The Health Warrior Chia Bar Dark Chocolate Cherry scores 58/100 (Decent). Its high fiber content is a notable positive, while the presence of added sugar contributes to a lower overall score.
This HEALTH WARRIOR bar has a FoodScore of 58/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category.
A significant strength is its fiber content, providing 20g per 100g serving.
The primary concern is the 8g of added sugar per 100g, impacting its nutritional profile.
Compared to whole-food snacks like nuts or fruit, this is a more processed option (NOVA 3).
It can serve as a convenient, fiber-rich snack when whole foods are not readily available.
Scores +9 points above the snack category average (49/100 across 108 foods).
Fiber
20g
71% of Daily Value
Protein
12g
24% of Daily Value
Added sugar
8g
16% of Daily Value
Sodium
180mg
8% of Daily Value
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What it brings to the table
Fiber (20g)+12
Protein (12g)+8
Micronutrients (Calcium, Iron)+4
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What holds it back
Added sugar (8g)-9
Saturated fat (4g)-2
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 58
The Health Warrior Chia Bar Dark Chocolate Cherry achieves a FoodScore of 58 out of 100, categorized as 'Decent'. This score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and aspects that detract from its overall nutritional quality. On the positive side, the bar receives significant bonuses for its high fiber content, providing 20g per 100g, and a decent protein contribution of 12g. It also gains points for micronutrients like calcium (12% DV) and iron (24% DV). However, the product incurs penalties due to its added sugar content of 8g per 100g, which is a factor the USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting. The 4g of saturated fat also slightly reduces the score. Furthermore, as a NOVA class 3 food, it is considered processed, leading to a penalty of 5 points. Ingredients like brown rice syrup contribute to the added sugar content. While it offers more fiber and protein than some conventional snack bars, it is a more processed option compared to whole-food alternatives such as raw almonds or a hard-boiled egg paired with fruit, which typically have no added sugars and are minimally processed.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in health warrior chia bar dark chocolate cherry actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Digestive Health
This HEALTH WARRIOR bar is an excellent source of fiber, providing 20g per 100g serving. This substantial amount of dietary fiber, primarily from white chia seeds and chicory root fiber, can contribute to healthy bowel function and regularity. Adequate fiber intake is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system and can help promote feelings of fullness, which may assist with appetite management. Incorporating fiber-rich foods like this bar can help individuals meet their daily fiber recommendations.
Contributes to Mineral Intake
The Health Warrior Chia Bar Dark Chocolate Cherry provides meaningful amounts of certain minerals. It offers 12% DV for calcium and 24% DV for iron per 100g serving. These minerals are essential for various bodily functions, with iron supporting oxygen transport and calcium being vital for bone health. While not a complete source of all micronutrients, this bar can contribute to meeting daily requirements for these specific minerals, especially for individuals looking to boost their intake.
Provides Plant-Based Protein
With 12g of protein per 100g, this bar offers a notable amount of plant-based protein. The protein primarily comes from white chia seeds, cashew butter, and almonds. Protein is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall satiety. For individuals following a vegetarian or vegan diet, or those simply looking to increase their plant-based protein intake, this bar can be a convenient option to help meet their daily protein needs, supporting various bodily functions.
The Health Warrior Chia Bar Dark Chocolate Cherry scores 58/100 (Decent). Its high fiber content is a notable positive, while the presence of added sugar contributes to a lower overall score.
How to eat it
Snack bars like the Health Warrior Chia Bar are typically consumed as a convenient on-the-go snack, often between meals or as a quick breakfast component. The standard portion is one bar. Common pitfalls include viewing them as a meal replacement or consuming multiple bars, which can lead to excessive intake of calories and added sugars.
Pair this bar with a piece of fruit or a handful of unsalted nuts to create a more balanced snack that provides additional vitamins and minerals.
Consider this bar for situations where whole-food options are not practical, such as during travel or a busy workday, to avoid less nutritious choices.
Be mindful of the 8g of added sugar per 100g; if consuming daily, ensure other food choices throughout the day are low in added sugars to stay within dietary guidelines.
Store bars in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness and texture, especially if buying in bulk.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with tree nut allergies should note that this product contains cashews and almonds, and the ingredient list also mentions 'natural flavor' which can sometimes derive from various sources. While the bar does not contain common allergens like milk, soy, or wheat, cross-contamination is always a possibility in manufacturing facilities. The chicory root fiber content, while beneficial for fiber, might cause digestive discomfort such as bloating or gas in some individuals sensitive to high amounts of inulin-type fructans. This is generally more common with larger servings or in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Is HEALTH WARRIOR Chia Bar Dark Chocolate Cherry healthy?
The Health Warrior Chia Bar Dark Chocolate Cherry has a FoodScore of 58/100, indicating it's a 'Decent' choice. It offers a good amount of fiber (20g) and protein (12g) per 100g, which are beneficial. However, it also contains 8g of added sugar and is a processed food (NOVA 3). It can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and alongside less processed foods.
How does HEALTH WARRIOR compare to other snack bars?
Compared to some other snack bars like a KIND Bar, the Health Warrior Chia Bar offers a higher fiber content (20g vs. typically 5-7g per 100g in KIND bars) and similar protein. However, it also contains brown rice syrup as an added sugar source, similar to many other bars in the category. Its NOVA class 3 designation means it's more processed than whole-food snacks but comparable to many other packaged bars.
What is chicory root fiber and why is it in this bar?
Chicory root fiber is a soluble fiber derived from the chicory plant. It is included in this bar to boost the overall fiber content, contributing to the impressive 20g per 100g. Soluble fiber can support digestive health and may help with satiety. It also acts as a binder and can contribute to the bar's texture.
How many Health Warrior Chia Bars can I eat in a day?
Given that one bar contains 8g of added sugar, it's generally advisable to limit consumption to one bar per day, especially if you are mindful of your added sugar intake. The USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting added sugars to less than 10% of daily calories. Consider your overall diet to ensure you're not exceeding recommended limits for added sugars and saturated fat.
Does this bar contain any artificial ingredients?
The ingredient list for the Health Warrior Chia Bar Dark Chocolate Cherry does not explicitly list artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. It contains natural flavor and mixed tocopherols (to preserve freshness), which are generally considered less processed than artificial alternatives. Consumers looking to avoid artificial ingredients may find this aspect favorable.