FoodScore
0/ 100
Decentdairy· 1 bar

Kind Bar Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate

The Kind Bar Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate scores 51/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category, primarily due to its significant protein and fiber content, balanced by its classification as an ultra-processed food and its saturated fat levels.

  • This bar is an ultra-processed food, classified as NOVA 4.
  • It provides 20g of protein per 100g, contributing to satiety and muscle support.
  • Each 100g serving contains 6.2g of fiber, beneficial for digestive health.
  • The bar has 0g of added sugar, a positive for blood sugar management.
  • With 8.75g of saturated fat per 100g, it contributes to daily fat intake limits.
  • Scores -4 points above the dairy category average (55/100 across 104 foods).
Fiber
6.2g
22% of Daily Value
Protein
20g
40% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
62mg
3% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (6.2g)+7
Protein (20g)+10
Micronutrients (Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus)+8
What holds it back
Saturated fat (8.8g)-11
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3

Why it scores 51

The Kind Bar Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate achieves a FoodScore of 51/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of nutritional positives and negatives. On the positive side, it receives significant bonuses for its protein content, with 20g per 100g, and its fiber content, providing 6.2g per 100g. Additionally, it earns points for notable micronutrients like potassium (475mg), iron (3.6mg), and magnesium (150mg). However, these benefits are offset by several penalties. A major deduction comes from its saturated fat content of 8.75g per 100g, which is a factor dietary guidelines recommend limiting. Furthermore, its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food incurs a substantial penalty, reflecting concerns about foods that undergo extensive industrial processing. An additional penalty is applied due to its nature as a concentrated ultra-processed fat source. To achieve a higher score, the bar would need to reduce its saturated fat content and ideally undergo less processing, moving it to a lower NOVA class.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in kind bar peanut butter dark chocolate actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Supports Muscle Maintenance and Growth

This bar is a good source of plant-based protein, providing 20g per 100g. Protein is essential for the repair and growth of muscle tissue, making it important for active individuals and those looking to maintain muscle mass. The NIH recommends adequate protein intake to support various bodily functions, including enzyme production and immune health. Consuming protein-rich foods like this bar can contribute significantly to your daily protein targets, especially as a convenient snack. However, it's important to balance this with other whole food protein sources throughout the day.

Aids Digestive Health

With 6.2g of fiber per 100g, this bar contributes to your daily fiber intake, which is crucial for digestive health. Dietary fiber helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and supports a healthy gut microbiome. The USDA Dietary Guidelines emphasize the importance of consuming sufficient fiber, with targets around 25-38g per day for adults. Including fiber-rich snacks can help meet these recommendations, promoting overall gut function. While beneficial, relying solely on processed bars for fiber may not provide the full spectrum of nutrients found in whole fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Contributes to Mineral Intake

This bar provides several important minerals, including 475mg of potassium (10% DV), 3.6mg of iron (20% DV), and 150mg of magnesium (36% DV) per 100g. Magnesium is vital for over 300 enzymatic reactions, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. Iron is essential for oxygen transport and energy production, while potassium helps maintain fluid balance and blood pressure. These minerals play critical roles in maintaining overall health, and consuming foods that contribute to their intake can help prevent deficiencies. However, the bioavailability of minerals can vary depending on food matrix and other dietary factors.

Manages Blood Sugar Levels

A notable aspect of this bar is its 0g of added sugar per 100g. Reducing added sugar intake is a key recommendation from the USDA Dietary Guidelines for managing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Foods with lower added sugar content can help prevent sharp spikes in blood glucose, which is beneficial for sustained energy and metabolic health. While the bar contains natural sugars from its ingredients, the absence of added sugars makes it a better choice compared to many other snack bars. Always consider the total carbohydrate content and your individual dietary needs.

How to eat it

Kind Bars are typically consumed as a convenient, on-the-go snack or a quick meal replacement. They are often eaten directly from the wrapper, making them suitable for busy schedules, pre- or post-workout fuel, or as a small breakfast item. Their portability and balanced macro profile make them a popular choice for those seeking a quick energy boost. While they can be a useful part of a varied diet, they should complement, not replace, whole, unprocessed foods.

Pair with a piece of fruit or a handful of vegetables to increase your fiber and micronutrient intake.
Consider this bar as a pre- or post-exercise snack due to its protein and carbohydrate content for energy and recovery.
Store in a cool, dry place to maintain texture and freshness; avoid extreme temperatures which can alter consistency.
Use as an occasional snack rather than a daily staple to ensure a diverse nutrient intake from less processed foods.
Things to keep in mind

Individuals with peanut or tree nut allergies must avoid this product, as it contains peanuts and may contain other tree nuts. While the fiber content is beneficial, consuming large quantities rapidly, especially for those unaccustomed to high fiber intake, could lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating or gas. As an ultra-processed food, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet rich in whole foods. There are no widely documented interactions with medications or specific populations that require caution beyond general dietary advice for this food at normal serving sizes.

Swap suggestions
Very good
Almond Butter
Score83
Very good
Peanut Butter Cookie
Score80
Very good
Flax Seeds Ground
Score78
Very good
Tahini
Score78
Very good
Ricotta Cheese Part Skim
Score76
Very good
Peanut Butter Chunky
Score75
Reader questions
Is the Kind Bar Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate considered healthy?
The Kind Bar Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate has a FoodScore of 51/100, classifying it as 'Decent.' It offers beneficial amounts of protein (20g/100g) and fiber (6.2g/100g), along with important minerals like magnesium. However, it is an ultra-processed food and contains a notable amount of saturated fat. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation, complementing whole foods.
Is this bar good for weight loss?
While this bar provides 20g of protein and 6.2g of fiber per 100g, which can contribute to satiety and help manage appetite, it is also calorie-dense at 500 calories per 100g. For weight loss, focusing on overall calorie intake and nutrient density from whole foods is key. This bar can fit into a weight loss plan as an occasional, portion-controlled snack, but it's not a primary tool for weight loss.
Is the Kind Bar Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate ultra-processed?
Yes, the Kind Bar Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate is classified as a NOVA 4 food, which means it is an ultra-processed food. This classification indicates that it has undergone extensive industrial processing and contains ingredients typically not used in home cooking, such as isolates and additives. While it offers some nutritional benefits, its ultra-processed nature is a factor in its overall FoodScore.
How does this bar compare to other snack bars?
Compared to many other snack bars, the Kind Bar Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate stands out for its 0g of added sugar and relatively high protein (20g/100g) and fiber (6.2g/100g) content. However, its saturated fat content (8.75g/100g) is higher than some alternatives. Always check the nutrition label for specific comparisons, focusing on added sugar, fiber, protein, and saturated fat.
What are some good alternatives to this bar?
If you're looking for alternatives, consider whole food options like a handful of nuts and a piece of fruit, or Greek yogurt with berries. For other bars, look for those with minimal ingredients, lower saturated fat, and higher fiber from whole food sources. Some options might include bars primarily made from dried fruit and nuts with less processing, or homemade energy balls.
Does this bar contain a lot of sugar?
This Kind Bar contains 0g of added sugar per 100g, which is a positive attribute. Any sugars present are naturally occurring from its ingredients, such as peanuts and dark chocolate. This makes it a better choice for managing blood sugar compared to many snack bars that rely heavily on added sweeteners. However, it still contains carbohydrates, so total intake should be considered.
Can I eat this bar if I have diabetes?
Given its 0g added sugar and decent fiber content (6.2g/100g), this bar could be a better snack option for individuals with diabetes compared to high-sugar alternatives. However, it still contains carbohydrates and calories, so portion control is crucial. It's always best to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to determine if it fits into your specific diabetes management plan.

Explore more

CategoryAll dairy & alternatives GoalBest foods for muscle building GoalBest foods for anemia GoalBest foods for iron deficiency Head-to-headKind Bar Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate vs. Peanut Butter Chunky Head-to-headKind Bar Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate vs. Pizza Cheese Head-to-headKind Bar Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate vs. Cottage Cheese Lowfat Head-to-headKind Bar Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate vs. Cashew Butter Fits dietCarnivore diet →Fits dietDASH diet →

Data & references