OWYN TART CHERRY, LEMON 100% PLANT-BASED BAR, TART CHERRY, LEMON
The OWYN TART CHERRY, LEMON 100% PLANT-BASED BAR scores 56/100 (Decent), primarily due to its notable protein and fiber content, balanced against its added sugar and processed nature.
This OWYN bar received a FoodScore of 56/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category.
It provides a significant 20g of protein and 10g of fiber per 100g serving.
A notable concern is the 9.8g of added sugar per 100g, contributing to penalties.
As a NOVA class 3 processed food, it differs from whole-food alternatives like nuts or fruit.
Consider this bar for occasional use when a convenient, protein-rich snack is needed.
Scores +15 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
10g
36% of Daily Value
Protein
20g
40% of Daily Value
Added sugar
9.8g
20% of Daily Value
Sodium
220mg
10% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (10g)+12
Protein (20g)+10
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (9.8g)-11
Saturated fat (4g)-2
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 56
The OWYN TART CHERRY, LEMON 100% PLANT-BASED BAR achieved a FoodScore of 56 out of 100, reflecting a balance of beneficial nutrients and less optimal components. It received significant bonuses for its protein content (20g per 100g) and dietary fiber (10g per 100g), which are both positive attributes for satiety and digestive health. An additional bonus was awarded for its iron content, providing 60% DV per 100g. However, penalties were applied due to the presence of 9.8g of added sugar, primarily from brown rice syrup and cane sugar, which exceeds recommended daily limits when consumed regularly. The 4g of saturated fat also incurred a minor penalty. Furthermore, its classification as a NOVA class 3 processed food contributed a penalty, indicating it has undergone significant industrial processing. Compared to whole-food alternatives such as raw almonds or a hard-boiled egg paired with fruit, this OWYN bar offers convenience but with a higher degree of processing and added sugars.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in owyn tart cherry, lemon 100% plant-based bar, tart cherry, lemon actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Satiety and Muscle Maintenance
This OWYN bar provides 20g of protein per 100g, a substantial amount that can contribute to feelings of fullness and support muscle repair and growth. The protein blend, derived from pumpkin seeds, pea protein isolate, and chia seeds, offers a diverse amino acid profile. Including adequate protein in snacks can help manage hunger between meals, potentially reducing overall caloric intake throughout the day. This makes it a suitable option for individuals looking to increase their protein intake, especially those following a plant-based diet.
Boosts Fiber Intake
With 10g of fiber per 100g, this product is a good source of dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health and maintaining stable blood sugar levels. The fiber comes from sources like chicory root fiber and the protein blend ingredients. Adequate fiber intake can help regulate bowel movements and may contribute to a healthy gut microbiome. Incorporating fiber-rich snacks can help individuals meet their daily recommended fiber intake, which many Americans fall short of.
Contributes to Iron Needs
The bar delivers 10.8mg of iron per 100g, which is 60% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral vital for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals on plant-based diets who need to be mindful of their iron sources. While the iron source is plant-based, pairing it with a source of Vitamin C can enhance its absorption, further supporting the body's iron status.
The OWYN TART CHERRY, LEMON 100% PLANT-BASED BAR scores 56/100 (Decent), primarily due to its notable protein and fiber content, balanced against its added sugar and processed nature.
How to eat it
Snack bars like this OWYN product are typically consumed as a convenient on-the-go snack, a quick breakfast, or a post-workout refuel. They are often eaten as a single bar portion. Common pitfalls include relying on them too heavily as meal replacements or overlooking their added sugar content.
Consider pairing this bar with a piece of fresh fruit or a handful of unsalted nuts to add whole food nutrients and further enhance satiety.
Use this bar as a post-exercise recovery snack to help replenish energy and support muscle repair, especially after a moderate to intense workout.
If you are monitoring your sugar intake, be mindful of the 9.8g of added sugar per 100g; consider consuming only half a bar for a smaller portion.
Store the bars in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture and prevent spoilage, ensuring they are ready when you need a quick snack.
Things to keep in mind
This OWYN bar contains chicory root fiber, which is a source of inulin. While beneficial for many, some individuals, particularly those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or sensitive digestive systems, may experience gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating or gas from inulin. The product also contains dried red tart cherries with added sugar and cane sugar, contributing to the overall added sugar content. Individuals managing blood sugar levels should be aware of this. The ingredient list does not declare common allergens like milk, soy, wheat, or peanuts, aligning with its '100% Plant-Based' claim, but cross-contamination risks are always a possibility in manufacturing environments.
Is OWYN TART CHERRY, LEMON 100% PLANT-BASED BAR healthy?
This OWYN bar scores 56/100, indicating it's a decent option. It provides significant protein and fiber, which are beneficial for satiety and digestion. However, it is a processed food with added sugars, so it's best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet rather than a daily staple.
How does OWYN compare to other snack bars?
Compared to many other snack bars, such as a KIND Bar, this OWYN bar offers a higher protein content (20g vs. typically 6-12g). It also provides a good amount of fiber. However, like many bars in the category, it contains added sugars and is a processed food, differentiating it from whole-food snacks.
What is chicory root fiber, and is it good for me?
Chicory root fiber is a source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that can support gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria. It contributes to the bar's overall fiber content (10g). While generally beneficial, some individuals may experience digestive discomfort if they are sensitive to certain types of fibers.
How much of this bar should I eat?
The serving size is one bar. Given its calorie density (480 calories per 100g) and added sugar content, consuming a whole bar as a snack should be considered in the context of your daily caloric and sugar intake goals. For a lighter snack, you might consider eating half a bar.
Can this bar be a meal replacement?
While this bar offers a good amount of protein and fiber, it is not designed to be a complete meal replacement. It lacks the broad spectrum of micronutrients typically found in a balanced meal. It's better suited as a substantial snack or a supplement to a smaller meal.