KIND, PROTEIN PLUS BAR, ALMOND WALNUT MACADAMIA, ALMOND WALNUT MACADAMIA
The KIND PROTEIN PLUS BAR, ALMOND WALNUT MACADAMIA scores 62/100 (Good), primarily driven by its **high protein content** and a notable amount of beneficial micronutrients, despite being an ultra-processed snack.
This KIND bar receives a FoodScore of 62/100, indicating it is a Good choice.
It provides a substantial 25g of protein per 100g, contributing significantly to satiety.
Classified as NOVA 4, it is an ultra-processed food, which incurs a -10 point penalty.
Compared to whole nuts, this bar contains added ingredients like soy protein isolate and non GMO glucose.
Portion control is key, as one bar provides 500 calories per 100g.
Scores +21 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
The KIND PROTEIN PLUS BAR, ALMOND WALNUT MACADAMIA achieves a FoodScore of 62/100, placing it in the 'Good' category. This score is positively influenced by its high protein content, providing 25g per 100g, which earned a +10 bonus. The bar also benefits from 6.2g of fiber, adding +7 points, and a good range of micronutrients including iron, magnesium, zinc, and folate, contributing an additional +12 points. However, the product is categorized as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, which results in a -10 point penalty. It also contains 5g of saturated fat per 100g, leading to a -4 point deduction, and a concentrated ultra-processed fat penalty of -3 points. While the product label highlights 'no added sugar,' the ingredient list includes non GMO glucose, which is a form of sugar. Compared to whole-food alternatives like raw almonds, this KIND bar contains additional ingredients such as soy protein isolate and tapioca starch, which contribute to its ultra-processed classification.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in kind, protein plus bar, almond walnut macadamia, almond walnut macadamia actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Muscle Maintenance and Satiety
This KIND bar provides 25g of protein per 100g, a significant amount that can contribute to muscle repair and growth, especially after physical activity. The protein content also helps in promoting a feeling of fullness, which can be beneficial for managing appetite between meals. Including soy protein isolate as a primary protein source helps achieve this high protein level, making it a convenient option for those looking to increase their protein intake.
Source of Essential Minerals
The bar is a good source of several important micronutrients, including magnesium (36% DV), iron (20% DV), and zinc (20% DV) per 100g. These minerals play crucial roles in various bodily functions, such as energy production, immune system support, and red blood cell formation. The presence of mixed nuts (peanuts, almonds, macadamias, walnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts) naturally contributes to this mineral profile.
Provides Dietary Fiber
With 6.2g of fiber per 100g, this KIND bar contributes to daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. The fiber content, partly from chicory root fiber and the nuts, can also help moderate blood sugar responses and contribute to satiety.
The KIND PROTEIN PLUS BAR, ALMOND WALNUT MACADAMIA scores 62/100 (Good), primarily driven by its high protein content and a notable amount of beneficial micronutrients, despite being an ultra-processed snack.
How to eat it
KIND PROTEIN PLUS BARS are typically consumed as a convenient snack or a quick meal replacement when on the go. They are often chosen for their protein content and portability. A common portion is one bar, but it's important to consider the overall calorie and nutrient intake.
Consider pairing with a piece of fruit or a serving of vegetables to add more whole foods and increase nutrient diversity.
Use this bar as a post-workout snack to aid muscle recovery, leveraging its 25g of protein per 100g.
If consuming as a snack, be mindful of the 500 calories per 100g to fit within your daily caloric needs.
For a more balanced mini-meal, combine with a source of calcium like a small container of plain yogurt to enhance micronutrient intake.
Things to keep in mind
This KIND bar contains several common allergens, including peanuts, almonds, macadamias, walnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts, and soy. Individuals with allergies to any of these ingredients should avoid this product. The presence of soy protein isolate and soy lecithin means it is not suitable for those with soy allergies. While the product is marketed as having 'no added sugar,' it does contain non GMO glucose, which is a type of sugar. Individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes, should be aware of this. As an ultra-processed food, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, rather than as a primary food source.
Is KIND PROTEIN PLUS BAR, ALMOND WALNUT MACADAMIA healthy?
The KIND PROTEIN PLUS BAR, ALMOND WALNUT MACADAMIA scores 62/100 (Good) on FoodScore. It offers a high protein content (25g per 100g) and beneficial micronutrients like magnesium and iron. However, it is an ultra-processed product (NOVA 4) and contains 5g of saturated fat per 100g. It can be a part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
How does KIND PROTEIN PLUS BAR compare to RXBar?
Compared to an RXBar, which often features a simpler ingredient list of whole foods like egg whites and dates, the KIND PROTEIN PLUS BAR includes soy protein isolate and non GMO glucose. Both aim to provide protein, but the KIND bar is classified as NOVA 4 (ultra-processed) due to its formulation. The nutritional profile, including fiber and specific micronutrients, will vary between specific SKUs of each brand.
What is 'non GMO glucose' in the ingredient list?
Non GMO glucose is a type of sugar derived from non-genetically modified sources. While the product claims 'no added sugar' on its packaging, glucose is a form of sugar that contributes to the overall carbohydrate content. It serves as a sweetener and binder in the bar.
What is a recommended portion size for this bar?
The serving size is one bar. Given that 100g of this product contains 500 calories, a single bar can be a calorie-dense snack. It's advisable to consider your individual energy needs and other food intake throughout the day to determine if one full bar is an appropriate portion for you, especially if you are managing weight.
Can this bar be a meal replacement?
While the KIND PROTEIN PLUS BAR provides a significant amount of protein and some fiber, it is generally designed as a snack. For a complete meal, it would need to be supplemented with other food groups to provide a broader range of vitamins, minerals, and complex carbohydrates. It can serve as a convenient option when a full meal is not feasible, but it's not a nutritionally complete meal replacement on its own.
Is this bar suitable for individuals with nut allergies?
No, this bar is not suitable for individuals with nut allergies. The ingredient list explicitly states 'MIXED NUTS (PEANUTS, ALMONDS, MACADAMIAS, WALNUTS, CASHEWS, BRAZIL NUTS).' It also contains soy. Individuals with allergies to any of these ingredients should avoid this product to prevent allergic reactions.