A method for creating a cold formed bar such as a fruit and vegetable bar. The invention is an improved process for manipulating the total sugars without having the cold formed bar lose its characteristic texture or appearance. In one aspect, the invention adds a solid binder to a conventional mixing operation after the liquid binder and the dry ingredients are added. In one aspect, the invention uses a combination binder that allows reduction of liquid binder and reduces added sugar level on finished product. The combination binder does not impact whole piece appearance in the cold form bar while providing enough binding capacity to hold the bar together throughout processing and shelf life.
