Why is Crunchy Oats & Dark Chocolate classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The bar includes refined sugar, sunflower oil, honey, and chocolate pieces, which are industrially processed ingredients, and it uses additives such as soy lecithin (E322), sunflower lecithin, sodium bicarbonate (E500ii), natural vanilla flavouring, and other natural flavourings, all of which contribute to its ultra-processed status.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 26.9 g of sugars per 100 g, the bar can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making it unsuitable for strict diabetic control, while its 0.63 g of salt is lower than the average snack but still adds to daily sodium intake, so it should be eaten sparingly by people with hypertension.

Is the soy lecithin in this product a concern for people with soy allergies?

Yes, soy lecithin is derived from soybeans and can trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to soy, even though it is present in a small amount; consumers with soy allergy should avoid this bar.

Nature Valley • 5x84g

Crunchy Oats & Dark Chocolate

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Crunchy Oats & Dark Chocolate is a Nature Valley cereal bar positioned as a sweet snack. It falls under the Sugary snacks and Biscuits and cakes groups, carries a Nutri-Score of D and is classified as NOVA 4, indicating an ultra-processed product. While it provides whole-grain oats and 6.9 g of fiber per 100 g, it also delivers 26.9 g of sugars and moderate levels of fat and salt, making it a high-energy, sugar-rich option that should be consumed in moderation.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal474 kcal

Fat19.8 g

Saturated Fat3.3 g

Carbohydrates69 g

Sugars26.9 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average snack bar, Crunchy Oats & Dark Chocolate contains slightly less sugar (26.9 g vs 28.98 g per 100 g), markedly lower salt (0.63 g vs 1.98 g), about double the fiber (6.9 g vs 3.07 g), and a higher energy content (~475 kcal vs 418 kcal).

Ingredients

whole grain rolled oats (55%), sugar, sunflower oil, dark chocolate pieces (8%)(cocoa mass, sugar, emulsifier: soy lecithin, natural vanilla flavouring), fat reduced cocoa, honey, salt, molasses, emulsifier: sunflower lecithin, raising agent: sodium bicarbonate, natural flavouring,

84%

35%

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Crunchy Oats & Dark Chocolate.

Nature Valley

42 g