Kashi US BEAR NAKED BARS CHOCOLATE scores 28/100 (Avoid) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its significant **added sugar** content.
This Kashi US bar scores 28/100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category.
It provides 6.8g of fiber and 11.1g of protein per 100g, contributing positively to its score.
The bar contains 19.77g of added sugar per 100g, a primary factor for its low score.
Classified as NOVA 4, this product is ultra-processed, unlike a baseline of plain sparkling water.
Consider this bar as an occasional snack rather than a regular dietary staple.
Scores -4 points above the beverage category average (32/100 across 3796 foods).
Kashi US BEAR NAKED BARS CHOCOLATE receives a FoodScore of 28 out of 100, primarily driven by its classification as an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4) and its high content of added sugar. While it gains points for its fiber (6.8g) and protein (11.1g) content, along with several micronutrients like iron and magnesium, these positive contributions are offset by significant penalties. The product contains 19.77g of added sugar per 100g, largely from ingredients such as dried cane syrup, brown rice syrup, and invert cane syrup, which incurs a substantial penalty. Additionally, its 7.9g of saturated fat per 100g also negatively impacts the score. Compared to a reference baseline like plain sparkling water or unsweetened iced tea, which would score highly due to the absence of added sugars, fats, and processing, this Kashi US bar presents a significantly different nutritional profile.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in kashi us bear naked bars chocolate 7.05oz actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
This Kashi US bar provides 6.8g of fiber per 100g, which can contribute to your daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health and can help promote feelings of fullness. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet supports regular bowel movements and overall gut function. While this bar offers some fiber, it's beneficial to also consume fiber from less processed sources like whole fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
Contribution to Protein Intake
With 11.1g of protein per 100g, this product can help contribute to your daily protein needs. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and it plays a role in satiety. The protein in this bar comes from sources like roasted peanuts, almonds, and soy protein isolate. For a balanced diet, it is advisable to also include protein from lean meats, dairy, or plant-based proteins like beans and lentils.
Provides Essential Micronutrients
The Kashi US BEAR NAKED BAR offers several micronutrients, including 18% DV for iron and 25% DV for magnesium per 100g. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood, while magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function. While these contributions are present, a varied diet rich in whole foods is the most effective way to meet all micronutrient requirements.
Kashi US BEAR NAKED BARS CHOCOLATE scores 28/100 (Avoid) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its significant added sugar content.
How to eat it
Snack bars like Kashi US BEAR NAKED BARS CHOCOLATE are commonly consumed as a convenient, on-the-go snack or a quick energy boost. They are often eaten between meals or as part of a packed lunch. Due to their concentrated calories and sugar, portion control is important.
Consider pairing this bar with a piece of fruit or a handful of unsalted nuts to add more fiber and healthy fats, which can help moderate blood sugar response.
If using as a snack, consume only one bar to manage added sugar and calorie intake.
For a more balanced option, consider alternatives like a piece of fruit with a small handful of almonds, which offers similar nutrients with less processing and added sugar.
Store in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness, as with most packaged snack bars.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several common allergens, including peanuts, almonds, soy, milk, and wheat, as declared on the ingredient list. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this product. The presence of palm kernel and palm oil contributes to the saturated fat content. The bar is also classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4), which generally means it contains ingredients not typically found in a home kitchen, such as invert cane syrup and soy protein isolate. While generally safe for consumption, individuals monitoring their intake of highly processed foods or those with specific dietary sensitivities may wish to limit consumption.
This Kashi US bar scores 28/100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. While it provides some fiber and protein, its classification as an ultra-processed food and its significant added sugar content mean it is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. It is best viewed as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple.
How does Kashi US BEAR NAKED BARS CHOCOLATE compare to other snack bars?
Compared to other snack bars like a KIND Bar, this Kashi US bar has a similar calorie count but may have different levels of added sugar and fiber depending on the specific KIND flavor. Many snack bars in this category are ultra-processed. Always check the nutrition facts and ingredient list to compare specific products and choose based on your dietary goals.
What is 'dried cane syrup' in this bar?
Dried cane syrup is a form of sugar derived from sugarcane. It is considered an added sugar and contributes to the overall sugar content of the product. Despite its name, nutritionally it functions similarly to other sugars like table sugar or high-fructose corn syrup in terms of its impact on blood glucose.
What is a reasonable portion size for this bar?
The serving size for this product is one bar. Given its calorie density (480 calories per 100g) and added sugar content, sticking to the recommended serving size is important for portion control. Consuming multiple bars in one sitting would significantly increase your intake of calories and added sugars.
Can this bar be part of a weight management plan?
Due to its calorie density and high added sugar content, this bar may not be the most suitable choice for a weight management plan if consumed regularly. While it can fit into a balanced diet occasionally, prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods with lower calorie density and less added sugar is generally more effective for weight management.