Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch 5 oz.
Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch earns a FoodScore of 60/100 (Good), primarily due to its notable fiber and protein content, balanced against its classification as ultra-processed and higher sodium levels.
This product received a FoodScore of 60/100, indicating a good nutritional profile.
A serving provides 16.7g of fiber and 23.3g of protein per 100g, a significant strength.
The sodium content is 800mg per 100g, which is a key consideration for daily intake.
Classified as NOVA 4, this product is ultra-processed, unlike a home-cooked fava bean dish.
Enjoy in moderation as a snack, mindful of the sodium contribution to your daily total.
Scores +14 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
16.7g
60% of Daily Value
Protein
23.3g
47% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
800mg
35% of Daily Value
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What it brings to the table
Fiber (16.7g)+12
Protein (23.3g)+10
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
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What holds it back
Sodium (800mg)-4
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 60
Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch achieves a FoodScore of 60 out of 100, reflecting a balanced nutritional profile with both notable strengths and areas for consideration. The product receives significant bonuses for its high fiber content, providing 16.7g per 100g, and its substantial protein contribution of 23.3g per 100g. These macronutrients are beneficial for satiety and overall dietary intake. Additionally, it earns a small bonus for its iron content, supplying 20% of the Daily Value per 100g. However, the product incurs penalties due to its sodium level, which is 800mg per 100g, contributing significantly to daily sodium limits. Furthermore, its classification as NOVA 4 indicates it is ultra-processed, meaning it contains ingredients like maltodextrin that are not typically found in a home kitchen, and has undergone extensive industrial processing. This contrasts with a simple home-cooked fava bean dish, which would likely have fewer ingredients and minimal processing. Despite the processing, Kala Beautiful Beans does not contain added sugars, which is a positive aspect.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in kala beautiful beans sea salt and vinegar crunch 5 oz. actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Digestive Health
Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch is an excellent source of dietary fiber, providing 16.7g per 100g. Fiber is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system, aiding in regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Including fiber-rich foods like these fava beans can contribute to overall gut health and may help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of glucose. This product offers a convenient way to boost your fiber intake, which is often lacking in typical American diets.
Contributes to Muscle Maintenance and Satiety
With 23.3g of protein per 100g, Kala Beautiful Beans offers a significant protein boost. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscle. It also plays a key role in producing enzymes and hormones. The high protein content in this product can help increase feelings of fullness and satiety, potentially reducing overall calorie intake throughout the day. This makes it a suitable snack option for individuals looking to manage their weight or support muscle health.
Provides Essential Micronutrients
This product contributes to your intake of essential minerals, notably providing 20% of the Daily Value for iron per 100g. Iron is vital for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production. While it does not provide a broad spectrum of micronutrients, the iron content is a valuable addition, especially for those who may be at risk of iron deficiency. The presence of calcium (5% DV) also adds a small contribution to bone health.
Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch earns a FoodScore of 60/100 (Good), primarily due to its notable fiber and protein content, balanced against its classification as ultra-processed and higher sodium levels.
How to eat it
Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch is typically consumed as a convenient, savory snack. A common portion size is 1/3 cup, which is easy to enjoy on its own or as part of a larger meal. Its crunchy texture and bold flavor make it a popular choice for those seeking an alternative to chips or crackers.
Pair with fresh vegetables like carrot sticks or cucumber slices to add additional fiber and vitamins to your snack.
Use as a topping for salads or soups to add a crunchy texture and protein boost without adding excessive calories.
Be mindful of the 800mg sodium per 100g; consider portioning out a 1/3 cup serving to help manage daily sodium intake.
Combine with unsalted nuts or seeds for a more diverse nutrient profile and sustained energy release.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains fava beans, which can cause a condition called favism in individuals with a specific enzyme deficiency (G6PD deficiency). While rare, those with this condition should avoid fava beans. The sodium content of 800mg per 100g is relatively high, and individuals monitoring their blood pressure or following a low-sodium diet should consume this product in moderation and be aware of its contribution to their daily sodium intake. The presence of maltodextrin indicates a degree of processing, which some consumers prefer to limit in their diet. Otherwise, there are no common allergens declared, and no specific interactions or populations that need to be particularly cautious beyond those mentioned.
Is Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch healthy?
Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch has a FoodScore of 60/100, which is considered 'Good.' It offers significant amounts of protein and fiber, which are beneficial for satiety and digestive health. However, it is classified as ultra-processed and has a higher sodium content, so moderation is key to balancing its nutritional benefits with these considerations.
How does Kala Beautiful Beans compare to other crunchy snacks?
Compared to many traditional potato chips or cheese puffs, Kala Beautiful Beans offers a higher protein and fiber content (23.3g protein, 16.7g fiber per 100g vs. typically lower in chips). For example, a similar serving of Lay's Classic Potato Chips would have significantly less protein and fiber. However, its sodium content of 800mg per 100g is comparable to or higher than some savory snacks, so always check the nutrition label.
What is maltodextrin and why is it in this product?
Maltodextrin is a common food additive derived from starch, used as a thickener, filler, or preservative. In Kala Beautiful Beans, it likely contributes to the texture or flavor profile. While generally recognized as safe, it is a processed ingredient that contributes to the product's NOVA 4 classification, indicating it is ultra-processed.
What is a reasonable portion size for this snack?
The declared serving size is 1/3 cup. Sticking to this portion helps manage your intake of calories and sodium. While the product is rich in protein and fiber, consuming large quantities could lead to excessive sodium intake over the course of a day, especially if other meals also contain higher sodium foods.
Can I eat Kala Beautiful Beans if I have a gluten sensitivity?
The ingredient list for Kala Beautiful Beans Sea Salt and Vinegar Crunch does not list any gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, or rye. However, if you have a severe gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, it is always recommended to look for products explicitly labeled 'gluten-free' to ensure there has been no cross-contamination during processing.