Energy bars are known to be the favorite snack for those who are health conscious and always on the move. They promise various benefits such as improved heart health, sustained energy, and a delicious taste. But, with so many options available, how do you know which is the healthiest choice? Let’s delve into one such product: Nutri-Grain Bars.
Nutri-Grain Bars Healthy
It’s crucial to understand the sources of sugar in these bars. Many assume the sugar comes from the fruit component, implying it’s natural and beneficial. In reality, the primary fruit component, like Strawberry Puree Concentrate, lacks the beneficial fiber and vitamins found in the whole fruit. The process makes it just another sweetening agent. Alongside such concentrates, these bars also have added sugars in various forms, like dextrose and fructose.
Moreover, it provides 10% of the daily recommended intake for various vitamins and minerals. But a concerning fact is the high sugar content in these bars, most of which is added sugar. This high sugar, combined with the low protein and fiber, can make Nutri-Grain Bars a less satisfying snack option for those trying to maintain a balanced diet.
Ingredients
- Whole grain oats
- Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, vitamin B1 [thiamin mononitrate], vitamin B2 [riboflavin], folic acid)
- Soybean oil
- Whole wheat flour
- Dextrose
- Fructose
- Sugar
- Calcium carbonate
- Vegetable glycerin
- Invert sugar
- Whey
- Soluble corn fiber
- Cellulose
- Salt
- Natural flavor
- Potassium bicarbonate
- Vitamin blend (salt, niacinamide, vitamin B1 [thiamin hydrochloride], vitamin B6 [pyridoxine hydrochloride], vitamin B2 [riboflavin], vitamin D3, vitamin B12)
- Wheat bran
- Mono- and diglycerides
- Soy lecithin
- Wheat gluten
- Carrageenan
- Iron
- Guar gum
- Filling:
- Invert sugar
- Corn syrup
- Vegetable glycerin
- Sugar
- Blueberry puree concentrate
- Modified food starch
- Sodium alginate
- Natural flavor
- Citric acid
- Sodium citrate
- Vegetable juice for color
- Methylcellulose
- Dicalcium phosphate
- Lemon juice concentrate
- Apple juice concentrate
Nutritional Fact
The full name of these bars is Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Soft Baked Breakfast Bars. Words like “Soft Baked”, “Made with Real Fruit”, and “Morning Energy with 8G Whole Grains” are splashed across the packaging, all suggesting a nutritious snack. But is the reality as wholesome as the marketing suggests?
Breaking down the nutrition of one Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Soft Baked Strawberry Breakfast Bar:
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 3.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
- Sodium: 140mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
Are Nutri-Grain Bars Drawbacks?
Nutri-Grain bars pack in about 12 to 13 grams of sugar each. This isn’t trivial, especially when considering daily sugar intake recommendations.
Nutri-Grain Bar Sugar Content
| Nutri-Grain Bar Flavor | Total Sugar (Per Bar) |
| Strawberry | 12g |
| Blueberry | 13g |
| Apple Cinnamon | 13g |
Comparatively, the sugar content is higher than what one would hope for in a snack touted as healthy. Most of this is added sugar, not the beneficial kind derived from whole foods or fruit.
Conclusion
In essence, while Nutri-Grain bars might edge out candy bars in the health department, it’s a narrow win. The high sugar content, combined with modest fiber and protein, makes them less than ideal. For those seeking healthier options, fruits or bars like RXBAR or Lärabar might be a better pick.
FAQs
1. Are Nutri-Grain Bars Vegans ?
No, Nutri-Grain Bars are not strictly vegan. They contain whey, a milk derivative. Vegans seeking alternative bars have numerous other options to explore.
2. Are Nutri-Grain bars easy to digest?
They come with high carbohydrates and fiber, but their elevated sugar content can potentially disrupt blood sugar and other digestive processes.
3. What are the benefits of Nutri bars?
They can aid in weight loss due to their low-calorie content and high fiber, which can help in curbing untimely hunger pangs. But remember, moderation is key.
