SIGNATURE SELECT SNACK MIX, TRADITIONAL scores 45/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily due to its **ultra-processed nature** and notable sodium content, despite providing some micronutrients.
FoodScore: 45/100 (Decent), indicating a moderate nutritional profile for a snack.
Contains 724.14mg of sodium per 100g, contributing significantly to daily intake.
Provides 46% DV of iron and 86% DV of folate per 100g, offering some micronutrient benefits.
Classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
Best consumed in moderation as an occasional snack, rather than a daily staple.
Scores +4 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
The SIGNATURE SELECT SNACK MIX, TRADITIONAL receives a FoodScore of 45 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of some beneficial micronutrients against the impact of being an ultra-processed food with notable levels of added sugar and sodium. The product gains 10 points for its micronutrient contributions, specifically iron (46% DV), zinc (19% DV), vitamin B12 (35% DV), and folate (86% DV), along with smaller bonuses for its fiber (3.4g) and protein (6.9g) content. However, these positives are offset by several penalties. The snack incurs a 7-point penalty for its 6.9g of added sugar per 100g, and a 3-point penalty for its 724.14mg of sodium. A significant 10-point penalty is applied due to its NOVA 4 classification, indicating it is an ultra-processed food, which often includes ingredients like enriched wheat flour and various flavorings. Compared to a whole-food snack alternative, this product contains more added sugars and sodium, and fewer naturally occurring nutrients.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in signature select snack mix, traditional actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Essential Micronutrients
This snack mix provides several essential micronutrients, notably iron and folate. Per 100g, it contributes 46% of the Daily Value for iron and 86% for folate. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood, while folate is vital for cell growth and DNA synthesis. These nutrients can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may have gaps in their intake from other dietary sources, offering a convenient way to supplement these important vitamins and minerals.
Convenient Snack Option
SIGNATURE SELECT SNACK MIX, TRADITIONAL offers a convenient and ready-to-eat snack for situations where preparing whole foods is not feasible. Its portability and shelf-stability make it a practical choice for on-the-go consumption, such as during travel or busy workdays. While not a primary source of nutrition, it can serve as a quick option to manage hunger between meals, fitting into a varied diet when consumed in appropriate portions.
Provides Some Fiber and Protein
The snack mix contains 3.4g of fiber and 6.9g of protein per 100g. While these amounts are not exceptionally high, they contribute to the overall nutrient profile. Fiber supports digestive health and can aid in satiety, while protein is essential for muscle maintenance and repair. Including snacks with some fiber and protein can help manage hunger and provide a small boost of these macronutrients throughout the day.
SIGNATURE SELECT SNACK MIX, TRADITIONAL scores 45/100 (Decent) on FoodScore, primarily due to its ultra-processed nature and notable sodium content, despite providing some micronutrients.
How to eat it
Snack mixes like SIGNATURE SELECT SNACK MIX, TRADITIONAL are typically consumed directly from the package as a quick snack. They are often eaten between meals or as a light accompaniment to beverages. A common portion size is 0.5 cup, which is the declared serving size for this product.
To balance the sodium content, pair this snack mix with unsalted nuts or fresh fruit to add potassium and fiber.
Portion out a single serving (0.5 cup) into a small bowl to avoid overconsumption directly from the bag.
Consider this snack for occasional use rather than a daily staple, due to its ultra-processed nature and added sugar.
Combine with a source of lean protein, such as a hard-boiled egg or a small piece of cheese, to enhance satiety.
Things to keep in mind
Consumers should be aware that SIGNATURE SELECT SNACK MIX, TRADITIONAL is an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4) and contains several ingredients common in such products, including enriched wheat flour and various natural flavors. The product contains wheat, which is a common allergen. While the sodium content (724.14mg per 100g) is notable, it is within typical ranges for many savory snack mixes. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension, should consume this product in moderation. The presence of mixed tocopherols and BHT as antioxidants helps maintain product freshness but are common food additives.
Is SIGNATURE SELECT SNACK MIX, TRADITIONAL healthy?
SIGNATURE SELECT SNACK MIX, TRADITIONAL has a FoodScore of 45/100, indicating a decent nutritional profile for a snack. While it provides some iron, folate, and vitamin B12, it is also an ultra-processed food with notable amounts of added sugar and sodium. It can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and mindful portion sizes.
How does SIGNATURE SELECT SNACK MIX compare to other snack mixes?
Compared to other traditional snack mixes, such as Chex Mix Traditional, SIGNATURE SELECT SNACK MIX has a similar nutritional profile, often characterized by being ultra-processed with moderate levels of added sugar and sodium. The specific micronutrient contributions, like iron and folate, may vary slightly between brands, but the overall dietary impact is generally comparable within this snack category.
What is 'enriched wheat flour' in the ingredient list?
Enriched wheat flour is refined wheat flour that has had certain B vitamins (niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid) and iron added back after processing. While it restores some nutrients lost during refining, it is still a processed grain and differs from whole wheat flour in its fiber content and overall nutrient density.
What is a reasonable portion size for this snack mix?
The declared serving size for SIGNATURE SELECT SNACK MIX, TRADITIONAL is 0.5 cup. Adhering to this portion size helps manage intake of calories, added sugar, and sodium. Consuming larger portions regularly would significantly increase the impact of these components on your daily dietary targets.
Can this snack mix be part of a weight management plan?
Due to its calorie density (448.28 calories per 100g) and moderate amounts of added sugar and sodium, SIGNATURE SELECT SNACK MIX, TRADITIONAL should be consumed in controlled portions if you are managing your weight. It is best used as an occasional treat rather than a frequent snack, prioritizing whole, less processed foods for daily intake.