Are KIND Bars As Nutritious As You Think?
Amid shelves of processed protein snacks, KIND bars appear to be a touch more nutritious, but are they? You can see actual morsels of food on both the packaging and bar itself, and you won't find gluten, GMOs, or animal products on the label. Popular flavors like Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt and Fruit & Nut have nuts listed as the first ingredient, a natural source of protein, healthy fat, and fiber.
When it comes to typical convenience store offerings, a KIND bar is a more nutritious choice than a typical candy bar. For example, the Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar contains 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of sugar, whereas a Snickers bar has 4 grams of protein and 27 grams of sugar. However, KIND bars aren't always as nutrient-dense as popular sweet protein bars. For example, Quest's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bar offers 20 grams of protein and 1 gram of sugar, making it more nutrient-dense with minimal sugar.
The brand's image has been challenged, as evidenced by a class-action lawsuit claiming KIND granola isn't really a high fiber item. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning stating that select bars contain more saturated fat than the organization deems healthy. Our verdict? KIND bars make a formidable snack, but don't match the nutritional profiles of balanced meals or whole foods. So, enjoy them as an alternative to less healthy bites like candy or chips, rather than as a primary nutrient source. Plus, it's worth noting that some KIND bars are more health-focused than others.
Do KIND Bars have micronutrients?
Aside from protein, fat, and sugar, you can also parse the micronutrient content of these popular bars. Micronutrients consist of minerals and vitamins that are essential for the body to function optimally. For example, the KIND Nuts & Spices bar is a source of vitamin E, phosphorous, and magnesium. So while you're not going to fill up on a day's worth of daily recommended nutrients, you'll still be giving your body a dose of micronutrients.
Nut-heavy KIND bars contain antioxidants, which protect your cells from oxidative stress. While the exact antioxidant content isn't listed on any given bar's nutrition list, it's abundant in both nuts and dark chocolate. Many KIND Bars also include sea salt, which supports electrolyte balance and hydration. This makes KIND bars a good choice for travelers, hikers, or sports enthusiasts who need a mineral boost — just make sure to pair it with a good amount of water so the electrolytes can do their work.
Which KIND Bars are the most nutrient-dense?
There are dozens of KIND Bars on the market, ranging from Maple Glazed Pecan & Sea Salt to Dark Chocolate Chili Almond. But, if you want to stick to the most nutritious options, there are a few types you should look for on the shelves. For the lowest sugar, the brand's ZERO line is best. These bars contain only 1 gram of sugar and 3 net carbs, making them keto-friendly and ideal for those avoiding sweets. Pass on the Almond Coconut Bar, packed with 13 grams of sugar and 21 grams of carbohydrates.
For the highest protein content, go for a KIND Protein Max bar. The Sweet & Salty Caramel Peanut Crisp is packed with 20 grams of protein and an additional 10 grams of fiber to keep you full. However, while the bar contains only 1 gram of sugar and no added sugar, keep in mind that if you follow a low-carb diet, each serving still has 24 total carbohydrates. Looking for a delicious nut-free snack for the kids? The school-friendly KIND Kids bars are gluten, peanut, and tree nut free. However, with 9 grams of added sugar and a mere 5 grams of protein, these bars aren't the most nutrient-dense choice.
When it comes to packaged snacks, checking the ingredients on the label is essential to understand what you're really eating. While this convenient on-the-go bar boasts all kinds of nutritional perks, don't take the marketing at face value — always review the nutrition panel to make sure it delivers and fits your needs.