OPEN NATURE GELATO BARS, COCONUT scores 13/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its **high added sugar content** and classification as an ultra-processed food.
FoodScore: 13/100 (Avoid) due to significant penalties.
Contains 18.3g of added sugar per 100g, contributing to a -24 penalty.
Classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food.
Provides 12% DV for calcium and 34% DV for Vitamin A per 100g.
Best consumed as an occasional treat rather than a regular dietary item.
Scores -20 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
4.62g
9% of Daily Value
Added sugar
18.3g
37% of Daily Value
Sodium
76.92mg
3% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Calcium, Vitamin A)+4
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (18.3g)-24
Saturated fat (6.9g)-7
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 13
OPEN NATURE GELATO BARS, COCONUT receives a FoodScore of 13/100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely driven by significant penalties, primarily from its high added sugar content. With 18.3g of added sugar per 100g, this product incurs a substantial -24 penalty. The saturated fat content of 6.9g per 100g also contributes a -7 penalty. Furthermore, the product's classification as NOVA 4 means it is an ultra-processed food, leading to an additional -10 penalty. While it does offer some micronutrients, specifically calcium (153.85mg, 12% DV) and Vitamin A (34% DV), these bonuses (+4) are not sufficient to offset the penalties. The presence of cane sugar as a primary sweetener, along with multiple gums and carrageenan, aligns with its ultra-processed classification. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent like plain milk, this product has significantly more added sugar and a higher saturated fat profile, making it a less favorable choice for regular consumption.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in open nature gelato bars, coconut actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
This product provides 34% DV of Vitamin A per 100g, which is a meaningful contribution to daily intake. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin important for vision, immune function, and skin health. While not a primary source, it can help supplement dietary intake, especially when consumed as part of a varied diet.
Source of Calcium
OPEN NATURE GELATO BARS, COCONUT offers 12% DV of calcium per 100g. Calcium is a crucial mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and plays a role in nerve function and muscle contraction. Including this product can contribute to your daily calcium intake, particularly for individuals who may struggle to meet their needs through other dairy or calcium-fortified foods.
Occasional Indulgence
As a dessert item, these gelato bars can serve as an occasional treat within a balanced diet. For those seeking a sweet indulgence, this product provides a portion-controlled option. Enjoying such items in moderation can help satisfy cravings without derailing overall dietary goals, provided other meals are nutrient-dense.
OPEN NATURE GELATO BARS, COCONUT scores 13/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its high added sugar content and classification as an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
OPEN NATURE GELATO BARS, COCONUT are typically consumed as a dessert or a sweet snack. They are pre-portioned, making them convenient for individual enjoyment. Given their nutritional profile, they are best reserved for occasional consumption.
Consider pairing with fresh fruit to add fiber and additional micronutrients to your snack.
Practice mindful eating by savoring each bar slowly to enhance satisfaction and prevent overconsumption.
For a less processed alternative, consider making your own fruit-based frozen desserts with minimal added sugar.
Enjoy these bars as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple to manage added sugar intake.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with dairy allergies should avoid this product as it contains milk and cream. The ingredient list includes several gums (locust bean gum, guar gum, carrageenan) which are common food additives. While generally recognized as safe, some individuals, particularly those with sensitive digestive systems, may experience gastrointestinal discomfort from these ingredients. The high added sugar content (18.3g per 100g) is a significant consideration for individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, or those looking to reduce their overall sugar intake.
With a FoodScore of 13/100, OPEN NATURE GELATO BARS, COCONUT is classified as 'Avoid'. This is primarily due to its high added sugar content and its classification as an ultra-processed food. While it offers some calcium and Vitamin A, these benefits are outweighed by the penalties.
How does OPEN NATURE GELATO BARS, COCONUT compare to other frozen desserts?
Compared to many other frozen desserts like traditional ice cream or other gelato brands such as Talenti, OPEN NATURE GELATO BARS, COCONUT has a similar profile in terms of added sugar and saturated fat. It is generally an indulgence item, and its nutritional contribution is limited, similar to most products in this category.
What is 'natural flavor' in this product?
The term 'natural flavor' refers to flavorings derived from natural sources (e.g., spices, fruit, vegetable juice, edible yeast, herbs). In this product, it likely enhances the coconut taste. While derived from natural sources, it is still an additive used to improve palatability.
What is a reasonable portion size for these gelato bars?
The serving size is one bar. Given the high added sugar and saturated fat, sticking to this single-bar portion is advisable. For most individuals, consuming this product occasionally, rather than daily, aligns better with dietary guidelines for moderating discretionary calories.
Can I eat these if I am lactose intolerant?
No, this product contains milk and cream, which are sources of lactose. Therefore, it is not suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. You would need to seek out dairy-free frozen dessert alternatives.