BROOKSIDE, DARK CHOCOLATE, BLUEBERRIES, BLUEBERRIES receives a FoodScore of 5 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is primarily driven by its high content of added sugar and saturated fat, alongside its ultra-processed nature. A 100g serving contains 38.5g of added sugar, which incurs a significant penalty of -25 points. The ingredient list highlights sugar as the first ingredient in dark chocolate, followed by apple juice concentrate in the sweetened dried blueberries, and corn syrup, all contributing to this high sugar load. Additionally, the product contains 15g of saturated fat per 100g, leading to a -15 point penalty. Its classification as NOVA class 4 indicates it is an ultra-processed food, resulting in a -10 point deduction. The presence of concentrated ultra-processed fat further deducts 3 points. While it gains 6 points for its 5g of fiber and 2 points for iron (25% DV), these bonuses are insufficient to offset the substantial penalties. In contrast, a reference baseline like plain sparkling water or unsweetened iced tea contains no added sugar, saturated fat, or ultra-processed ingredients, offering a more neutral impact on dietary scores.
What the nutrients in brookside, dark chocolate, blueberries, blueberries actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
This BROOKSIDE product provides a notable amount of iron, with 4.5mg per 100g serving, which is 25% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral crucial for oxygen transport in the blood and various metabolic processes. Including sources of iron in the diet is important for maintaining energy levels and preventing iron deficiency, though this product's overall nutritional profile suggests it should not be relied upon as a primary iron source.
With 5g of fiber per 100g, this product contributes to your daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health and can help promote satiety. While this amount is a positive, it's important to consider the context of the product's high added sugar and fat content. For optimal fiber intake, prioritize whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
The presence of blueberries, even in a sweetened and dried form, means this product contains some naturally occurring antioxidants. Blueberries are known for their antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from damage. However, the processing and addition of sugars may diminish some of these benefits, and consuming fresh or frozen blueberries would provide a more concentrated and beneficial source of these compounds.
BROOKSIDE, DARK CHOCOLATE, BLUEBERRIES, BLUEBERRIES is typically consumed as a snack or dessert. Due to its concentrated sugar and fat content, it's best enjoyed in small portions. Consumers often eat these directly from the bag, which can make portion control challenging.
Consumers should be aware of the high added sugar content in BROOKSIDE, DARK CHOCOLATE, BLUEBERRIES, BLUEBERRIES, which is 38.5g per 100g. Individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should consume this product with caution and in very limited quantities. The ingredient list also includes soy lecithin and milk fat, indicating potential allergens for individuals with soy or dairy sensitivities. While the product contains dark chocolate, which can have a small amount of caffeine, the overall caffeine content is unlikely to be a concern for most adults in typical serving sizes. However, sensitive individuals or young children might consider this if consuming larger portions.