FoodScore
0/ 100
AvoidsnackSNACK BETTER· 1/4 cup

SNACK BETTER CHERRY COCOA ALMOND COCONUT SNACK MIX, CHERRY COCOA ALMOND COCONUT

SNACK BETTER CHERRY COCOA ALMOND COCONUT SNACK MIX scores 11/100 (Avoid) due to its **high added sugar** and **saturated fat content**, despite some fiber and iron.

  • FoodScore: 11/100 (Avoid).
  • Contains 26.7g of added sugar per 100g, a significant contributor to its low score.
  • Provides 10g of fiber per 100g, a positive nutritional aspect.
  • Classified as NOVA class 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food.
  • Portion control is key, as a 1/4 cup serving still contributes to daily sugar and fat intake.
  • Scores -30 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
10g
36% of Daily Value
Protein
6.67g
13% of Daily Value
Added sugar
26.7g
53% of Daily Value
Sodium
600mg
26% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (10g)+12
Protein (6.7g)+2
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
What holds it back
Added sugar (26.7g)-25
Saturated fat (23.3g)-15
Sodium (600mg)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3

Why it scores 11

SNACK BETTER CHERRY COCOA ALMOND COCONUT SNACK MIX receives a FoodScore of 11 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is primarily driven by its high levels of added sugar and saturated fat. With 26.7g of added sugar per 100g, and ingredients like organic cane sugar, dried cherries (which include sugar), organic tapioca syrup, and organic invert sugar, the product incurs a substantial penalty of -25 points. The saturated fat content is also notable at 23.3g per 100g, leading to a -15 point penalty. As a NOVA class 4 food, it is considered ultra-processed, resulting in an additional -10 point deduction. While the product does offer some benefits, such as 10g of fiber (+12 points) and 6.7g of protein (+2 points), these are not enough to offset the significant penalties. The iron content also provides a small bonus of +2 points. Compared to a whole-food snack alternative, this SNACK BETTER product contains significantly more added sugar and saturated fat, making it a less optimal choice for regular consumption.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in snack better cherry cocoa almond coconut snack mix, cherry cocoa almond coconut actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Dietary Fiber

This snack mix provides 10g of fiber per 100g, which can contribute to digestive health. Fiber is important for maintaining bowel regularity and can help promote feelings of fullness. While this product is high in added sugar, the fiber content from ingredients like almonds and coconut offers a positive nutritional component. Including fiber-rich foods in the diet is generally beneficial for overall well-being.

Contribution of Iron

SNACK BETTER CHERRY COCOA ALMOND COCONUT SNACK MIX offers 3.33mg of iron per 100g, which is 19% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral crucial for oxygen transport in the blood and various metabolic processes. While not a primary source, this product can contribute to your daily iron intake, especially for individuals who may need to increase their iron consumption. The iron present comes from ingredients like almonds and cacao nibs.

Provides Healthy Fats from Almonds

The almonds in this snack mix contribute to its fat content, including some monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These types of fats are considered beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. While the product also contains significant saturated fat from coconut, the presence of almonds offers a source of fats that can support overall dietary fat quality.

How to eat it

This snack mix is typically consumed directly from the bag as a convenient, on-the-go snack. Given its concentrated calorie and sugar content, it's important to be mindful of serving sizes to avoid overconsumption. It's often chosen for its taste and convenience rather than its nutritional density.

To manage added sugar intake, combine a small portion of this snack mix with plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
Use this snack mix sparingly as a flavorful topping for oatmeal or a smoothie bowl, rather than eating it as a standalone snack.
Measure out a 1/4 cup serving to help with portion control and avoid consuming excessive calories and added sugars.
Consider this product as an occasional treat rather than a daily snack due to its ultra-processed nature and nutrient profile.
Things to keep in mind

Individuals with tree nut allergies should avoid this product as it contains almonds and coconut. The presence of 26.7g of added sugar per 100g means that individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should consume this product with caution and in very limited quantities. The high sodium content at 600mg per 100g could be a concern for those monitoring their sodium intake for blood pressure management. While the ingredient list does not contain artificial sweeteners or colors, the overall ultra-processed nature (NOVA class 4) suggests it should not be a dietary staple.

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Reader questions
Is SNACK BETTER CHERRY COCOA ALMOND COCONUT SNACK MIX healthy?
SNACK BETTER CHERRY COCOA ALMOND COCONUT SNACK MIX scores 11/100, indicating it is not a healthy choice for regular consumption. It is high in added sugar (26.7g/100g) and saturated fat (23.3g/100g), which contribute to its low score. While it offers some fiber and iron, these benefits are outweighed by its less desirable nutritional aspects.
How does SNACK BETTER compare to a whole-food snack like plain almonds?
Compared to plain almonds, SNACK BETTER CHERRY COCOA ALMOND COCONUT SNACK MIX contains significantly more added sugar and sodium. Plain almonds would be a NOVA class 1 food (unprocessed) and provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein without the added sugars found in this snack mix, such as organic cane sugar and organic tapioca syrup.
What is 'organic invert sugar' in the ingredient list?
Organic invert sugar is a type of sugar syrup that is sweeter than regular sugar and helps keep foods moist. It is still a form of added sugar, contributing to the overall sugar content of the product. From a nutritional perspective, it functions similarly to other added sugars like organic cane sugar.
What is a reasonable portion size for this snack mix?
The declared serving size is 1/4 cup, which is a small amount. Given the product's high calorie density and added sugar content, sticking to this portion size is important for moderation. Consuming larger portions will significantly increase your intake of added sugars and saturated fats.
Can this snack mix be part of a balanced diet?
Due to its ultra-processed classification and high levels of added sugar and saturated fat, this snack mix is best considered an occasional treat rather than a regular component of a balanced diet. Prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods for snacks is generally recommended for optimal nutrition.

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Data & references