MADE GOOD Crispy Light Granola Bars Vanilla scores 30/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its **high added sugar content**.
FoodScore: 30/100 (Poor) due to significant added sugar.
Contains 29.2g added sugar per 100g, contributing to a low score.
Provides 83% DV Vitamin C and 85% DV Vitamin D per 100g.
NOVA class 3 indicates this is a processed food, unlike whole-food baselines.
Best consumed in moderation as an occasional snack rather than a daily staple.
Scores -19 points above the snack category average (49/100 across 108 foods).
Fiber
4.21g
15% of Daily Value
Protein
8.33g
17% of Daily Value
Added sugar
29.2g
58% of Daily Value
Sodium
145.83mg
6% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (4.2g)+4
Protein (8.3g)+4
Micronutrients (Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D)+8
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (29.2g)-25
Saturated fat (6.3g)-6
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 30
MADE GOOD Crispy Light Granola Bars Vanilla received a FoodScore of 30 out of 100, categorized as Poor. The primary factor driving this low score is the high amount of added sugar, totaling 29.2g per 100g, which incurred a significant penalty of -25 points. Ingredients like agave syrup, brown rice syrup, and cane sugar contribute to this sugar load. Additionally, the product contains 6.3g of saturated fat per 100g, leading to a -6 point penalty. As a NOVA class 3 processed food, it also received a -5 point penalty. On the positive side, the product earned bonus points for its fiber content (4.2g, +4 points) and protein (8.3g, +4 points). It also provides notable amounts of certain micronutrients, specifically iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D, which collectively added 8 points. However, these bonuses were not enough to offset the penalties, especially when compared to whole-food alternatives such as raw almonds or a hard-boiled egg paired with fruit, which would naturally contain minimal to no added sugars and be less processed.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in made good crispy light granola bars vanilla actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Essential Vitamins
This product is fortified with several vitamins, providing 83% Daily Value for Vitamin C and 85% Daily Value for Vitamin D per 100g. These vitamins support various bodily functions, with Vitamin C being important for immune health and Vitamin D crucial for bone health and calcium absorption. While fortification can be a way to increase nutrient intake, it's important to consider the overall nutritional profile of the food.
Contribution to Daily Fiber Intake
MADE GOOD Crispy Light Granola Bars contain 4.2g of fiber per 100g, which contributes positively to daily fiber recommendations. Dietary fiber is essential for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and potentially supporting satiety. While this amount is a beneficial addition, it should be part of a broader diet rich in whole food fiber sources like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Provides Some Protein
With 8.3g of protein per 100g, these granola bars offer a moderate amount of protein. Protein is vital for muscle repair and growth, and it can also contribute to feeling full and satisfied after eating. For a snack, this protein content can help bridge hunger between meals, though higher protein options are available if that is the primary nutritional goal.
MADE GOOD Crispy Light Granola Bars Vanilla scores 30/100 (Poor) on FoodScore, primarily due to its high added sugar content.
How to eat it
Granola bars are typically consumed as a convenient, on-the-go snack, often replacing breakfast or as a quick energy boost. One bar (24g) is a common portion, but it's easy to consume multiple bars, increasing intake of added sugars and calories.
Pair with a source of lean protein like a hard-boiled egg or plain Greek yogurt to enhance satiety and balance blood sugar response.
Consider half a bar as a smaller snack, especially if you are mindful of added sugar intake.
Use as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple, reserving it for situations where convenience is paramount.
Combine with a piece of fruit to add natural sugars, vitamins, and additional fiber, which can help mitigate the impact of the bar's added sugars.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals with allergies should note that while the product is certified gluten-free, the label does not specify other common allergens like tree nuts or peanuts, though it contains pure gluten free oats. The presence of 'natural flavors' means the specific components are not disclosed, which can be a concern for those with sensitivities to certain flavor compounds. The significant amount of added sugar (29.2g per 100g) means this product should be consumed in moderation, particularly by individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, or those aiming to reduce their overall sugar intake. The vegetable extracts are present in small amounts and do not significantly alter the nutritional profile to that of consuming whole vegetables.
MADE GOOD Crispy Light Granola Bars score 30/100 (Poor) on FoodScore. While they offer some fiber and are fortified with certain vitamins, the high added sugar content significantly impacts its overall nutritional rating. It is best considered an occasional snack rather than a primary source of nutrition.
How does MADE GOOD compare to other granola bars?
Compared to some other granola bars, such as a KIND Bar, MADE GOOD Crispy Light Granola Bars have a notable amount of added sugar. While it provides some fiber and protein, its NOVA class 3 processing and sugar content place it lower than less processed, lower-sugar alternatives. Always check the nutrition label for specific comparisons.
What are 'natural flavors' in this product?
The term 'natural flavors' on an ingredient list indicates that the flavor components are derived from natural sources, such as spices, fruits, or vegetables. However, the specific ingredients used to create these flavors are not disclosed by the manufacturer. For most consumers, this is not an issue, but individuals with specific sensitivities might prefer products with fully transparent flavorings.
How many MADE GOOD granola bars can I eat in a day?
Given the 29.2g of added sugar per 100g, consuming multiple bars can quickly exceed recommended daily limits for added sugars. One bar (24g) contains approximately 7g of added sugar. It's advisable to limit intake to one bar per day, if at all, especially if you are consuming other sources of added sugar throughout the day.
Are the vegetable extracts beneficial?
The vegetable extracts (spinach, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, beets, shiitake mushrooms) are listed in the ingredients. While these are beneficial in their whole form, the extracts are present in very small quantities and do not contribute significantly to the product's micronutrient profile or fiber content. They are unlikely to provide the same health benefits as consuming whole vegetables.