FoodScore
0/ 100
AvoidsnackPOWERBAR· 1 POUCH

POWERBAR PERFORMANCE ENERGY BLENDS, BANANA BLUEBERRY

POWERBAR PERFORMANCE ENERGY BLENDS, BANANA BLUEBERRY receives a FoodScore of 9/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its **high added sugar content** and classification as an ultra-processed food.

  • This POWERBAR product scores 9/100, indicating it is not a recommended choice for regular consumption.
  • It contains 14g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
  • Classified as NOVA 4, this is an ultra-processed food with minimal whole food components.
  • Compared to whole-food snacks, it offers very little protein, fiber, or micronutrients.
  • Best used sparingly for quick energy during intense, prolonged physical activity.
  • Scores -32 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
1.1g
4% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
14g
28% of Daily Value
Sodium
0mg
0% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin C)+2
What holds it back
Added sugar (14g)-18
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Empty calories-15

Why it scores 9

The POWERBAR PERFORMANCE ENERGY BLENDS, BANANA BLUEBERRY receives a FoodScore of 9 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This low score is largely driven by its high added sugar content, which stands at 14g per 100g. This amount incurs a significant penalty of 18 points. The product's classification as NOVA 4, meaning it is ultra-processed, also contributes a 10-point penalty. Furthermore, the lack of substantial protein, fiber, or a broad spectrum of micronutrients leads to a 15-point penalty for 'empty calories.' While it does contain some Vitamin C, providing a minor bonus of 2 points, this is insufficient to offset the nutritional drawbacks. The ingredient list highlights dextrose as a primary sweetener alongside fruit purees, indicating a formulation focused on rapid carbohydrate delivery rather than comprehensive nutrition. In contrast, whole-food alternatives like raw almonds or a hard-boiled egg paired with fruit would offer significantly more protein, fiber, and diverse micronutrients with little to no added sugar.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in powerbar performance energy blends, banana blueberry actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Provides Rapid Energy

This POWERBAR product is formulated with a Dual Source Energy Blend including banana puree, blueberry puree, and dextrose. This combination of simple carbohydrates is designed for quick absorption, making it suitable for athletes or individuals needing an immediate energy boost during prolonged physical activity. The rapid availability of glucose can help sustain performance and prevent fatigue during endurance events.

Source of Vitamin C

Each serving provides 30% of the Daily Value for Vitamin C. This essential vitamin functions as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also plays a crucial role in immune function and collagen synthesis, which is important for skin, cartilage, and bone health. While not a primary source of diverse micronutrients, it does contribute to daily Vitamin C intake.

Convenient for On-the-Go Fueling

The pouch format makes this product highly convenient for consumption during exercise or when access to other food is limited. Its portable and easy-to-consume nature means it can be readily used by athletes who require fuel without interruption to their activity. This convenience can be a practical benefit for specific use cases where quick and mess-free energy is paramount.

How to eat it

This snack is typically consumed by athletes or individuals engaged in prolonged physical activity who need a quick source of carbohydrates. It's designed for on-the-go fueling rather than as a daily meal replacement or general snack. One pouch is a standard serving.

Consume this product during sustained exercise lasting over an hour, or immediately before intense activity, to provide readily available energy.
Pair with a source of protein and healthy fats, such as a handful of nuts or a hard-boiled egg, if using it as a general snack to improve satiety and balance blood sugar response.
Consider this product for specific athletic needs, but for everyday snacking, prioritize whole fruits or vegetables to reduce added sugar intake.
Things to keep in mind

The primary caution for POWERBAR PERFORMANCE ENERGY BLENDS, BANANA BLUEBERRY is its high concentration of added sugar, primarily from dextrose. Individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes or prediabetes, should consume this product with extreme caution and consider its impact on their glycemic response. While the product contains citric acid and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), these are common food additives and generally safe. There are no major allergens explicitly listed in the ingredients, but consumers with severe allergies should always check the full packaging for 'may contain' statements or shared facility warnings. For the general population, moderation is key due to its ultra-processed nature and minimal fiber content.

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Reader questions
Is POWERBAR PERFORMANCE ENERGY BLENDS, BANANA BLUEBERRY healthy?
Based on its FoodScore of 9/100, this product is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. It is an ultra-processed food with a high amount of added sugar (14g per 100g) and lacks significant protein, fiber, and diverse micronutrients. It is best reserved for specific athletic needs rather than as a general part of a balanced diet.
How does POWERBAR PERFORMANCE ENERGY BLENDS compare to a Clif Bar?
Compared to many Clif Bars, which often contain whole grains and some protein, this POWERBAR blend is primarily a source of simple carbohydrates and added sugars, with no protein or fat. While both are designed for energy, the POWERBAR blend is more focused on rapid sugar delivery for immediate fuel, whereas some Clif Bars offer a more sustained energy release due to their fiber and protein content.
What is 'Dual Source Energy Blend' in this product?
The 'Dual Source Energy Blend' refers to the combination of banana puree, blueberry puree, and dextrose. This blend is designed to provide multiple forms of carbohydrates that the body can absorb at different rates, aiming to offer sustained energy during physical activity. Banana and blueberry purees provide natural sugars, while dextrose is a simple sugar for quick energy.
How much of this product should I eat?
The serving size is one pouch. Given its high added sugar content and ultra-processed nature, it's advisable to consume this product only when its specific benefits (rapid energy during exercise) are needed. For general snacking, prioritize whole, unprocessed foods to meet your nutritional needs.
Does this product contain real fruit?
Yes, the ingredient list includes banana puree and blueberry puree, indicating the presence of real fruit components. However, these are combined with dextrose, an added sugar, and the overall nutritional profile is significantly different from consuming whole, fresh fruit due to processing and added ingredients.
Can children eat POWERBAR PERFORMANCE ENERGY BLENDS?
While not explicitly harmful, the high added sugar content of this POWERBAR product makes it generally unsuitable for children's regular diets. Children's nutritional needs are best met through whole, unprocessed foods. This product should be reserved for specific, high-energy activities under adult supervision, if at all, rather than as a routine snack.

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Data & references