When you’re on the go and need a quick, nutritious snack, Kind Bars are a popular choice that often comes to mind. But with so many snack bars on the market, it’s essential to determine if Kind Bars live up to their healthy reputation. Today, we’re diving deep into the ingredients, nutritional content, and overall health benefits of Kind Bars to help you make an informed decision on whether they deserve a spot in your healthier grocery haul.
What Company Makes Kind Bars?
Kind Bars are produced by Kind LLC, a company founded in 2004 by Daniel Lubetzky. The company is committed to creating nutritious and tasty snacks using high-quality, natural ingredients. Kind Bars are widely available in grocery stores, convenience stores, and online, making them an accessible choice for health-conscious consumers. Apart from their classic bars, Kind LLC also offers a range of products including protein bars, granola, and nut clusters, all designed to cater to various dietary needs and preferences.
What We Need to Look for in a Healthy Snack Bar
When selecting a healthy snack bar, consider the following factors:
- Natural Ingredients: Choose bars made with whole, natural ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
- Fiber Content: High fiber content aids digestion and helps keep you full longer.
- Protein: Adequate protein content can help with muscle repair and satiety.
- Low Sugar: Opt for bars with low added sugar to avoid unnecessary calories and potential health issues.
- Healthy Fats: Look for bars that include healthy fats from nuts and seeds rather than trans fats or saturated fats.
Ingredients of Kind Bars
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients in one of Kind’s popular products: the Kind Nuts & Spices, Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt variety.
- Almonds: A healthy nut packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Dark Chocolate: Provides antioxidants, but should be consumed in moderation due to added sugars.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that adds flavor but also increases the sugar content.
- Non-GMO Glucose: Acts as a binding agent, but is a form of added sugar.
- Palm Kernel Oil: Adds texture but is a source of saturated fat.
- Sea Salt: Enhances flavor with a small amount of sodium.
- Chicory Root Fiber: Adds dietary fiber, beneficial for digestive health.
- Soy Lecithin: An emulsifier derived from soybeans.
- Milk Fat: Adds richness but also increases the saturated fat content.
- Cocoa Butter: Adds a creamy texture and provides healthy fats.
Orange Flag Ingredients
🟠Non-GMO Glucose: Although it is non-GMO, glucose is still a form of added sugar. High consumption of added sugars can lead to various health issues, including weight gain and increased risk of heart disease.
🟠Palm Kernel Oil: This ingredient is high in saturated fats, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease if consumed in large amounts.
🟠Milk Fat: While it adds flavor, milk fat is another source of saturated fat that should be consumed in moderation.
Red Flag Ingredients
Kind Bars do not typically contain trans fats, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives, making them a relatively clean option in terms of harmful additives.
Kind Bar Varieties
Kind Bars offer a variety of flavors, each with its unique nutritional profile. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt
| Nutrient | Amount per Bar (40g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 125mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 6g |
Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate
| Nutrient | Amount per Bar (40g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 140mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 6g |
Maple Glazed Pecan & Sea Salt
| Nutrient | Amount per Bar (40g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 140mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 6g |
Cranberry Almond
| Nutrient | Amount per Bar (40g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 15mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 11g |
| Protein | 4g |
Which One to Choose?
The nutritional profiles of Kind Bars are similar across most flavors, offering a good balance of calories, fiber, protein, and sugars. If we had to choose one, the Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt variety stands out due to its moderate calorie count, high fiber content, and lower sugar compared to other flavors.
What Other Options Do We Have?
Now, let’s compare Kind Bars with some of their competitors.
RXBAR Chocolate Sea Salt
Nutritional Facts:
| Nutrient | Amount per Bar (52g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 260mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 13g |
| Protein | 12g |
Ingredients: Dates, egg whites, cashews, almonds, chocolate, cocoa, sea salt, natural flavors.
Better Option? RXBARs are generally higher in protein and fiber, making them a better choice for those needing more protein in their diet. However, they are also higher in sugar.
Larabar Apple Pie
Nutritional Facts:
| Nutrient | Amount per Bar (51g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 4g |
Ingredients: Dates, almonds, unsweetened apples, walnuts, raisins, cinnamon.
Better Option? Larabar is a good choice for those looking for a bar with minimal ingredients. However, it is higher in sugar compared to Kind Bars.
Clif Bar Chocolate Chip
Nutritional Facts:
| Nutrient | Amount per Bar (68g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 140mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 10g |
Ingredients: Organic brown rice syrup, organic rolled oats, soy protein isolate, organic cane syrup, organic roasted soybeans, rice flour, chocolate chips, and more.
Better Option? Clif Bars are higher in calories and sugar, making them a less ideal option for those watching their sugar intake.
Our Pick
The Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt Kind Bar is our pick due to its balanced nutritional profile, moderate calorie and sugar content, high fiber, and overall ingredient quality. Here’s why we chose it over the competitors:
- **Balanced Nutritional Profile**: With a moderate calorie count and a good balance of macronutrients, this bar provides sustained energy without being overly caloric.
- Low Sugar Content: Compared to other bars, it has a relatively low sugar content, making it a healthier option for those monitoring their sugar intake.
- High Fiber: The 7g of dietary fiber aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer, which is beneficial for weight management and overall health.
- Natural Ingredients: Made with whole, natural ingredients like almonds, dark chocolate, and chicory root fiber, it ensures you’re consuming high-quality nutrients without artificial additives.
While RXBARs offer more protein and fewer processed ingredients, they also have a higher sugar content, which can be a drawback for those trying to limit their sugar intake. Additionally, the Kind Bar’s inclusion of a variety of nuts and seeds provides a good mix of healthy fats and proteins, making it a more rounded choice for a nutritious snack.
Note: This recommendation is based on nutritional comparison and is not sponsored.
Bottom Line
FAQ
- Are Kind Bars gluten-free?
Yes, most Kind Bars are gluten-free, making them suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. - Do Kind Bars contain artificial preservatives?
No, Kind Bars are made without artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. - Can I eat Kind Bars if I am vegan?
Some Kind Bars are vegan, but it’s important to check the label as some varieties contain honey. - Are Kind Bars low in sugar?
Some Kind Bar varieties have higher sugar content than others. It’s best to choose options with lower sugar content if you’re monitoring your sugar intake. - Where can I buy Kind Bars?
Kind Bars are widely available in grocery stores, convenience stores, and online retailers.