Which Snack Offers More Nutritional Benefits?

When you're craving a sweet, fruity snack, two popular options come to mind: fruit bars and dried fruit. Both are made from real fruit, both are portable, and both are often marketed as healthy alternatives to candy or processed sweets. But which one truly delivers more nutritional benefits?

In this article, we'll break down the key differences between fruit bars and dried fruit—covering fiber content, sugar levels, ingredient purity, and convenience. By the end, you'll know exactly which snack to reach for based on your energy needs, dietary goals, and lifestyle. We'll also highlight some of the best fruit bar options from That’s It to help you make an informed choice.

What Are Fruit Bars and Dried Fruit?

Dried fruit is simply fresh fruit that has had most of its water content removed through dehydration. Common examples include raisins, dried apricots, dried mango slices, and dried apple rings. Because the water is gone, the natural sugars become concentrated, making dried fruit much sweeter and calorie-dense than its fresh counterpart. Dried fruit retains most of the fiber and vitamins, but portion control is key since it's easy to overeat.

Fruit bars, on the other hand, are typically made by blending fruit puree or concentrate with other ingredients like oats, nuts, or added fibers. Some fruit bars are simply 100% fruit—no added sugars, preservatives, or fillers. That’s It fruit bars, for example, are made from just fruit, with no added anything. Other varieties may include whole grains or seeds for extra texture and nutrition. The key difference is that fruit bars often offer a more balanced, portion-controlled format with additional functional ingredients.

Nutritional Comparison: Fiber, Sugar, and Calories

When comparing fruit bars vs dried fruit, fiber is a critical factor. Dried fruit is naturally high in fiber—for instance, dried figs and prunes are excellent sources. However, because dried fruit is so concentrated, you might consume more sugar and calories per ounce than you realize. A small handful of dried mango can contain over 20 grams of sugar. Fruit bars, especially those with added oats or seeds, can provide a similar fiber boost but with more controlled sugar levels. For example, the Apple + Pear Fiber Fruit Bars (12 Bars) pack 5 grams of fiber per bar from real fruit and chicory root, making them a smart choice for digestive health.

Calorie-wise, both snacks can fit into a balanced diet. A typical fruit bar ranges from 80 to 130 calories, while a 1-ounce serving of dried fruit is about 80–100 calories. The advantage of fruit bars is portion control—each bar is individually wrapped, so you know exactly how much you're eating. Dried fruit can be easy to overconsume, especially when snacking straight from the bag. If you're watching your sugar intake, fruit bars with no added sugars are a safer bet.

• Tip: Look for fruit bars with at least 3 grams of fiber and no added sugars for the best nutritional profile.

Ingredient Purity: What's Really Inside?

One of the biggest concerns with dried fruit is the addition of preservatives like sulfur dioxide (to maintain color) or added sugars (to enhance sweetness). Many commercial dried fruits are coated with sugar or oil to improve texture. Even 'unsweetened' dried fruit may contain sulfites unless labeled otherwise. If you have sensitivities or prefer clean eating, reading labels is essential.

Fruit bars, especially from brands like That’s It, prioritize simplicity. Their Apple + Mango Fruit Bars contain just two ingredients: apples and mangoes. No preservatives, no added sugar, no gluten. This makes them a fantastic option for anyone following a whole-foods diet. For those who want a bit more crunch, the Apple + Cinnamon Crisps Fruit Crunchables Bundle Box (30 Packs) offers a crispy, dehydrated fruit texture that mimics dried fruit but with no additives. Both options deliver pure fruit nutrition without the hidden extras.

Convenience and Portability: Which Snack Wins?

Both fruit bars and dried fruit are highly portable, but fruit bars have an edge in convenience. A fruit bar is already portioned, won't crumble or stick to your bag, and requires no prep. Dried fruit can be messy—sticky fingers, potential for clumping, and the need for a resealable bag. For on-the-go snacking, especially during travel, work, or outdoor activities, fruit bars are a cleaner option.

That said, dried fruit is incredibly versatile. You can add it to trail mix, oatmeal, or baked goods. Fruit bars are more of a grab-and-go solution. If you're packing a lunch for a hike or a busy day at the office, a fruit bar like the Apple + Strawberry Crisps Fruit Crunchables (15 Packs) offers a satisfying, mess-free crunch that won't leave residue on your hands. For families, the Minis Variety Pack - Blueberry, Mango & Strawberry (24 Bars) provides kid-friendly portions that are easy to toss into lunchboxes.

• Tip: For hiking or long trips, choose fruit bars with a firm texture that won't squish or melt.

Which Snack Is Better for Your Health Goals?

If your goal is to increase fiber intake and you're mindful of portions, dried fruit can be a great choice—especially prunes, figs, and apricots. However, if you struggle with portion control or want a snack that's guaranteed to have no added sugars, fruit bars are a safer bet. Fruit bars also offer more variety in terms of flavor combinations and added nutrients like probiotics or extra fiber.

For those focused on weight management, fruit bars provide a consistent calorie count per serving. The Apple + Blueberry Crisps Fruit Crunchables (15 Packs) are only 100 calories per pack, making them a light yet satisfying snack. Meanwhile, dried fruit can easily double that calorie count if you're not careful. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your lifestyle: if you need a quick, clean snack, go for fruit bars. If you enjoy cooking or want a versatile ingredient, dried fruit has its place.

Both fruit bars and dried fruit can be part of a healthy diet, but fruit bars offer superior portion control, cleaner ingredients, and more consistent nutrition. For a delicious, no-compromise snack, explore That’s It fruit bars like the Apple + Mango Fruit Bars or the Apple + Cinnamon Crisps Fruit Crunchables Bundle Box to enjoy real fruit in a convenient, nutrient-packed format. Make the switch today and taste the difference of 100% fruit.