FoodScore
0/ 100
AvoidbeverageCHARLESTON CHEW· 0.33 BAR

CHARLESTON CHEW, CHEWY NOUGAT WITH CHOCOLATEY COATING CANDY BAR, VANILLA, VANILLA

The CHARLESTON CHEW, CHEWY NOUGAT WITH CHOCOLATEY COATING CANDY BAR, VANILLA receives a FoodScore of 2/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its **high added sugar and saturated fat content** and **ultra-processed nature**.

  • This CHARLESTON CHEW candy bar scores 2/100, indicating it offers minimal nutritional value.
  • It contains 40.52g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
  • With 10.5g of saturated fat per 100g, it exceeds recommended daily limits.
  • Classified as NOVA 4, it is an ultra-processed food, unlike plain sparkling water.
  • Consume this product in very small portions and infrequently as an occasional treat.
  • Scores -30 points above the beverage category average (32/100 across 3796 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
2.63g
5% of Daily Value
Added sugar
40.52g
81% of Daily Value
Sodium
52.89mg
2% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
What holds it back
Added sugar (40.5g)-25
Saturated fat (10.5g)-15
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Why it scores 2

The CHARLESTON CHEW, CHEWY NOUGAT WITH CHOCOLATEY COATING CANDY BAR, VANILLA earns a FoodScore of 2 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely driven by its significant nutritional penalties. The product contains 40.52g of added sugar per 100g, which incurs a substantial penalty of -25 points. This high sugar content is evident from corn syrup and sugar being the first two ingredients. Additionally, it contains 10.5g of saturated fat per 100g, leading to a -15 point penalty. The presence of palm kernel and palm oil contributes to this saturated fat load. As a NOVA class 4 food, it is considered ultra-processed, resulting in a further -10 point penalty. While it receives a small bonus of +2 points for its iron content (11% DV), this is insufficient to offset the numerous penalties. In contrast, a reference baseline like plain sparkling water or unsweetened iced tea contains no added sugar, saturated fat, or ultra-processed ingredients, highlighting the significant nutritional difference.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in charleston chew, chewy nougat with chocolatey coating candy bar, vanilla, vanilla actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Provides a Quick Energy Source

This CHARLESTON CHEW candy bar, with its high carbohydrate content from sugars, can offer a rapid boost of energy. For individuals needing immediate caloric intake, such as after intense physical activity or in situations where quick glucose is required, it can serve this purpose. However, this energy is primarily from simple sugars, which can lead to a rapid spike and subsequent drop in blood sugar levels.

Source of Iron

The product provides 1.89mg of iron per 100g, contributing 11% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral for oxygen transport in the blood and various metabolic processes. While not a primary source, this small contribution can be a minor factor for individuals looking to supplement their iron intake, though it should be noted that the overall nutritional profile is not ideal for regular consumption.

Convenient and Shelf-Stable Treat

As a packaged candy bar, CHARLESTON CHEW is highly convenient and shelf-stable, making it easy to store and transport. It can be a readily available option for an occasional treat or to satisfy a craving. Its portability means it can be kept in a bag or desk drawer for when a sweet indulgence is desired, without requiring refrigeration.

How to eat it

CHARLESTON CHEW candy bars are typically consumed as an occasional sweet treat. They are often eaten directly from the wrapper as a snack or dessert. Due to their high sugar and fat content, they are not intended as a regular part of a balanced diet.

Consider sharing a single bar to reduce portion size and moderate intake of added sugars and saturated fat.
Pair a small piece with a source of fiber and protein, like a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit, to help slow sugar absorption.
Freeze the CHARLESTON CHEW bar before eating; this can make it chewier and potentially lead to slower consumption, helping with moderation.
Use this candy bar as an infrequent indulgence rather than a regular snack to align with dietary guidelines.
Things to keep in mind

This product contains several ingredients that warrant attention. It lists nonfat dry milk, lactose, milk protein concentrate, and egg albumen, indicating it is not suitable for individuals with dairy or egg allergies. Soy lecithin and soy protein are also present, making it unsuitable for those with soy allergies. The high amount of added sugar, primarily from corn syrup and sugar, means individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should consume this product with extreme caution and in very small quantities. As an ultra-processed food, it contains artificial flavor, which some individuals prefer to avoid in their diet. There are no specific interactions with medications commonly associated with these ingredients, but overall dietary impact should be considered.

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Reader questions
Is CHARLESTON CHEW, CHEWY NOUGAT WITH CHOCOLATEY COATING CANDY BAR, VANILLA healthy?
Based on its FoodScore of 2/100, CHARLESTON CHEW is not considered a healthy food choice for regular consumption. It is high in added sugars and saturated fat and classified as ultra-processed. While it offers a small amount of iron, its overall nutritional profile provides minimal beneficial nutrients.
How does CHARLESTON CHEW compare to other candy bars?
Compared to many other traditional candy bars like a Snickers bar, CHARLESTON CHEW has a similar nutritional profile, being high in added sugar and saturated fat. Most candy bars fall into the ultra-processed category and should be consumed sparingly. For a more nutrient-dense snack, consider a fruit and nut bar like a KIND bar, which typically offers more fiber and less added sugar.
What is 'palm kernel and palm oil' in the ingredient list?
Palm kernel and palm oil are vegetable oils commonly used in processed foods for texture and shelf life. They are notable for their high content of saturated fat. The 10.5g of saturated fat per 100g in CHARLESTON CHEW is largely attributed to these oils, contributing to the product's low FoodScore.
What is a reasonable portion size for CHARLESTON CHEW?
The serving size listed is 0.33 bar, which is a very small portion. Given its high content of added sugar (40.52g per 100g) and saturated fat, it's advisable to consume only a small fraction of a bar as an occasional treat. Moderation is key to minimize its impact on your overall dietary intake.
Can I eat CHARLESTON CHEW if I have a dairy allergy?
No, CHARLESTON CHEW contains several dairy-derived ingredients, including nonfat dry milk, lactose, and milk protein concentrate. These ingredients make it unsuitable for individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. Always check the ingredient list carefully if you have food sensitivities.

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Data & references