With a FoodScore of 53/100, this snack bar is a decent option, offering notable fiber and protein, though its ultra-processed nature and added sugar content reduce its overall nutritional standing.
Nutrition data (per 100 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central.
KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar contains 478 kcal per 100 g.
KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar contains 17.0 g of protein per 100 g.
KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar contains 16.0 g of fiber per 100 g.
KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar contains 28.0 g of total fat per 100 g (4.0 g saturated).
KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar contains 10.0 g of added sugar per 100 g.
KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar provides 178 mg of sodium per 100 g.
KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar provides 300 mg of potassium per 100 g.
KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar provides 90 mg of magnesium per 100 g.
KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar scores 53/100 on FoodScore (decent).
KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar is classified as NOVA 4 (ultra-processed food).
This snack bar provides 16g of fiber per 100g, contributing significantly to daily fiber needs.
It contains 17g of protein per 100g, which supports satiety and muscle maintenance.
Classified as NOVA 4, it is an ultra-processed food, which is a factor in its 53/100 FoodScore.
Each 100g serving includes 10g of added sugar, a component to consider for daily intake.
It offers 14% DV for iron and 21% DV for magnesium per 100g.
Scores +12 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
The KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar achieves a FoodScore of 53 out of 100, placing it in the decent category. Its score benefits significantly from its high fiber content, providing 16g per 100g, which earns a strong bonus. The substantial protein amount of 17g per 100g also contributes positively to its score. Additionally, the presence of micronutrients like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc provides a modest bonus. However, several factors reduce its overall score. The bar contains 10g of added sugar per 100g, incurring a significant penalty. Its classification as a NOVA 4 food, indicating it is ultra-processed, also leads to a notable deduction. Furthermore, its 4g of saturated fat per 100g and the concentrated nature of its fat content contribute to minor penalties. To achieve a higher score, the bar would need to reduce its added sugar content and ideally move towards a less processed classification.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in kind dark chocolate nuts & sea salt bar actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Digestive Health
This snack bar is an excellent source of dietary fiber, providing 16g per 100g. Fiber is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system, aiding in regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. The NIH recommends adults consume 25-38g of fiber daily, so a single serving contributes substantially to this target. Adequate fiber intake also supports the gut microbiome by feeding beneficial gut bacteria. Including fiber-rich foods like this bar can be a convenient way to boost your daily fiber intake, though it's important to balance with whole, unprocessed sources.
Contributes to Satiety and Muscle Maintenance
With 17g of protein per 100g, this bar can help promote feelings of fullness and support muscle health. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscle, and plays a role in numerous bodily functions. Dietary guidelines emphasize the importance of adequate protein intake for adults, especially those who are physically active. The protein in this bar, derived from nuts, is a plant-based protein source. While convenient, it should be part of a varied diet that includes other protein sources for complete nutritional benefits.
Provides Essential Minerals
This snack bar offers several important minerals, including 2.5mg of iron (14% DV), 90mg of magnesium (21% DV), and 2mg of zinc (18% DV) per 100g. Iron is vital for oxygen transport and energy production, while magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. Zinc supports immune function and wound healing. While these contributions are beneficial, they should be considered as part of a balanced diet that provides a full spectrum of micronutrients from diverse food sources.
May Support Blood Sugar Management
The combination of 16g of fiber and 17g of protein per 100g in this bar can be beneficial for blood sugar management. Fiber helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing rapid spikes, and protein also contributes to a more gradual rise in blood glucose. While the bar does contain 10g of added sugar, the presence of significant fiber and protein may help mitigate its impact compared to a snack with similar added sugar but less fiber and protein. However, individuals managing diabetes should still monitor their intake due to the added sugar content.
With a FoodScore of 53/100, this snack bar is a decent option, offering notable fiber and protein, though its ultra-processed nature and added sugar content reduce its overall nutritional standing.
How to eat it
KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bars are typically consumed as a convenient, on-the-go snack. They are designed to be eaten directly from the wrapper, requiring no preparation. They can serve as a quick energy boost between meals or as a small addition to a breakfast. Given their calorie density and fiber content, a single bar is often considered a sufficient serving.
Pair with fruit: Enjoy a bar with a piece of fruit like an apple or banana to add more vitamins and natural sugars, creating a more balanced snack.
Post-workout snack: The protein content makes it a suitable option for a post-exercise snack to aid in muscle recovery.
Mindful portioning: While convenient, be mindful of the added sugar and saturated fat content, especially if consuming multiple bars or other processed snacks daily.
On-the-go energy: Keep a bar in your bag for a quick and easy source of energy when you're out and about and need a nutritious pick-me-up.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with nut allergies should avoid this product, as it is primarily composed of nuts. While the fiber content is beneficial, consuming large quantities rapidly, especially for those unaccustomed to high-fiber diets, could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating or gas. The bar contains added sugar and saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet to support overall health. There are no other widely documented cautions for this food at normal serving sizes.
Is the KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar healthy?
With a FoodScore of 53/100, this bar is considered a decent snack option. It offers significant amounts of fiber and protein, which are beneficial for satiety and digestion. However, it is classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and contains added sugar, which detracts from its overall nutritional quality. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
Is this bar good for weight loss?
This bar contains 17g of protein and 16g of fiber per 100g, both of which can contribute to satiety and help manage appetite. However, it is also calorie-dense (478 calories per 100g) and contains added sugar. While it can be a filling snack, portion control is key, and it should be integrated into a calorie-controlled diet for weight management.
Is the KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar ultra-processed?
Yes, this bar is classified as a NOVA 4 food, meaning it is considered ultra-processed. This classification indicates that it is made from industrial ingredients and contains additives, which is a factor in its FoodScore. While it contains whole food components like nuts, its overall manufacturing process places it in this category.
How does the added sugar content compare to other snacks?
This bar contains 10g of added sugar per 100g. While some snack bars may have higher amounts, it's still a factor to consider in your daily intake, as dietary guidelines recommend limiting added sugars. The presence of fiber and protein in this bar may help mitigate the impact of the added sugar compared to snacks lacking these beneficial nutrients.
What are some alternatives to this snack bar?
For similar benefits, consider whole food alternatives like a handful of mixed nuts with a piece of dark chocolate, or a piece of fruit with a tablespoon of nut butter. These options can provide similar protein and fiber benefits with potentially less added sugar and a lower degree of processing. You could also look for snack bars with lower added sugar and higher whole ingredient content.
Does this bar provide essential minerals?
Yes, this bar is a source of several essential minerals. Per 100g, it provides 14% DV for iron, 21% DV for magnesium, and 18% DV for zinc. These minerals are important for various bodily functions, including energy metabolism, muscle function, and immune health. While beneficial, these contributions should be viewed as part of a diverse diet.