LARABAR CRUNCHY NUT BAR, DARK CHOCOLATE PEANUT WITH SEA SALT
LARABAR CRUNCHY NUT BAR, DARK CHOCOLATE PEANUT WITH SEA SALT scores 40/100 (Poor) due to its significant contribution of added sugar and saturated fat, despite beneficial fiber and protein content.
This LARABAR product has a FoodScore of 40/100, categorized as Poor.
It provides 7.5g of fiber and 12.5g of protein per 100g serving.
A primary concern is the 15.75g of added sugar per 100g, contributing to penalties.
As a NOVA class 3 processed food, it is less optimal than plain sparkling water or unsweetened iced tea.
Consider this bar for occasional use rather than a daily staple.
Scores +8 points above the beverage category average (32/100 across 3796 foods).
Fiber
7.5g
27% of Daily Value
Protein
12.5g
25% of Daily Value
Added sugar
15.75g
32% of Daily Value
Sodium
325mg
14% of Daily Value
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What it brings to the table
Fiber (7.5g)+9
Protein (12.5g)+8
Micronutrients (Potassium, Iron)+4
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What holds it back
Added sugar (15.8g)-20
Saturated fat (6.3g)-6
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 40
LARABAR CRUNCHY NUT BAR, DARK CHOCOLATE PEANUT WITH SEA SALT receives a FoodScore of 40 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score reflects a balance of positive and negative nutritional attributes. On the positive side, the product gains points for its fiber content, providing 7.5g per 100g, and its protein content of 12.5g per 100g, largely from roasted peanuts and almonds. It also receives a small bonus for naturally occurring potassium and iron. However, these benefits are significantly offset by several factors. The most substantial penalty comes from its added sugar content, at 15.75g per 100g, which is a considerable amount. The presence of brown rice syrup and honey contributes to this added sugar. Additionally, the bar contains 6.25g of saturated fat per 100g, incurring another penalty. As a NOVA class 3 food, it is considered processed, which also contributes to a lower score. In comparison to a baseline of plain sparkling water or unsweetened iced tea, which would score 100, this LARABAR product offers more macronutrients but also a higher caloric density and less optimal sugar and fat profiles.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in larabar crunchy nut bar, dark chocolate peanut with sea salt actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
This LARABAR product provides 7.5g of fiber per 100g, which can contribute to your daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet can also contribute to feelings of fullness, which may help with appetite management. The fiber in this bar comes from its primary ingredients like peanuts, almonds, and dates.
Contributes to Protein Intake
With 12.5g of protein per 100g, this bar can help you meet your daily protein needs. Protein is an essential macronutrient vital for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function. The protein in this LARABAR primarily originates from the roasted peanuts, almonds, pecans, and cashews. This makes it a convenient option for a quick protein boost, especially when other protein sources are not readily available.
Provides Essential Minerals
This product offers a notable amount of certain minerals, including 525mg of potassium (11% DV) and 3.6mg of iron (20% DV) per 100g. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood and energy metabolism. While not a primary source for all micronutrients, the nuts and dark chocolate contribute to these specific mineral levels, offering some nutritional value beyond macronutrients.
LARABAR CRUNCHY NUT BAR, DARK CHOCOLATE PEANUT WITH SEA SALT scores 40/100 (Poor) due to its significant contribution of added sugar and saturated fat, despite beneficial fiber and protein content.
How to eat it
LARABAR CRUNCHY NUT BAR, DARK CHOCOLATE PEANUT WITH SEA SALT is typically consumed as a convenient snack between meals or as a quick energy source on the go. A single bar is the standard serving size. Due to its caloric density, it is best consumed in moderation.
Pair with a piece of fruit or a serving of plain yogurt to add more micronutrients and balance the meal.
Consider cutting the bar in half to manage portion size, especially if you are not highly active or are watching caloric intake.
Use as a pre- or post-workout snack for a quick energy and protein boost, especially when a full meal is not feasible.
Store in a cool, dry place to maintain its texture and prevent melting of the dark chocolate.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with nut allergies (peanuts, almonds, pecans, cashews) should avoid this product as it contains multiple tree nuts and peanuts. The ingredient list does not declare common allergens like milk, soy, wheat, or egg, but cross-contamination is always a possibility in facilities processing multiple products. The bar contains a significant amount of added sugar, primarily from brown rice syrup and honey. Individuals monitoring their blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should consider this sugar content when incorporating the bar into their diet. While the sodium content (325mg per 100g) is not excessively high for a single serving, those on a very low-sodium diet should be aware.
Is LARABAR CRUNCHY NUT BAR, DARK CHOCOLATE PEANUT WITH SEA SALT healthy?
This LARABAR product scores 40/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it provides beneficial fiber and protein from nuts, it also contains 15.75g of added sugar and 6.25g of saturated fat per 100g. It can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation, but it's not a primary source of comprehensive nutrition.
How does LARABAR CRUNCHY NUT BAR compare to other snack bars?
Compared to a similar product like a KIND Bar, this LARABAR bar has comparable amounts of nuts and fiber. However, the specific formulation of added sugars like brown rice syrup and honey can vary. Always check the nutrition facts panel and ingredient list for direct comparisons, especially regarding added sugar and saturated fat content, as these are key drivers of nutritional quality in snack bars.
What is 'brown rice syrup' in the ingredient list?
Brown rice syrup is a sweetener derived from brown rice. It is a source of added sugar, contributing to the overall sugar content of the bar. While it may sound more 'natural' than other sugars, nutritionally it functions similarly to other caloric sweeteners in terms of its impact on blood sugar and caloric intake.
What is a reasonable portion size for this bar?
The declared serving size is one bar. Given its 525 calories per 100g (a typical bar is around 45g, so ~236 calories per bar), it is a calorie-dense snack. For most individuals, consuming one bar as an occasional snack is appropriate. If you are less active or aiming for weight management, half a bar might be a more suitable portion.
Can I eat this LARABAR product every day?
While it offers some beneficial nutrients, the added sugar and saturated fat content suggest it's not ideal for daily consumption. Incorporating a variety of whole, unprocessed foods into your daily diet is generally recommended. Consider this bar as an occasional treat or a convenient option when you need a quick energy boost, rather than a daily staple.