Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch 0.75 oz
Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch 0.75 oz earns a FoodScore of 60/100 (Good), primarily driven by its notable fiber and protein content, despite being an ultra-processed snack with elevated sodium.
This product has a FoodScore of 60/100, indicating a Good nutritional choice.
A single package provides 19g of fiber and 23.8g of protein per 100g.
The sodium content is 809.52mg per 100g, which is a significant amount.
It is classified as NOVA class 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
Consider this product as an occasional, convenient snack due to its processing and sodium.
Scores +14 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
19g
68% of Daily Value
Protein
23.81g
48% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
809.52mg
35% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (19g)+12
Protein (23.8g)+10
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
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What holds it back
Sodium (809.5mg)-4
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 60
Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch 0.75 oz achieves a FoodScore of 60/100, placing it in the 'Good' category. This score is positively influenced by its substantial nutritional contributions: 19g of fiber per 100g, which adds 12 bonus points, and 23.8g of protein per 100g, contributing an additional 10 bonus points. The product also provides 3.43mg of iron per 100g, accounting for 19% of the Daily Value, which adds 2 bonus points for micronutrients. However, these benefits are partially offset by certain factors. The sodium content of 809.52mg per 100g incurs a 4-point penalty. Furthermore, its classification as NOVA class 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food, results in a 10-point penalty. Ingredients like maltodextrin contribute to its ultra-processed status. Compared to a home-cooked version using whole fava beans, this product, while offering convenience and a good source of fiber and protein, contains added ingredients and processing that impact its overall nutritional quality and score.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in kala beautiful beans sea salt and vinegar crunch 0.75 oz actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Excellent Source of Dietary Fiber
Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch provides a significant 19g of fiber per 100g. Dietary fiber is crucial for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and contributing to feelings of fullness. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet can support overall gut function and may assist in managing blood sugar levels. This product can be a convenient way to boost your daily fiber intake, especially for individuals who struggle to meet recommended guidelines through whole foods alone.
High in Plant-Based Protein
With 23.8g of protein per 100g, this product is a good source of plant-based protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair, growth, and the production of enzymes and hormones. Incorporating adequate protein into snacks can help with satiety, potentially reducing overall calorie intake throughout the day. For those seeking vegetarian or vegan protein options, Kala Beautiful Beans offers a convenient and accessible choice to support their dietary needs.
Contributes to Iron Intake
This snack contributes 3.43mg of iron per 100g, which is 19% of the Daily Value. Iron is a vital mineral necessary for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production. Adequate iron intake is important for preventing fatigue and supporting overall metabolic function. While not a primary source of all micronutrients, the iron content in Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch can help supplement daily intake, particularly for individuals who may have difficulty meeting their iron requirements.
Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch 0.75 oz earns a FoodScore of 60/100 (Good), primarily driven by its notable fiber and protein content, despite being an ultra-processed snack with elevated sodium.
How to eat it
Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch is typically consumed as a ready-to-eat snack, often enjoyed between meals or as part of a packed lunch. The 0.75 oz package is a single-serving portion, designed for convenience and portability.
Pair with a piece of fruit or a handful of unsalted nuts to create a more balanced snack that provides additional vitamins and healthy fats.
Due to its sodium content, consider balancing this snack with other low-sodium foods throughout your day to manage overall sodium intake.
Use as a crunchy topping for salads or soups to add texture and a boost of protein and fiber, rather than relying solely on it as a standalone snack.
While convenient, aim to incorporate more whole food snacks like fresh vegetables or plain yogurt into your routine alongside processed options.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals sensitive to high sodium intake, such as those managing blood pressure, should be mindful of the 809.52mg of sodium per 100g in this product. While the serving size is 0.75 oz, consuming multiple packages could lead to a significant intake. The ingredient citric acid is generally recognized as safe, but some individuals with sensitive digestive systems might experience mild discomfort. As an ultra-processed food, it contains ingredients like maltodextrin which, while safe, are indicators of a more processed product compared to whole fava beans. There are no common allergens explicitly declared on the label based on the provided ingredient list, but consumers with severe allergies should always check the physical packaging for 'may contain' statements.
Is Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch healthy?
Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch has a FoodScore of 60/100, placing it in the 'Good' category. It offers a significant amount of fiber and protein (19g and 23.8g per 100g, respectively), which are beneficial nutrients. However, it is an ultra-processed food with a notable sodium content, so it's best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How does Kala Beautiful Beans compare to other bean-based snacks?
Compared to other bean-based snacks, such as roasted chickpeas like those from The Good Bean, Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch offers a similar profile of plant-based protein and fiber. The specific sodium content and processing level may vary between brands, so always check the nutrition facts and ingredient list to make an informed comparison based on your dietary needs.
What is maltodextrin, and should I be concerned about it?
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from starch, often used as a thickener, filler, or preservative in processed foods. It is generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies. While it contributes to the product's ultra-processed classification, in the small amounts likely present in this snack, it is not typically a cause for concern for most individuals.
How much of this snack can I eat daily?
Given its sodium content of 809.52mg per 100g, it's advisable to consume Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch in moderation. A single 0.75 oz package contains a smaller amount of sodium, but regular consumption of multiple packages could contribute significantly to your daily sodium limit. Balance it with other low-sodium foods throughout your day.
Can this product help me feel full?
Yes, the high fiber and protein content (19g fiber, 23.8g protein per 100g) in Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch can contribute to feelings of satiety. Fiber and protein are known to be more filling than carbohydrates or fats alone, which may help reduce hunger between meals and support weight management efforts.