FoodScore
0/ 100
AvoidsweetJELLY BELLY· 1 COOKIE

JELLY BELLY, FROSTED SUGAR COOKIES, BERRY BLUE, BERRY BLUE

JELLY BELLY Frosted Sugar Cookies, Berry Blue, scores 9/100 (Avoid) due to its **high added sugar content** and **ultra-processed nature**.

  • This JELLY BELLY product scores 9/100, indicating it should be avoided as a regular dietary component.
  • It contains 29.48g of added sugar per 100g, a significant factor in its low score.
  • Classified as NOVA 4, it is an ultra-processed food with minimal nutritional value.
  • Compared to generic sugar cookies, this SKU has similar nutritional drawbacks.
  • Consider this product an occasional treat rather than a staple food item.
  • Scores -6 points above the sweet category average (15/100 across 1084 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
2.63g
5% of Daily Value
Added sugar
29.48g
59% of Daily Value
Sodium
276.32mg
12% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Iron, Vitamin A)+4
What holds it back
Added sugar (29.5g)-25
Saturated fat (6.6g)-7
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3

Why it scores 9

JELLY BELLY Frosted Sugar Cookies, Berry Blue, receives a FoodScore of 9 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. The primary reason for this low score is the substantial amount of added sugar, contributing 29.48g per 100g, which incurs a significant penalty of 25 points. Additionally, the product is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, leading to a 10-point deduction. The presence of 6.58g of saturated fat per 100g also negatively impacts the score by 7 points. The formulation includes palm oil in the margarine, which contributes to the saturated fat content. A further 3-point penalty is applied for concentrated ultra-processed fat. While it does provide some iron (1.89mg, 11% DV) and vitamin A (58% DV), these micronutrient bonuses (+4 points) are insufficient to offset the substantial penalties from added sugar, saturated fat, and processing. Compared to a generic unbranded sugar cookie, this JELLY BELLY product exhibits a similar nutritional profile, characterized by high sugar and fat content with limited beneficial nutrients.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in jelly belly, frosted sugar cookies, berry blue, berry blue actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Vitamin A

This JELLY BELLY cookie provides 58% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that supports vision, immune function, and cell growth. While not a primary source, it contributes to daily intake, especially when other dietary sources might be limited. However, the overall nutritional profile of the cookie should be considered when relying on it for micronutrient intake.

Provides Iron

JELLY BELLY Frosted Sugar Cookies offer 1.89mg of iron per 100g, which is 11% of the Daily Value. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood and energy metabolism. This contribution can be a small part of meeting daily iron needs, particularly for individuals who may struggle to consume enough iron from other foods. It's important to balance this with the product's high sugar and fat content.

Energy Source

With 421.05 calories per 100g, this product can provide a quick source of energy. The calories primarily come from carbohydrates (sugar) and fats. For individuals requiring immediate energy, such as after intense physical activity, a small portion could serve this purpose. However, due to its low nutrient density, it is not an ideal choice for sustained energy or overall dietary needs.

How to eat it

Frosted sugar cookies like JELLY BELLY are typically consumed as an occasional treat or dessert. They are often eaten directly from the package, usually one or two cookies at a time. A common pitfall is overconsumption due to their palatable taste and small serving size.

Portion control is key: stick to the suggested serving size of one cookie to manage added sugar and calorie intake.
Pair with a nutrient-dense food like a glass of milk or a piece of fruit to add protein, fiber, or other vitamins.
Consider this an occasional indulgence rather than a regular snack to maintain a balanced dietary pattern.
If you enjoy baking, making homemade sugar cookies allows for control over ingredients like sugar and fat content.
Things to keep in mind

This product contains several ingredients that warrant consideration. The primary allergen concerns are wheat, eggs, milk, and soy, which are listed on the label. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid consumption. The presence of Blue 1 indicates the use of artificial food coloring, which some individuals choose to limit in their diet. Additionally, the product contains sodium propionate, a preservative, and polysorbate 60, an emulsifier, which are common in ultra-processed foods. Due to its high added sugar content, individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should consume this product with extreme caution and in very limited quantities. The ultra-processed nature of the cookie means it offers minimal whole food benefits.

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Reader questions
Is JELLY BELLY Frosted Sugar Cookies healthy?
No, JELLY BELLY Frosted Sugar Cookies are not considered healthy. They score 9/100 on FoodScore, primarily due to their high added sugar content (29.48g per 100g) and classification as an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4). While they provide some iron and vitamin A, these benefits are outweighed by the significant amounts of sugar and saturated fat.
How does JELLY BELLY Frosted Sugar Cookies compare to a generic sugar cookie?
JELLY BELLY Frosted Sugar Cookies are nutritionally similar to a generic unbranded sugar cookie. Both typically contain high levels of added sugar and saturated fat, with minimal fiber or protein. The JELLY BELLY product is also an ultra-processed food, a characteristic shared by most commercially produced sugar cookies, including those from brands like Pepperidge Farm.
What is 'enriched bleached wheat flour' and why is it in this cookie?
Enriched bleached wheat flour is a refined flour that has had certain nutrients, such as niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid, added back after processing. It is used in this cookie as a primary structural ingredient to provide texture and bulk. While enrichment adds some micronutrients, it is still a refined grain and lacks the fiber of whole wheat flour.
What is a reasonable portion size for these cookies?
The suggested serving size for JELLY BELLY Frosted Sugar Cookies is one cookie. Adhering to this portion helps to moderate intake of added sugars and calories. Consuming multiple cookies would significantly increase the amount of sugar and fat consumed, making it harder to fit within a balanced dietary pattern.
Can children eat these cookies?
Children can consume JELLY BELLY Frosted Sugar Cookies in moderation as an occasional treat. However, due to the high added sugar content, frequent consumption is not recommended as it can contribute to excessive calorie intake and displace more nutrient-dense foods. Portion control is especially important for children.

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Data & references