Best Fruity & Berry Protein Bars

Real fruit versus fruit flavoring, and what that means for sugar

Dried fruit contributes real, naturally occurring sugar rather than added sugar in the FDA's labeling sense, but it still counts toward the total sugar number on the label. Naturally occurring sugars in fruit are tracked separately from added sugars under current nutrition labeling rules, though both appear in the total sugar figure.

That distinction matters if you are watching total sugar intake rather than just avoiding added sugars. A bar built on real dried fruit can still be relatively high in total sugar even with a "no added sugar" claim on the front.

We list total sugar for every bar regardless of source, and note when a bar uses real fruit versus fruit flavoring in the ingredient breakdown.

What to check before you buy

• Check total sugar, not just the added sugar line, if you are watching sugar intake overall. Dried fruit sugar still counts toward the total even though it is not added.
• Real fruit and fruit flavoring create very different textures. Dried fruit pieces add chew and natural variability; flavoring is typically smoother and more uniform.
• If total sugar matters most to you, our low sugar rankings may be a better starting point than this category.