The WHOLE FOODS MARKET PEACH APRICOT BARS receive a FoodScore of 18/100 (Avoid), primarily due to their **high added sugar content** and status as an **ultra-processed food**.
FoodScore: 18/100 (Avoid) due to significant added sugar and processing.
Contains 27.1g of added sugar per 100g, contributing to a low score.
Provides 3.2g of fiber per 100g, a modest positive.
Classified as NOVA class 4, indicating an ultra-processed food.
Consider as an occasional treat rather than a regular snack option.
Scores -23 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
3.2g
11% of Daily Value
Protein
3.23g
6% of Daily Value
Added sugar
27.1g
54% of Daily Value
Sodium
193.87mg
8% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.2g)+3
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (27.1g)-25
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 18
The WHOLE FOODS MARKET PEACH APRICOT BARS received a FoodScore of 18 out of 100, placing them in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely driven by the product's high added sugar content, which stands at 27.1g per 100g, incurring a significant penalty of -25 points. Ingredients like invert cane syrup, honey, and grape juice concentrate contribute to this sugar load. Furthermore, the product is classified as NOVA class 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, which results in an additional -10 point penalty. While the bars do offer 3.2g of fiber per 100g, earning a modest +3 bonus, this is insufficient to offset the substantial penalties. Compared to whole-food alternatives such as raw almonds or a hard-boiled egg paired with fruit, these bars contain significantly more added sugars and less protein, making them a less nutrient-dense choice for regular consumption.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in whole foods market peach apricot bars actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
These bars provide 3.2g of fiber per 100g, which can contribute to daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health and can help promote regularity. While not a primary source, this amount can be a small part of meeting the recommended daily fiber intake, which is around 25-38g for adults. The fiber content comes from the fruit ingredients and whole grain flours used in the WHOLE FOODS MARKET recipe.
Convenient Snack Option
The WHOLE FOODS MARKET PEACH APRICOT BARS offer a convenient, portable snack for busy individuals. Their individually wrapped format makes them easy to carry and consume on the go, without requiring refrigeration or preparation. This can be useful in situations where access to fresh whole foods is limited, providing a quick source of energy.
Provides Quick Energy
With 290 calories per 100g and a significant amount of carbohydrates from sugars, these bars can provide a rapid energy boost. This can be beneficial for individuals needing quick fuel, such as before or after light physical activity. The combination of various sugars, including invert cane syrup and honey, contributes to this immediate energy availability.
The WHOLE FOODS MARKET PEACH APRICOT BARS receive a FoodScore of 18/100 (Avoid), primarily due to their high added sugar content and status as an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
These bars are typically consumed as a quick snack between meals or as a grab-and-go breakfast item. They are designed for convenience and are often eaten directly from the wrapper. A common portion is one bar, which is the declared serving size.
Consider pairing a bar with a source of protein or healthy fats, such as a handful of nuts or a small serving of plain yogurt, to help moderate blood sugar response.
Due to the added sugar content, consider these bars as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple in your diet.
If you are looking for a more nutrient-dense snack, consider whole fruit or a small handful of raw almonds as an alternative to this ultra-processed product.
Portion control is straightforward with these individually wrapped bars; stick to one bar per serving to manage calorie and sugar intake.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their sugar intake should be mindful of the high added sugar content (27.1g per 100g) in these bars, which can significantly impact blood glucose levels. The ingredient list also includes soy flour and lecithin, which are common allergens; individuals with soy allergies should avoid this product. While generally safe for most, the presence of various gums (pectin, locust bean gum, guar gum) and starches might cause mild digestive discomfort in some individuals sensitive to certain food additives. The product is also classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4).
The WHOLE FOODS MARKET PEACH APRICOT BARS received a FoodScore of 18/100, indicating they are not a nutrient-dense choice for regular consumption. The primary reasons for this score are the high amount of added sugar (27.1g per 100g) and its classification as an ultra-processed food. While they offer some fiber, they lack significant amounts of protein or micronutrients like potassium and magnesium.
How do WHOLE FOODS MARKET PEACH APRICOT BARS compare to other snack bars?
Compared to some other snack bars like RXBARs, which often feature minimal ingredients and no added sugar, the WHOLE FOODS MARKET PEACH APRICOT BARS contain a higher amount of added sugars and are more processed. While they may offer a similar convenience factor, their nutritional profile leans towards a less optimal choice for daily intake when compared to bars focusing on whole food ingredients and lower sugar content.
What is 'invert cane syrup' in the ingredient list?
Invert cane syrup is a type of sugar syrup made from cane sugar that has been broken down into its simpler sugar components, glucose and fructose. It is used as a sweetener and to help maintain moisture in baked goods. From a nutritional standpoint, it contributes to the added sugar content of the product, similar to other forms of sugar.
What is a reasonable portion size for these bars?
The declared serving size for WHOLE FOODS MARKET PEACH APRICOT BARS is one bar. Sticking to this portion size is advisable to manage your intake of calories and, more importantly, added sugars. Consuming multiple bars can quickly lead to an excessive intake of sugars that may not align with dietary guidelines.
Can these bars be part of a weight management plan?
Due to their calorie density (290 calories per 100g) and high added sugar content, these bars should be consumed in moderation if you are managing your weight. While they can provide quick energy, opting for whole food snacks like fruits, vegetables, or nuts would generally be a more satiating and nutrient-dense choice for weight management.