FoodScore
0/ 100
Very goodsnackLarabar· 1 bar

Larabar Cashew Cookie

The Larabar Cashew Cookie scores 81/100, indicating a very good nutritional profile primarily due to its **minimal processing** and **simple ingredient list**.

  • This Larabar SKU earns a FoodScore of 81/100, classifying it as 'Very good'.
  • It contains 0g of added sugar, aligning with recommendations for reduced sugar intake.
  • With only two ingredients, it is a NOVA class 2 product, indicating minimal processing.
  • Provides 6.21g of fiber per 100g, contributing to daily fiber goals.
  • A single bar offers 25% DV for iron, a notable micronutrient contribution.
  • Scores +30 points above the snack category average (51/100 across 54 foods).
Fiber
6.21g
22% of Daily Value
Protein
8.33g
17% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
21.04mg
1% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (6.2g)+7
Protein (8.3g)+4
Micronutrients (Potassium, Iron)+4
Healthy fat profile+10
Minimally processed (NOVA 2)+8
What holds it back
Saturated fat (4.2g)-2

Why it scores 81

The Larabar Cashew Cookie achieves a FoodScore of 81/100, reflecting its strong nutritional attributes. A significant positive factor is its simple ingredient list, containing only cashews and dates, which contributes to its NOVA class 2 rating for minimally processed culinary ingredients. This product contains 0g of added sugar, a key benefit compared to many snack bars. It also provides a healthy fat profile, with 25g total fat per 100g, and a moderate 4.17g of saturated fat, which incurs a minor penalty. The presence of 6.21g of fiber and 8.33g of protein per 100g further boosts its score. Micronutrient contributions from potassium (562.5mg) and iron (4.58mg) also add to its positive evaluation. Compared to whole-food alternatives like raw almonds or a hard-boiled egg with fruit, this Larabar offers convenience while maintaining a nutrient-dense profile with minimal processing.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in larabar cashew cookie actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Supports Digestive Health

This Larabar provides 6.21g of fiber per 100g, which is a significant contribution to the recommended daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is essential for maintaining regular bowel movements and can help prevent constipation. The fiber in this product comes from whole food sources, specifically dates and cashews, which also contribute other beneficial nutrients. Including fiber-rich snacks like this can help individuals meet their daily fiber goals and support overall gastrointestinal well-being.

Source of Essential Minerals

The Larabar Cashew Cookie is a good source of several important minerals. It provides 562.5mg of potassium (12% DV) and 4.58mg of iron (25% DV) per 100g. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance and blood pressure, while iron is vital for oxygen transport in the blood and preventing iron-deficiency anemia. The presence of cashews and dates as primary ingredients naturally contributes these minerals, making this bar a convenient way to boost intake of these essential nutrients.

Minimally Processed Snack Option

With an ingredient list of only cashews and dates, this Larabar is classified as a NOVA class 2 food, indicating it consists of processed culinary ingredients. This means it undergoes minimal processing, primarily combining whole foods without the addition of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives often found in more highly processed snack bars. Choosing snacks with fewer and simpler ingredients can be a strategy for reducing overall intake of ultra-processed foods.

How to eat it

Larabar Cashew Cookie bars are typically consumed as a convenient snack between meals or as a quick energy source. They are often eaten on the go, making them a popular choice for busy individuals seeking a portable and satisfying option.

Pair with a piece of fruit like an apple or a handful of berries to add more vitamins and dietary diversity.
Consider half a bar as a smaller snack if you are mindful of calorie intake, as a whole bar provides 479.17 calories per 100g.
Use as a pre-workout snack for sustained energy, thanks to its natural sugar from dates and healthy fats from cashews.
Chop and sprinkle over plain yogurt or oatmeal for added texture and a boost of fiber and healthy fats.
Things to keep in mind

This product contains cashews, which are a tree nut and a common allergen. Individuals with tree nut allergies should avoid this product due to the risk of allergic reaction. The ingredient list is very short and free from common artificial additives, colors, or preservatives. There are no declared cross-contamination risks for other major allergens on the label. Given its simple formulation, there are no specific concerns for populations like children or individuals with diabetes beyond general moderation due to its calorie density from natural sugars and fats.

Swap suggestions
Very good
Larabar Cherry Pie
Score85
Very good
Popcorn (air-popped)
Score85
Very good
SkinnyPop Popcorn Sea Salt & Pepper
Score84
Very good
CLIF BAR Builder's Chocolate Peanut Butter
Score83
Very good
Triscuit Original
Score83
Reader questions
Is Larabar Cashew Cookie healthy?
The Larabar Cashew Cookie scores 81/100, indicating a very good nutritional profile. Its healthfulness stems from its minimal ingredient list (cashews, dates), absence of added sugars, and contributions of fiber and essential minerals like iron and potassium. It's a nutrient-dense option for a snack.
How does Larabar Cashew Cookie compare to RXBar?
Compared to RXBar, which also emphasizes minimal ingredients, Larabar Cashew Cookie similarly uses dates as a base and nuts for protein and fat. Both brands offer bars with no added sugar. The specific nutrient profiles will vary by flavor, but both are generally considered minimally processed snack bars.
What does 'no added sugar' mean for this product?
The 'no added sugar' claim means that no sugars, syrups, or other caloric sweeteners have been intentionally added during processing. The sweetness in this Larabar comes entirely from the naturally occurring sugars in dates. This aligns with dietary recommendations to reduce intake of added sugars.
How many Larabar Cashew Cookie bars can I eat in a day?
While nutritionally sound, one Larabar Cashew Cookie bar (approximately 45g) contains about 215 calories. Depending on your individual calorie needs and activity level, consuming one bar per day as a snack is generally appropriate. Always consider your overall dietary intake to avoid excessive calorie consumption.
Are the cashews in this bar raw or roasted?
The ingredient list simply states 'CASHEWS' without specifying if they are raw or roasted. Typically, for bars like this, the nuts may be lightly processed or roasted to enhance flavor and texture, but this information is not detailed on the label. The nutritional profile reflects the overall composition of the cashews used.

Explore more

CategoryAll snacks BrandAll Larabar SKUs Competitor · 0/100Nature Valley Peanut Butter Crunchy Competitor · 11/100Nature Valley Protein Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate GoalBest foods for diabetes GoalBest foods for muscle building GoalBest foods for constipation Head-to-headLarabar Cashew Cookie vs. Nature Valley Peanut Butter Crunchy Head-to-headLarabar Cashew Cookie vs. Nature Valley Protein Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Head-to-headLarabar Cashew Cookie vs. JACK LINK'S Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Head-to-headLarabar Cashew Cookie vs. Ritz Crackers Original

Data & references