FoodScore
0/ 100
PoorsnackPOWERBAR· 1 BAR

POWERBAR, PERFORMANCE ENERGY BAR, OATMEAL RAISIN, OATMEAL RAISIN

The POWERBAR PERFORMANCE ENERGY BAR, OATMEAL RAISIN scores 34/100 (Poor) due to its significant **added sugar** content, which heavily outweighs its beneficial protein and micronutrient contributions.

  • This POWERBAR product has a FoodScore of 34/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
  • It provides 12.3g of protein and notable amounts of Vitamin C (72% DV) and Iron (38% DV).
  • A primary concern is the 28g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
  • As a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, it differs substantially from whole-food alternatives like nuts or fruit.
  • Consider this bar for specific energy needs rather than as a routine snack.
  • Scores -7 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
3.11g
11% of Daily Value
Protein
12.31g
25% of Daily Value
Added sugar
28g
56% of Daily Value
Sodium
307.69mg
13% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.1g)+3
Protein (12.3g)+8
Micronutrients (Calcium, Iron, Vitamin C, Riboflavin)+8
What holds it back
Added sugar (28g)-25
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10

Why it scores 34

The POWERBAR PERFORMANCE ENERGY BAR, OATMEAL RAISIN receives a FoodScore of 34 out of 100, categorized as Poor. This score is primarily driven by its high content of added sugar, totaling 28 grams per 100g, which incurs a substantial penalty. The ingredient list begins with a "DUAL SOURCE ENERGY BLEND" featuring cane invert syrup, maltodextrin, fructose, and dextrose, indicating multiple forms of concentrated sugars. Additionally, its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food contributes a significant penalty, reflecting its complex manufacturing and numerous non-whole food ingredients. On the positive side, the bar earns bonuses for its protein content of 12.3 grams and for providing meaningful amounts of certain micronutrients, specifically 30% DV for calcium, 38% DV for iron, and 72% DV for Vitamin C per 100g. However, these positive attributes are not enough to offset the penalties from added sugars and processing. Compared to whole-food alternatives such as raw almonds or a hard-boiled egg with fruit, this POWERBAR product offers a less nutrient-dense profile with a higher concentration of rapidly absorbed carbohydrates.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in powerbar, performance energy bar, oatmeal raisin, oatmeal raisin actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Supports Energy Needs

This bar is formulated to provide a quick source of energy, primarily from its carbohydrate blend. With 353.85 calories per 100g, it can be useful for individuals engaged in prolonged physical activity or those needing a rapid energy boost. The combination of various sugars like fructose and dextrose aims to deliver both immediate and sustained energy during exercise, aligning with its intended use as a performance bar.

Contributes to Protein Intake

With 12.31 grams of protein per 100g, this POWERBAR can contribute to daily protein requirements. The inclusion of soy protein isolate helps to boost the protein content, which is important for muscle repair and satiety. For individuals looking to increase their protein intake, particularly around workouts, this bar offers a convenient option, though it should be considered within the context of its overall nutritional profile.

Source of Key Micronutrients

The POWERBAR provides notable amounts of certain micronutrients, including 72% DV of Vitamin C, 38% DV of Iron, and 30% DV of Calcium per 100g. These nutrients play vital roles in the body; Vitamin C supports immune function, iron is crucial for oxygen transport, and calcium is essential for bone health. While it's not a comprehensive source of all vitamins and minerals, it does offer a significant contribution of these specific micronutrients.

How to eat it

POWERBAR PERFORMANCE ENERGY BARS are typically consumed by athletes or individuals seeking a convenient energy source before, during, or after physical activity. They are designed for on-the-go consumption and are often eaten as a single serving (one bar) to fuel workouts or recover.

Consider pairing this bar with a source of healthy fats or additional fiber, such as a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit, to help moderate blood sugar response.
Due to its high sugar content, reserve this bar for periods of intense physical activity rather than as a daily snack.
If using for recovery, combine with a balanced meal to ensure a broader spectrum of nutrients for muscle repair and replenishment.
Be mindful of the serving size; one bar is a single serving, and consuming multiple bars can lead to excessive added sugar intake.
Things to keep in mind

Individuals with allergies should note that this product contains soy protein isolate, whole oats (which contain wheat), partially defatted peanut flour, nonfat milk, and ground almonds. This makes it unsuitable for those with soy, wheat, peanut, milk, or tree nut allergies. The high added sugar content, at 28 grams per 100g, is a significant consideration, especially for individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes or pre-diabetes. While it contains some fiber, it may not be sufficient to fully mitigate the rapid absorption of sugars from ingredients like cane invert syrup and maltodextrin. The product is also classified as ultra-processed, which some dietary guidelines suggest limiting for overall health.

Swap suggestions
Very good
ANGIE'S, BOOM CHICKA POP, SEA SALT POPCORN, SEA SALT
Score85
Very good
BARILLA, PASTA, ROTINI
Score85
Very good
BARILLA, WHOLE GRAIN, SPAGHETTI
Score85
Very good
BARILLA, WHOLE WHEAT PASTA
Score85
Very good
BARILLA WHOLE GRAIN ELBOWS PASTA
Score85
Very good
BEECH-NUT ORIGINAL CRISPEAS BAKED PEA PUFFS, ORIGINAL
Score85
Reader questions
Is POWERBAR PERFORMANCE ENERGY BAR, OATMEAL RAISIN healthy?
This POWERBAR product scores 34/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While it offers protein, iron, and Vitamin C, its high added sugar content and ultra-processed nature mean it's not a primary choice for daily health. It's best used for specific energy needs rather than as a general healthy snack.
How does POWERBAR compare to other energy bars?
Compared to some other energy bars like RXBar, which often feature simpler, whole-food ingredient lists and lower added sugar, the POWERBAR PERFORMANCE ENERGY BAR, OATMEAL RAISIN contains a higher amount of processed sugars and is classified as ultra-processed. Its nutritional profile is geared more towards rapid energy delivery for performance.
What is 'DUAL SOURCE ENERGY BLEND' in the ingredients?
The 'DUAL SOURCE ENERGY BLEND' refers to a combination of different sugars, specifically cane invert syrup, maltodextrin, fructose, and dextrose. This blend is designed to provide both quick and sustained energy release, which can be beneficial during prolonged physical activity by utilizing different sugar absorption pathways.
How much of this bar should I eat?
The serving size is one bar. While it can provide a quick energy boost, consuming multiple bars regularly would lead to a high intake of added sugars and calories. It's generally recommended to stick to the single serving, especially if you are not engaging in intense physical activity.
Can I eat this bar if I have allergies?
No, if you have allergies to peanuts, tree nuts (almonds), milk, soy, or wheat, you should avoid this product. The ingredient list explicitly states the presence of partially defatted peanut flour, nonfat milk, ground almonds, and whole oats (which contain wheat), along with soy protein isolate, indicating multiple common allergens.

Explore more

CategoryAll snacks BrandAll Power Crunch SKUs Competitor · 85/100ANGIE'S, BOOM CHICKA POP, SEA SALT POPCORN, SEA SALT Competitor · 85/100BARILLA, PASTA, ROTINI Head-to-headPOWERBAR, PERFORMANCE ENERGY BAR, OATMEAL RAISIN, OATMEAL RAISIN vs. ANGIE'S, BOOM CHICKA POP, SEA SALT POPCORN, SEA SALT Head-to-headPOWERBAR, PERFORMANCE ENERGY BAR, OATMEAL RAISIN, OATMEAL RAISIN vs. BARILLA, PASTA, ROTINI Head-to-headPOWERBAR, PERFORMANCE ENERGY BAR, OATMEAL RAISIN, OATMEAL RAISIN vs. BARILLA, WHOLE GRAIN, SPAGHETTI Head-to-headPOWERBAR, PERFORMANCE ENERGY BAR, OATMEAL RAISIN, OATMEAL RAISIN vs. BARILLA, WHOLE WHEAT PASTA

Data & references