LARABAR GRAIN FREE GRANOLA, BERRY receives a FoodScore of 41/100 (Poor), primarily driven by its **high added sugar content** despite a base of nuts and seeds.
This LARABAR granola scores 41/100 (Poor) on the FoodScore scale.
A notable strength is its protein content at 16.7g per 100g serving.
The primary concern is the 15.5g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to penalties.
Compared to whole-food alternatives like raw almonds, this product is more processed (NOVA 3).
Consider this product as an occasional snack rather than a daily staple due to its nutritional profile.
Scores +0 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
5.61g
20% of Daily Value
Protein
16.69g
33% of Daily Value
Added sugar
15.53g
31% of Daily Value
Sodium
83.06mg
4% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (5.6g)+6
Protein (16.7g)+10
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (15.5g)-20
Saturated fat (4.2g)-2
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 41
LARABAR GRAIN FREE GRANOLA, BERRY earned a FoodScore of 41 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score reflects a combination of beneficial nutrients and significant penalties. On the positive side, the product receives bonuses for its fiber content (5.6g per 100g) and a substantial amount of protein (16.7g per 100g), largely from the almonds, cashews, and other seeds. It also gains a small bonus for its iron content (7.5mg, 42% DV). However, these benefits are outweighed by several penalties. The most impactful penalty comes from the added sugar content (15.5g per 100g), which significantly lowers the score. Ingredients like dried molasses and apple juice concentrate contribute to this. Additionally, the product incurs a penalty for its saturated fat content (4.2g per 100g) and a standard penalty for being a NOVA class 3 processed food. While the base ingredients are whole nuts and seeds, the processing and added sugars differentiate it from a simple handful of raw almonds or a hard-boiled egg with fruit, which serve as a less processed baseline.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in larabar grain free granola, berry actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Plant-Based Protein
This LARABAR granola provides a notable 16.7g of protein per 100g, primarily from its nut and seed blend including almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds. This can contribute to satiety and support muscle maintenance, especially for individuals seeking plant-based protein sources. Incorporating protein-rich snacks can help manage hunger between meals and support overall dietary protein goals.
Good Source of Iron
With 7.5mg of iron per 100g, providing 42% of the Daily Value, this product is a good source of dietary iron. Iron is an essential mineral crucial for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production. Including iron-rich foods in the diet can help prevent iron deficiency, particularly important for vegetarians and vegans who may need to pay closer attention to their iron intake.
Contains Dietary Fiber
The granola offers 5.6g of fiber per 100g, derived from its whole food ingredients like nuts and seeds. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and contributing to feelings of fullness. While this amount is beneficial, it's important to consume a variety of fiber sources throughout the day for optimal health.
LARABAR GRAIN FREE GRANOLA, BERRY receives a FoodScore of 41/100 (Poor), primarily driven by its high added sugar content despite a base of nuts and seeds.
How to eat it
Granola is commonly consumed as a breakfast cereal with milk or yogurt, or as a snack on its own. The serving size for this LARABAR granola is one pouch, which is a convenient pre-portioned amount. Be mindful of the added sugar content when pairing it with other foods.
To enhance the nutritional value, pair a smaller portion of this granola with plain Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
Use this granola as an occasional topping for oatmeal or smoothies rather than a primary component, to help moderate added sugar intake.
Consider mixing this granola with unsalted nuts and seeds to create a custom trail mix that dilutes the added sugar per serving.
Things to keep in mind
This LARABAR granola contains several tree nuts, specifically almonds, cashews, and pecans, which are common allergens. Individuals with nut allergies should avoid this product. While the product is labeled 'grain-free,' it is important for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities to verify cross-contamination risks if not explicitly certified gluten-free. The added sugar content, from ingredients like dried molasses and apple juice, may be a consideration for individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes or those aiming to reduce overall added sugar consumption.
LARABAR GRAIN FREE GRANOLA, BERRY has a FoodScore of 41/100 (Poor). While it provides protein and fiber from nuts and seeds, its added sugar content significantly impacts its overall nutritional rating. It is best considered an occasional snack rather than a daily healthy staple.
How does LARABAR GRAIN FREE GRANOLA compare to other granolas?
Compared to some other granolas on the market, such as KIND Granola, this LARABAR product has a similar base of nuts and seeds. However, the specific amounts of added sugar and fiber will vary by SKU. Always check the nutrition facts panel for direct comparisons, as granola can be highly variable in its nutritional profile.
What is 'dried molasses' in the ingredient list?
Dried molasses is a form of molasses that has been dehydrated into a powder or solid form. In this product, it functions as a sweetener, contributing to the overall added sugar content. It is a source of natural sugars that are considered added sugars when incorporated into a food product.
What is a recommended portion size for this granola?
The manufacturer's recommended serving size is one pouch. However, due to the calorie density and added sugar, individuals may choose to consume a smaller portion, especially if pairing it with other foods. For example, using half a pouch as a topping can help manage intake.
Can this granola be part of a weight management diet?
Due to its calorie density (555.56 calories per 100g) and added sugar content, this granola should be consumed in moderation if you are managing your weight. Portion control is key, and pairing it with lower-calorie, high-volume foods like fresh fruit can help with satiety.