LARABAR FRUIT & NUT ENERGY BAR, PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP
LARABAR FRUIT & NUT ENERGY BAR, PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP scores 35/100 (Poor) due to its significant amount of added sugar, despite contributions from fiber and protein.
This LARABAR scores 35/100, placing it in the Poor category.
A single bar contains 24.89g of added sugar, a primary factor for its low score.
It provides 8.89g of fiber and 11.11g of protein per 100g.
Classified as NOVA 3 (processed), it offers more added sugar than a generic dairy equivalent.
Consider this bar as an occasional snack rather than a daily dietary staple.
Scores +2 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
8.89g
32% of Daily Value
Protein
11.11g
22% of Daily Value
Added sugar
24.89g
50% of Daily Value
Sodium
132.89mg
6% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (8.9g)+11
Protein (11.1g)+7
Micronutrients (Iron, Magnesium)+4
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (24.9g)-25
Saturated fat (6.7g)-7
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 35
The LARABAR FRUIT & NUT ENERGY BAR, PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP receives a FoodScore of 35 out of 100, categorized as Poor. The most significant factor contributing to this score is the high amount of added sugar, totaling 24.89g per 100g, which incurs a substantial penalty. Additionally, the product contains 6.67g of saturated fat, adding another penalty. As a NOVA class 3 product, it is considered processed, which further reduces its score. On the positive side, the bar benefits from 8.89g of fiber, which provides a bonus, and 11.11g of protein, also contributing positively. Micronutrients like iron (22% DV) and magnesium (21% DV) offer minor bonuses. The presence of dates and semisweet chocolate chips contributes to both the natural sugars and the added sugar content. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, this LARABAR bar has a considerably higher amount of added sugar.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in larabar fruit & nut energy bar, peanut butter chocolate chip actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
This LARABAR provides 8.89g of fiber per 100g, which can contribute to your daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health and can help promote feelings of fullness. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet supports regular bowel movements and overall gut function. The fiber in this bar primarily comes from the dates and peanuts.
Contributes to Protein Intake
With 11.11g of protein per 100g, this bar can help you meet your daily protein needs. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and it plays a role in satiety. The protein in this LARABAR is largely derived from the peanut butter and roasted peanuts, making it a plant-based protein source.
Provides Essential Minerals
This product offers notable amounts of iron (22% DV) and magnesium (21% DV) per 100g. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production, while magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including nerve and muscle function, and blood glucose control. These minerals are naturally present in the peanuts and dates.
LARABAR FRUIT & NUT ENERGY BAR, PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP scores 35/100 (Poor) due to its significant amount of added sugar, despite contributions from fiber and protein.
How to eat it
LARABARs are commonly consumed as a convenient snack or a quick energy source, often between meals or before/after physical activity. One bar is a typical serving size. Due to its calorie and sugar content, it's best integrated mindfully into a balanced diet.
Pair with a source of lean protein like plain Greek yogurt or a handful of unsalted nuts to enhance satiety and balance blood sugar response.
Consider half a bar as a smaller snack if you are managing calorie intake, as a full bar is calorie-dense.
Use as a pre-workout snack for quick energy, but be mindful of the added sugar content if consumed regularly.
This bar can be a convenient option for travel or when fresh food is unavailable, but it should not replace whole food meals.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with peanut allergies should strictly avoid this product, as it contains peanut butter and roasted peanuts. The high added sugar content, at 24.89g per 100g, should be noted by individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes or those aiming to reduce overall sugar consumption. While the ingredients are relatively simple, the processing (NOVA 3) means it is not a whole food. There are no artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives listed in the ingredients. This product is generally safe for most healthy adults, but portion control is advisable due to its calorie and sugar density.
Is LARABAR FRUIT & NUT ENERGY BAR, PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP healthy?
This LARABAR scores 35/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it provides fiber and protein, its high added sugar content significantly impacts its nutritional rating. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation, but it's not considered a consistently healthy choice.
How does LARABAR compare to other energy bars?
Compared to some other energy bars like RXBar, which often emphasize minimal ingredients and no added sugar, this LARABAR has a higher added sugar content due to the semisweet chocolate chips and the natural sugars from dates. However, it generally has fewer highly processed ingredients than some other bars that use syrups or isolates.
What is 'semisweet chocolate chips' and how does it affect the bar?
Semisweet chocolate chips are a common ingredient in many snacks and contain sugar, cocoa butter, and unsweetened chocolate. In this LARABAR, they contribute to the flavor but also significantly to the 24.89g of added sugar per 100g, impacting the overall nutritional score.
What is a reasonable portion size for this bar?
The declared serving size is one bar. However, given its 466.67 calories per 100g and high added sugar, consuming a whole bar might be a significant caloric contribution for a snack. For some, half a bar might be a more appropriate portion, especially if you are managing calorie or sugar intake.
Can I eat this LARABAR every day?
While technically possible, consuming this LARABAR every day might lead to excessive intake of added sugars and calories, potentially impacting your overall dietary balance. It's best viewed as an occasional snack rather than a daily staple, especially if you are aiming for a diet low in added sugars.