Is sugar bad for you, or does sugar get a bad rap? We’re here to tell you that it’s okay to sweeten up!
We’re asked about sugar all the time, so we want to get to the bottom of the sugar myth once and for all. Simply, when you choose clean, whole food ingredients – like honey and fruit – there’s nothing to fear. The source from which your sugar is derived seems to be what all the sticky confusion is about with the underlying question: Can sugar and health co-exist?
Well, we have some answers for you. Check out our infographic to get the sweet truth about sugar:
WHAT IS SUGAR?
There’s no denying it, our body loves the quick burst of energy that comes from ingesting sugar, but doesn’t know exactly where the sugar is coming from. Moreover, while sugars from whole foods and added sugars are broken down the same way, they are very different: Sugars from whole food sources (think: fruit and honey) are comprised of glucose and fructose, along with water, fiber, antioxidants, and a number of valuable nutrients. Refined sugar sources is most commonly extracted from sugar cane, sugar beets, and corn, and is found in treats like candy bars, ice cream, and cookies. This form of sugar has pretty much zero nutritional value because it’s been stripped out during the sugar-refining process. That’s why choosing where your sugar comes from and not overdoing it are the key to maintaining a healthy diet.
So, all sugars are basically brain medicine? Not exactly.
IS SUGAR SCARY?
Let’s get granular. Sugars from whole foods and sugars from candy bars are broken down the same way. Our body doesn’t know where the sugar is coming from, but it does know what’s coming with it and the resulting impact. You always know how food makes you feel.
The big difference is, whole food sugar sources – like fruit and honey – bring glucose to the party, along with water, fiber, antioxidants and positive nutrients. Whereas refined sugar sources – like candy – have been stripped of all nutritional value during the refining process.
Whole food sugars balance energy with nutrition. And there’s nothing scary about that.
THE PERFECT BALANCE
When was the last time you checked the sugar content on a nutrition label? What about other nutrients and the ingredient list? Understanding what is in your food will help you make healthier choices about what food, including sugar, you put in your body.
So, is sugar bad for you?
At Perfect Bar, we stand behind our clean, whole food ingredients in support of a balanced lifestyle. In all of our bars* the primary source of sugar is organic honey and the inherent sugars in our organic nut butters. With up to 17g of protein, complex carbohydrates and a superfood blend, Perfect Bar is proof that sugar and health can co-exist.
Want more health hacks and wellness insights? We got you covered. You'll also receive a code for 15% off your first order!
I love the concept and principles of the Perfect Bar but believe they would taste better if they were less sweet meaning somewhat of a reduction in the honey. Just a thought.
Do you make a bar with no sugar added?
If so please send me info. I love the almond bars but my Dr. said I need to give them up or find one with no sugar added.
Hey Elizabeth — All of our bars are sweetened and held together by organic honey. Additionally, our bars have all tested low GI which causes a lower and slower rise in blood sugar, keeping you fuller longer. We hope this helps and cheers to good health!
HI there. I have recently started eating your variety pack bars from coscto and have enjoyed the “sugar free” part of the bars as I am highly allergic to refined suagrs but can eat honey sweetened foods. could you tell me please which of your chocolate flavored bars are only sweetened with honey?
Hi Kim – We love to hear stories like yours. We’re so glad that you’re able to enjoy our Perfect Bars! For additional nutrition information, please reach out to our team here: https://perfectsnacks.com/pages/contact
I love the bars and they taste great. Even though the bars are made with organic honey and in the middle to lower GI scale, the total grams of sugar is still high and probably scares off much of your potential market. Maybe make something with less honey. They are very sweet and filling now, and I would bet a less sweeter and lower gram sugar bar would sell well. Thanks!
How much of the sugar is added sugar? When will labeling indicate the added sugar quantity? I’ve been noticing the trend to help distinguish what is natural and added.
Hi Casey – There is a small amount of refined sugar coming from the chocolate chips themselves, found only in our chocolate-flavored varieties. Our fair trade chocolate chips are ethically sourced and align with our food values and mission. Our other non-chocolate flavors do not contain refined sugar.
Hey Anne — Thanks for reaching out to us and of course for being a fan! The main source of sugar in our bars is the organic honey. We use it not only because it provides sweetness, but it also works to bind our bars together and acts as a natural preservative, as we don’t use any chemical preservatives. Though there are no plans to change the core recipe, we are always looking for innovative ways to make our bars more accessible for all diets. Additionally, please be sure to check out our store locator via perf.bar/locator to find Perfect Kids in a store near you. Cheers to good health!
I agree with some of the other comments on here. I love that the sugar content is from honey, but I would still love if they’d have a little less amount. Sometimes I really want a bar but debate on whether I should eat or not because the amount of sugar is still on the high side.. especially when you’ve already had other sweet foods/fruit. A little bit of sugar everywhere and it adds up quickly.. so having a little less in the perfect bar would be amazing and I’d be eating them more often 😉
I love your bars. I am only concerned about the high sugar even if they are the good sugars. I am pre diabetic and want to keep eating them but worried the sugar is too high. Can you alleviate my concerns so I can keep eating them? I know there is “good” sugar and “bad” sugar. I exercise and I am very active and not overweight but for some reason have higher sugar – low end of pre diabetic. I am very good about not eating desert and cutting sugar – eating very well and only wholesome foods now. I usually only grab one on the go to walk the dogs and take kids to school since time for breakfast is limited with kids and dogs. Thank you!! Lisa
All fructose is bad, including the fructose in honey and fruit. If you could find a way to sweeten the bars with pure glucose (i.e. Dextrose) they would be much healthier.
What about the cane sugar listed in the Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt PB Cups?
Is it more healthier than refined sugars? I’d hate to give them up!
Thanks.
Hi Chris – It’s awesome to hear that you’re loving the Refrigerated Peanut Butter Cups! No need to give them up, we only sweeten our products with organic honey. The small amount of refined sugar comes from the cane sugar found in the dark chocolate coating. All in all, still a better-for-you, indulgent treat!
Just chiming in a year later to say yes, please make a few bars with less sugar. It’s OK if they’re a little squishy! Maybe oatmeal or flax or arrowroot could help with binding?
Love the nutrients in the bars which is why they’re my go to for a protein boost, but based solely on taste the bars can be too sweet for me. Would love a reduced sweetness option if possible just for those of us with less of a sweet tooth!
Hi Victoria – Thanks for being a fan and for reaching out with the feedback! We’ll relay the message to the team. If you haven’t tried them already, you might enjoy Almond Butter Perfect Bar or Peanut Butter Perfect Bar. They tend to be a little more savory & nutty!
I also would like them less sweet. I just bought the variety pack on sale at Costco to try and they are delicious but overwhelmingly sweet. Can you make one with 50% less honey? I really want bars with no artificial preservatives and natural ingredients, but I eat them as snacks, so I need them to not have an entire day’s worth of added sugar content.
I love the concept and principles of the Perfect Bar but believe they would taste better if they were less sweet meaning somewhat of a reduction in the honey. Just a thought.
Hi Erik – We’re so glad that you’re a fan! We’ll pass your suggestion on to our innovation team.
Do you make a bar with no sugar added?
If so please send me info. I love the almond bars but my Dr. said I need to give them up or find one with no sugar added.
Hey Elizabeth — All of our bars are sweetened and held together by organic honey. Additionally, our bars have all tested low GI which causes a lower and slower rise in blood sugar, keeping you fuller longer. We hope this helps and cheers to good health!
HI there. I have recently started eating your variety pack bars from coscto and have enjoyed the “sugar free” part of the bars as I am highly allergic to refined suagrs but can eat honey sweetened foods. could you tell me please which of your chocolate flavored bars are only sweetened with honey?
Hi Kim – We love to hear stories like yours. We’re so glad that you’re able to enjoy our Perfect Bars! For additional nutrition information, please reach out to our team here: https://perfectsnacks.com/pages/contact
I love the bars and they taste great. Even though the bars are made with organic honey and in the middle to lower GI scale, the total grams of sugar is still high and probably scares off much of your potential market. Maybe make something with less honey. They are very sweet and filling now, and I would bet a less sweeter and lower gram sugar bar would sell well. Thanks!
Thanks, Curt! Appreciate your feedback, we’ll be sure to share it with the team.
How much of the sugar is added sugar? When will labeling indicate the added sugar quantity? I’ve been noticing the trend to help distinguish what is natural and added.
Hi Casey – There is a small amount of refined sugar coming from the chocolate chips themselves, found only in our chocolate-flavored varieties. Our fair trade chocolate chips are ethically sourced and align with our food values and mission. Our other non-chocolate flavors do not contain refined sugar.
I also would like them to less sweet.
Also can’t find the kid size anywhere. Looked at a few targets and TJs
Hey Anne — Thanks for reaching out to us and of course for being a fan! The main source of sugar in our bars is the organic honey. We use it not only because it provides sweetness, but it also works to bind our bars together and acts as a natural preservative, as we don’t use any chemical preservatives. Though there are no plans to change the core recipe, we are always looking for innovative ways to make our bars more accessible for all diets. Additionally, please be sure to check out our store locator via perf.bar/locator to find Perfect Kids in a store near you. Cheers to good health!
Please bring back cranberry crunch. I haven’t bought perfect bars since you stopped making the lower calorie, lower sugar bars.
Thank you
Thanks for your feedback Daryl — I will be sure to pass this along to the rest of the team!
I agree with some of the other comments on here. I love that the sugar content is from honey, but I would still love if they’d have a little less amount. Sometimes I really want a bar but debate on whether I should eat or not because the amount of sugar is still on the high side.. especially when you’ve already had other sweet foods/fruit. A little bit of sugar everywhere and it adds up quickly.. so having a little less in the perfect bar would be amazing and I’d be eating them more often 😉
Hi Emily – We totally understand, not all sugars are created equal. To us, they are still a better-for-you treat! You can check out a dietitians take on sugars, here: https://blog.perfectsnacks.com/how-to-find-added-sugar-on-nutrition-labels-and-why-it-matters/
I love your bars. I am only concerned about the high sugar even if they are the good sugars. I am pre diabetic and want to keep eating them but worried the sugar is too high. Can you alleviate my concerns so I can keep eating them? I know there is “good” sugar and “bad” sugar. I exercise and I am very active and not overweight but for some reason have higher sugar – low end of pre diabetic. I am very good about not eating desert and cutting sugar – eating very well and only wholesome foods now. I usually only grab one on the go to walk the dogs and take kids to school since time for breakfast is limited with kids and dogs. Thank you!! Lisa
Hi Lisa – Love to hear that Perfect Snacks help you fuel the fun! We suggest consulting with a medical professional for all health related concerns. You can check out a dietitians take on sugars, here:
https://blog.perfectsnacks.com/how-to-find-added-sugar-on-nutrition-labels-and-why-it-matters/
All fructose is bad, including the fructose in honey and fruit. If you could find a way to sweeten the bars with pure glucose (i.e. Dextrose) they would be much healthier.
Hi Kevin – We totally understand, not all sugars are created equal. You can check out a dietitians take on sugars, here:
https://blog.perfectsnacks.com/how-to-find-added-sugar-on-nutrition-labels-and-why-it-matters/
What about the cane sugar listed in the Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt PB Cups?
Is it more healthier than refined sugars? I’d hate to give them up!
Thanks.
Hi Chris – It’s awesome to hear that you’re loving the Refrigerated Peanut Butter Cups! No need to give them up, we only sweeten our products with organic honey. The small amount of refined sugar comes from the cane sugar found in the dark chocolate coating. All in all, still a better-for-you, indulgent treat!
Just chiming in a year later to say yes, please make a few bars with less sugar. It’s OK if they’re a little squishy! Maybe oatmeal or flax or arrowroot could help with binding?
Hi MC – Thanks for the feedback; we love to hear from our fans. We totally understand, not all sugars are created equal. You can check out a dietitians take on sugars, here:
https://blog.perfectsnacks.com/how-to-find-added-sugar-on-nutrition-labels-and-why-it-matters/
Love the nutrients in the bars which is why they’re my go to for a protein boost, but based solely on taste the bars can be too sweet for me. Would love a reduced sweetness option if possible just for those of us with less of a sweet tooth!
Hi Victoria – Thanks for being a fan and for reaching out with the feedback! We’ll relay the message to the team. If you haven’t tried them already, you might enjoy Almond Butter Perfect Bar or Peanut Butter Perfect Bar. They tend to be a little more savory & nutty!
I also would like them less sweet. I just bought the variety pack on sale at Costco to try and they are delicious but overwhelmingly sweet. Can you make one with 50% less honey? I really want bars with no artificial preservatives and natural ingredients, but I eat them as snacks, so I need them to not have an entire day’s worth of added sugar content.
Hi Diane – Thanks for your feedback! Sounds like our new Snack Size Perfect Bar is perfect for you.