FoodScore
0/ 100
Decentsnack· 1 bar

KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar

With a FoodScore of 53/100, this snack bar offers notable fiber and protein, but its ultra-processed nature and added sugar content reduce its overall nutritional standing.

  • This snack bar is ultra-processed, classified as NOVA 4, indicating significant industrial processing.
  • Each 100g serving provides 16g of fiber, contributing significantly to daily fiber goals.
  • It contains 17g of protein per 100g, which supports muscle maintenance and satiety.
  • The bar has 10g of added sugar per 100g, a factor that negatively impacts its FoodScore.
  • Despite some beneficial nutrients, its FoodScore of 53/100 places it in the 'Decent' category.
  • Scores +4 points above the snack category average (49/100 across 108 foods).
Fiber
16g
57% of Daily Value
Protein
17g
34% of Daily Value
Added sugar
10g
20% of Daily Value
Sodium
178mg
8% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (16g)+12
Protein (17g)+10
Micronutrients (Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc)+8
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (10g)-12
Saturated fat (4g)-2
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3

Why it scores 53

The KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar achieves a FoodScore of 53 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and less desirable components. On the positive side, the bar receives a significant bonus for its high fiber content, with 16g per 100g, which is a substantial contribution to daily recommendations. Its protein content of 17g per 100g also earns a strong bonus, supporting satiety and muscle health. Additionally, the presence of micronutrients like iron (14% DV), magnesium (21% DV), and zinc (18% DV) contributes positively to its score. However, several factors penalize the score. The bar contains 10g of added sugar per 100g, which subtracts points due to dietary guidelines recommending limiting added sugars. Its saturated fat content of 4g per 100g also incurs a minor penalty. A major detractor is its classification as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food, which carries a significant penalty in the FoodScore system. Furthermore, its nature as a concentrated ultra-processed fat source adds another penalty. To achieve a higher score, the bar would need to reduce its added sugar and saturated fat, and ideally, undergo less processing.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in kind dark chocolate nuts & sea salt bar actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Supports Digestive Health

This snack bar is an excellent source of dietary fiber, providing 16g per 100g. Fiber is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system, promoting regular bowel movements, and preventing constipation. Dietary guidelines emphasize the importance of adequate fiber intake for overall gut health. The substantial fiber content in this bar can help individuals meet their daily fiber recommendations, which are typically around 25-38g for adults. Including fiber-rich foods like this can contribute to a well-functioning digestive tract, though it's important to consume a variety of fiber sources.

Aids in Satiety and Muscle Maintenance

With 17g of protein per 100g, this bar can contribute to feelings of satiety, helping to manage hunger between meals. Protein is a macronutrient essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscle. Adequate protein intake is vital for muscle maintenance, especially for active individuals or those aiming for weight management. While this bar offers a good amount of plant-based protein, it should be part of a balanced diet that includes diverse protein sources to ensure all essential amino acids are met.

Contributes to Bone and Nerve Function

The bar provides notable amounts of magnesium, offering 90mg per 100g, which is 21% of the Daily Value. Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, playing a key role in bone health, nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood sugar control. Getting enough magnesium through diet is important for preventing deficiencies that can impact these bodily processes. While this bar contributes to magnesium intake, a varied diet rich in leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains is essential for comprehensive mineral intake.

Supports Red Blood Cell Formation

This snack bar contains 2.5mg of iron per 100g, which accounts for 14% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral primarily known for its role in forming hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Adequate iron intake is crucial for preventing iron-deficiency anemia, which can lead to fatigue and weakness. While the iron in this bar is plant-based (non-heme iron), which is less readily absorbed than heme iron, combining it with vitamin C rich foods can enhance its absorption.

How to eat it

KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bars are typically consumed as a convenient, on-the-go snack. They are designed to be eaten directly from the wrapper, requiring no preparation. These bars are often chosen for a quick energy boost or to curb hunger between meals, fitting easily into a busy lifestyle. While they offer some beneficial nutrients, they are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced dietary pattern.

Consider this bar as a portion-controlled snack to manage calorie intake, especially if you are mindful of your overall daily energy consumption.
Pair the bar with a piece of fruit or a serving of plain yogurt to add more whole foods and diverse nutrients to your snack.
Store the bars in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture and prevent the chocolate from melting, ensuring optimal enjoyment.
Things to keep in mind

Individuals with nut allergies should avoid this product, as it contains peanuts, almonds, and other tree nuts. While the fiber content is beneficial, consuming large quantities rapidly might cause mild digestive discomfort such as bloating or gas in some sensitive individuals. As an ultra-processed food, frequent consumption should be balanced with a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods. There are no widely documented drug interactions or specific population cautions for this food at normal serving sizes beyond common allergies.

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Reader questions
Is the KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar considered healthy?
With a FoodScore of 53/100, this bar is considered 'Decent'. It offers good amounts of fiber (16g per 100g) and protein (17g per 100g), which are beneficial. However, it is an ultra-processed food (NOVA 4) and contains 10g of added sugar per 100g, which detracts from its overall nutritional quality. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
Is this bar good for weight loss?
The bar's protein (17g) and fiber (16g) content per 100g can contribute to satiety, which may help manage hunger. However, it is calorie-dense at 478 calories per 100g. For weight loss, focusing on overall calorie intake and prioritizing whole, minimally processed foods is generally more effective. This bar can fit into a weight loss plan as an occasional snack if portion sizes are managed.
Is this snack bar ultra-processed?
Yes, the KIND Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food. This classification means it has undergone significant industrial processing and contains ingredients not typically used in home cooking, such as isolates and additives. While it contains whole nuts, the overall formulation places it in this category.
What are some good alternatives to this snack bar?
For a less processed snack with similar benefits, consider a handful of plain mixed nuts with a small piece of dark chocolate. You could also opt for a piece of fruit with a tablespoon of nut butter, or homemade energy balls made with oats, nuts, and dried fruit, allowing for control over added sugars and processing.
How does the added sugar content compare to other snacks?
This bar contains 10g of added sugar per 100g. While some snack bars may have higher amounts, 10g still contributes to the daily limit recommended by dietary guidelines. Many whole food snacks, like fruits or plain nuts, contain no added sugar, making them a better choice for minimizing sugar intake.
Does this bar provide significant micronutrients?
Yes, the bar contributes to several micronutrient intakes. Per 100g, it provides 21% DV for magnesium, 18% DV for zinc, and 14% DV for iron. These minerals are important for various bodily functions, including energy metabolism, immune support, and red blood cell formation. However, it lacks significant amounts of vitamins like C, D, A, and B12.

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Data & references

Sources: USDA FoodData Central · FDA Nutrition Facts labelUpdated 2026-04-20