Nutri Grain Mixed Berry Bars Nutrition Facts & More
Key Facts for Health-Conscious Snackers
Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bars offer a convenient breakfast or snack option for those seeking a quick energy boost. These soft-baked bars combine whole grains with a fruity mixed berry filling, providing a balance of carbohydrates and fiber. Each 37-gram bar contains 120 calories, 3 grams of fat, 24 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein.
The bars feature a crust made from whole grain oats and enriched wheat flour, contributing to their nutritional profile. While they provide some essential nutrients, it's important to note that they also contain added sugars. The mixed berry filling adds a sweet flavor that many consumers enjoy.
Kellogg's markets these bars as a breakfast option, emphasizing their whole grain content and fruity taste. They can be a portable choice for busy mornings or as an on-the-go snack. As with any packaged food, consumers should consider the nutritional information in the context of their overall diet and nutritional needs.
Product Overview
Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bars offer a convenient breakfast or snack option with whole grains and a fruity filling. These soft-baked cereal bars combine nutrition and taste in a portable format.
Nutri Grain Mixed Berry Bars
Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bars feature a soft whole grain crust with a sweet mixed berry flavored filling. The bars are designed to provide energy and essential nutrients to start the day. Each bar contains 130 calories and is made with whole grains as the first ingredient.
The mixed berry flavor offers a blend of fruity tastes in a chewy, satisfying bar. These bars are fortified with vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and iron. They provide a quick breakfast solution or a midday snack to help curb hunger between meals.
Pack Size and Variants
Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bars are available in various pack sizes to suit different needs. The standard box typically contains 8 or 16 individually wrapped bars. Larger family-size packs and bulk options may also be available.
Single bars can often be purchased for on-the-go consumption. In addition to the Mixed Berry flavor, Nutri-Grain offers other fruit varieties such as Strawberry and Apple Cinnamon. The brand also produces other breakfast products like soft-baked breakfast squares and muffins.
Pack sizes may include:
8-count box
16-count box
Single bar (1.3 oz)
Variety packs (multiple flavors)
Nutritional Profile
Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bars offer a blend of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals in a convenient breakfast option. These soft-baked bars contain whole grains and fruit filling, providing energy and some essential nutrients.
Macronutrient Breakdown
Each Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bar contains a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. The primary macronutrient is carbohydrates, derived from whole grain oats and enriched flour. These bars provide a modest amount of protein, which helps with satiety. The fat content is relatively low, coming from vegetable oils used in the production process.
A single bar contains approximately:
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
The carbohydrates include some dietary fiber, which supports digestive health. Sugar is also present, partly from the mixed berry filling and added sugars in the ingredients.
Vitamins and Minerals
Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bars contain several essential vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are added through fortification of the enriched flour and other ingredients.
Key vitamins and minerals include:
B vitamins: Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin
Folic Acid
Iron
Calcium
The B vitamins play crucial roles in energy metabolism. Folic acid is important for cell growth and development. Iron supports oxygen transport in the blood, while calcium is essential for bone health.
Caloric Content
Each Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bar contains approximately 120-130 calories. This calorie count makes it a moderate snack option or part of a breakfast meal. The calories come from a combination of the macronutrients:
Carbohydrates: ~96 calories
Protein: ~8 calories
Fat: ~27 calories
For individuals watching their calorie intake, these bars can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. They provide quick energy but should be complemented with other nutrient-dense foods for a complete meal.
Ingredients Analysis
Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bars contain a complex blend of ingredients that contribute to their taste, texture, and nutritional profile. These ingredients can be categorized into several key groups, each serving specific functions in the product.
Grains and Flours
Whole grain oats form the primary base of Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bars, providing fiber and essential nutrients. Enriched flour and whole wheat flour are also included, adding texture and additional nutrients. Wheat flour is fortified with niacin and reduced iron, enhancing its nutritional value. Wheat bran and wheat gluten are present, contributing to the bars' structure and fiber content.
The use of whole grains aligns with dietary recommendations for increased whole grain consumption. These ingredients provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
Sweeteners and Sugars
Several sweeteners are used in Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bars. Dextrose, invert sugar, and fructose provide quick-release energy. Corn syrup and sugar are also present, likely contributing to the bars' sweetness and texture.
Apple puree concentrate and apple juice concentrate serve as natural sweeteners while adding fruit flavor. The presence of multiple sweeteners may indicate an effort to balance taste and texture while potentially reducing the total amount of refined sugars.
Oils and Fats
Soybean oil is the primary fat source in these bars. It provides essential fatty acids and helps create a softer texture. Mono- and diglycerides are also included, acting as emulsifiers to blend ingredients and improve texture.
The use of vegetable-based oils aligns with recommendations to reduce saturated fat intake. However, the total fat content should be considered in the context of a balanced diet.
Additives
Several additives are used to enhance texture, flavor, and shelf life. These include cellulose, carrageenan, guar gum, and methylcellulose, which act as stabilizers and thickeners. Soy lecithin serves as an emulsifier.
Natural flavors are added to enhance taste. Preservatives like sodium citrate and citric acid help maintain freshness. While these additives are generally recognized as safe, some consumers may prefer products with fewer artificial ingredients.
Fruit Fillings
The mixed berry filling contains several fruit concentrates, including strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry puree concentrates. These provide flavor and natural sweetness. Apple puree concentrate is also used, likely as a base for the fruit filling.
Vegetable juice and vegetable juice for color are included, possibly to enhance the appearance of the fruit filling. Modified food starch and sodium alginate are used to thicken and stabilize the filling.
The use of real fruit concentrates is a positive aspect, providing natural flavors and some nutritional benefits. However, the exact quantity of fruit content is not specified in the ingredient list.
Dietary Considerations
Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bars have several important nutritional factors to consider. These include potential allergens, fiber content, and sodium levels that can impact dietary choices.
Allergens and Sensitivities
Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bars contain wheat and may contain traces of other common allergens. The bars are made with whole grain oats and enriched wheat flour. This makes them unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Individuals with milk, soy, or tree nut allergies should exercise caution. While not primary ingredients, these allergens may be present due to shared manufacturing facilities. The product packaging should be checked for the most up-to-date allergen information.
Dietary Fiber Content
These breakfast bars provide a moderate amount of dietary fiber. Whole grain oats contribute to the fiber content. Fiber aids digestion and helps promote feelings of fullness.
The exact fiber amount per bar is not specified in the available information. However, whole grains as the first ingredient suggest a reasonable fiber content. Fiber intake recommendations vary, but these bars can contribute to daily fiber goals as part of a balanced diet.
Sodium and Cholesterol Levels
Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bars are generally low in sodium and cholesterol. This makes them a suitable option for those monitoring their intake of these nutrients.
The bars do not contain significant sources of cholesterol. Their plant-based ingredients contribute minimal, if any, cholesterol to the product.
Sodium content is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, breakfast bars typically contain moderate amounts of sodium. Those on sodium-restricted diets should consult the nutrition label for precise sodium content per serving.
Health Implications
Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bars contain a variety of nutrients that can impact health in different ways. Their vitamin and mineral content, fat composition, and sugar levels all play important roles in the body.
Benefits of Vitamins and Minerals
Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bars provide several essential vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamin A, which supports eye health and immune function. These bars also offer vitamin C, an antioxidant that aids in collagen production and wound healing.
Iron in the bars helps transport oxygen throughout the body. Calcium supports bone health and muscle function. B vitamins like niacin and riboflavin assist in energy metabolism.
Folic acid, another B vitamin present, is crucial for cell growth and development. It's especially important for pregnant women to prevent birth defects.
Understanding Fats
The fat content in Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bars is relatively low at 3.5g per bar. This includes small amounts of saturated fat and no trans fats, which is beneficial for heart health.
Fats are essential for nutrient absorption, hormone production, and providing energy. The low fat content makes these bars a lighter option compared to some other snacks.
However, the source of fats in these bars is primarily vegetable oils and shortening. While not harmful in moderation, these may not offer the same benefits as healthier fat sources like nuts or seeds.
Sugar Impact
Sugar is a significant component of Nutri-Grain Mixed Berry bars. The sweet filling contributes to their appealing taste but also increases their sugar content.
High sugar intake can lead to blood sugar spikes and contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. It may also increase the risk of dental issues.
The bars contain some natural sugars from fruit, but also added sugars. While they provide quick energy, they may not offer sustained fullness compared to options higher in protein or fiber.
Consumers should be mindful of their total daily sugar intake when including these bars in their diet. Balancing them with other nutrient-dense foods can help maintain a healthy eating pattern.
