FoodScore
0/ 100
AvoidsnackSNACK BETTER· 1 BAR

SNACK BETTER BLACK PEPPER & ORANGE ZEST BAR, CRANBERRY ALMOND

The SNACK BETTER BLACK PEPPER & ORANGE ZEST BAR, CRANBERRY ALMOND scores 24/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its **high added sugar content** and **ultra-processed classification**.

  • This SNACK BETTER bar received a FoodScore of 24/100, indicating it should be avoided.
  • A single bar contains 19.25g of added sugar, contributing significantly to its low score.
  • With 12.5g of protein and 5g of fiber per 100g, it offers some beneficial macronutrients.
  • As a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, it differs substantially from whole-food alternatives like raw almonds.
  • Consider this bar for occasional use rather than a regular dietary staple.
  • Scores -17 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
5g
18% of Daily Value
Protein
12.5g
25% of Daily Value
Added sugar
19.25g
39% of Daily Value
Sodium
337.5mg
15% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (5g)+6
Protein (12.5g)+8
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
What holds it back
Added sugar (19.3g)-25
Saturated fat (5g)-4
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3

Why it scores 24

The SNACK BETTER BLACK PEPPER & ORANGE ZEST BAR, CRANBERRY ALMOND receives a FoodScore of 24 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely driven by its high added sugar content, which stands at 19.25g per 100g, incurring a significant penalty of 25 points. The product's classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food also contributes a 10-point penalty, reflecting its complex formulation and multiple processing steps. Additionally, the presence of 5g of saturated fat per 100g leads to a 4-point penalty, and the concentrated ultra-processed fat further deducts 3 points. On the positive side, the bar gains 6 points for its 5g of fiber and 8 points for its 12.5g of protein per 100g. It also receives 2 points for its iron content (20% DV). Ingredients like organic palm oil and soy lecithin are indicative of its ultra-processed nature. Compared to a reference baseline of raw almonds or a hard-boiled egg with fruit, this SNACK BETTER bar contains considerably more added sugar and is significantly more processed.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in snack better black pepper & orange zest bar, cranberry almond actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Provides a Source of Protein

This SNACK BETTER bar offers 12.5g of protein per 100g, which can contribute to satiety and muscle maintenance. The protein comes from sources such as cashew butter, brown rice protein concentrate, and isolated soy protein. For individuals seeking a convenient protein boost, this bar can serve as a quick option, especially when other protein sources are not readily available. Including protein in snacks can help manage hunger between meals.

Contains Dietary Fiber

With 5g of fiber per 100g, this bar contributes to daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health and can help promote feelings of fullness. The fiber content in this product likely comes from ingredients like almonds, cashews, and sorghum. While not exceptionally high, this amount of fiber is a positive attribute for a snack bar and can support overall gut function.

Source of Iron

The SNACK BETTER bar provides 3.6mg of iron per 100g, which accounts for 20% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral vital for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production. Including iron-rich foods in the diet is important for preventing iron deficiency. This bar can contribute to meeting daily iron needs, especially for individuals who may have higher requirements or limited dietary sources.

How to eat it

Snack bars like the SNACK BETTER BLACK PEPPER & ORANGE ZEST BAR are typically consumed as a convenient, on-the-go snack. They are often eaten between meals or as a quick breakfast substitute. A common pitfall is relying on them as a primary source of nutrition due to their concentrated calories and added sugars.

Pair this bar with a piece of fruit, such as an apple or a banana, to add more whole food fiber and micronutrients.
Consider cutting the bar in half to manage portion size and reduce added sugar intake if you are not very active.
Use this bar as an occasional convenience item rather than a daily staple; prioritize less processed snacks like nuts or seeds.
If you are looking for a more balanced snack, consider a hard-boiled egg and a small handful of raw almonds instead.
Things to keep in mind

This SNACK BETTER bar contains several common allergens, including tree nuts (cashews, almonds) and soy (soy lecithin, isolated soy protein). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this product. The presence of organic palm oil is also noted; while organic, palm oil is a source of saturated fat. The product's high added sugar content (19.25g per 100g) means individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with diabetes or prediabetes, should consume it in moderation. The NOVA 4 classification indicates it is an ultra-processed food, which some individuals may choose to limit in their diet for overall health considerations.

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Reader questions
Is SNACK BETTER BLACK PEPPER & ORANGE ZEST BAR, CRANBERRY ALMOND healthy?
This SNACK BETTER bar has a FoodScore of 24/100, which falls into the 'Avoid' category. While it provides some protein and fiber, its high added sugar content and ultra-processed nature are significant nutritional drawbacks. It is not considered a healthy everyday food choice.
How does SNACK BETTER compare to other snack bars like KIND bars?
Compared to some KIND bars, which often feature whole nuts and less processing, the SNACK BETTER bar's NOVA 4 classification indicates a higher degree of processing. Both brands may contain added sugars, but the specific amounts and types of ingredients can vary. Always check the nutrition label and ingredient list for a direct comparison of added sugar and fiber content.
What is 'isolated soy protein' and is it good for me?
Isolated soy protein is a highly processed form of soy, where most of the fat and carbohydrates are removed, leaving a concentrated protein source. It contributes to the bar's protein content. While it's a complete protein, its isolated nature is a factor in the product's ultra-processed classification, which is generally associated with lower nutritional quality compared to whole food protein sources.
How many SNACK BETTER bars can I eat in a day?
Given its FoodScore of 24/100 and high added sugar content, this bar is best consumed occasionally. For most adults, limiting intake to one bar as an infrequent snack is advisable. Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods for the majority of your daily caloric intake to support overall health.
Does this bar contain any artificial ingredients?
The ingredient list for the SNACK BETTER BLACK PEPPER & ORANGE ZEST BAR does not explicitly list artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. However, ingredients like organic tapioca syrup and soy lecithin are processed components. The term 'natural flavors' is not present, but 'orange juice concentrate' and 'dried orange peel' provide the orange flavor.

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Data & references