BROOKSIDE, DARK CHOCOLATE CRUNCHY CLUSTERS, BERRY MEDLEY, BERRY MEDLEY
BROOKSIDE, DARK CHOCOLATE CRUNCHY CLUSTERS, BERRY MEDLEY, BERRY MEDLEY receives a FoodScore of 6/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its **high added sugar content** and classification as an ultra-processed food.
FoodScore: 6/100 (Avoid) due to high added sugar and processing.
Contains 36.8g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
Classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food.
Provides 5.3g of fiber and 5.3g of protein per 100g.
Best consumed in small, infrequent portions due to its nutrient profile.
Scores -26 points above the beverage category average (32/100 across 3796 foods).
Fiber
5.32g
19% of Daily Value
Protein
5.26g
11% of Daily Value
Added sugar
36.81g
74% of Daily Value
Sodium
184.21mg
8% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (5.3g)+6
Protein (5.3g)+1
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (36.8g)-25
Saturated fat (18.4g)-15
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3
Why it scores 6
BROOKSIDE, DARK CHOCOLATE CRUNCHY CLUSTERS, BERRY MEDLEY, BERRY MEDLEY scores 6 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This low score is largely driven by its significant amount of added sugar, which stands at 36.81g per 100g. This contributes a substantial penalty of -25 points. The product's fat profile also impacts the score negatively, with 18.42g of saturated fat per 100g, resulting in a -15 point penalty. Furthermore, its classification as a NOVA 4 food indicates it is ultra-processed, incurring an additional -10 point penalty. The presence of concentrated ultra-processed fat, likely from ingredients like palm kernel oil, adds another -3 points. While there are some minor bonuses for fiber (5.32g, +6 points) and protein (5.26g, +1 point), along with a small contribution from iron (3.79mg, +2 points), these are insufficient to offset the major penalties. Compared to a baseline of plain sparkling water or unsweetened iced tea, which would score much higher due to their lack of added sugars, fats, and processing, this product represents a significantly different nutritional profile.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in brookside, dark chocolate crunchy clusters, berry medley, berry medley actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Iron
BROOKSIDE, DARK CHOCOLATE CRUNCHY CLUSTERS provides a notable amount of iron, with 3.79mg per 100g, which is 21% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral crucial for oxygen transport in the blood and various metabolic processes. Including iron-rich foods in the diet can help prevent iron deficiency, which can lead to fatigue and weakness. This product can contribute to daily iron intake, especially for individuals who may struggle to meet their needs through other dietary sources.
Contains Dietary Fiber
This product contains 5.32g of dietary fiber per 100g. Fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and contributing to feelings of fullness. While this amount is not exceptionally high, it does offer some contribution to daily fiber goals. Incorporating foods with fiber can support a healthy digestive system and may help with blood sugar management by slowing down the absorption of sugars.
Provides Some Protein
BROOKSIDE, DARK CHOCOLATE CRUNCHY CLUSTERS offers 5.26g of protein per 100g. Protein is a macronutrient vital for muscle repair, growth, and overall bodily functions. While not a primary protein source, this amount can contribute to daily protein intake, especially when consumed as part of a varied diet. Protein also plays a role in satiety, potentially helping to manage appetite.
BROOKSIDE, DARK CHOCOLATE CRUNCHY CLUSTERS, BERRY MEDLEY, BERRY MEDLEY receives a FoodScore of 6/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its high added sugar content and classification as an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
BROOKSIDE, DARK CHOCOLATE CRUNCHY CLUSTERS are typically consumed as a snack or a treat. Given their concentrated energy and sugar content, they are often eaten in small portions. Common pitfalls include overconsumption due to their palatability and perceiving them as a health food due to the presence of fruit and dark chocolate.
Portion control is key: Measure out a small serving rather than eating directly from the bag to manage intake of added sugar and saturated fat.
Pair with whole foods: Combine a small portion with a source of lean protein or healthy fats, like a handful of unsalted nuts or a piece of fruit, to enhance satiety.
Consider as an occasional treat: Due to its NOVA 4 classification and high added sugar, this product is best reserved for infrequent consumption rather than a daily snack.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several common allergens, including milk, soy, wheat, and barley, as indicated by ingredients like milkfat, soy lecithin, and wheat flour. Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should avoid consumption. The high added sugar content (36.81g per 100g) is a significant concern, particularly for individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, as it can lead to rapid spikes. The presence of palm kernel oil contributes to the high saturated fat content. While the product contains fruit juice concentrates, these are often used as sweeteners and do not provide the same nutritional benefits as whole fruits. The ultra-processed nature of this food (NOVA 4) suggests a complex formulation with multiple processing steps and additives.
Is BROOKSIDE, DARK CHOCOLATE CRUNCHY CLUSTERS, BERRY MEDLEY healthy?
Based on its FoodScore of 6/100, BROOKSIDE, DARK CHOCOLATE CRUNCHY CLUSTERS, BERRY MEDLEY is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. It is an ultra-processed food high in added sugar and saturated fat, which are factors that contribute to a low nutritional score. While it offers some fiber, protein, and iron, these benefits are outweighed by its less favorable nutritional components.
How does BROOKSIDE compare to other snack options?
Compared to a whole-food snack like a piece of fruit or a handful of plain nuts, BROOKSIDE, DARK CHOCOLATE CRUNCHY CLUSTERS has a significantly lower nutritional score due to its processing and high sugar content. Even when compared to other chocolate-covered fruit snacks, such as certain Trader Joe's chocolate-covered items, this product's combination of added sugars, saturated fats, and ultra-processed ingredients like crisp rice places it at the lower end of the nutritional spectrum for snacks.
What is 'cocoa processed with alkali'?
'Cocoa processed with alkali' is a common ingredient in chocolate products. This process, also known as Dutching, reduces the acidity of cocoa, resulting in a milder flavor and darker color. While it can improve taste and appearance, it may also reduce the concentration of some beneficial antioxidants found in natural cocoa.
What is a reasonable portion size for BROOKSIDE, DARK CHOCOLATE CRUNCHY CLUSTERS?
The declared serving size is 0.7 ounces. Given the high added sugar (36.81g per 100g) and calorie density (474.21 calories per 100g), adhering to this small serving size is important for moderation. Consuming larger portions would significantly increase your intake of unnecessary sugars and fats, making it harder to maintain a balanced diet.
Can I eat this product if I have a gluten sensitivity?
No, this product is not suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. The ingredient list explicitly includes barley malt extract in the crisp rice and wheat in the granola and wheat flour. These ingredients contain gluten and would trigger a reaction in sensitive individuals.