Kroger’s Mixed Berry Bars offer a convenient and flavorful breakfast or snack option. These fruit and grain cereal bars combine the sweetness of berries with wholesome grains in a portable package. Each Kroger Mixed Berry Bar contains 140 calories, with 72% of calories from carbohydrates, 23% from fat, and 6% from protein.
The bars feature a mixed berry filling made with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. This fruit blend provides natural sweetness and a touch of vitamin A, offering 17% of the daily recommended value per bar. The outer layer consists of grains, contributing to the bar’s fiber content and helping to provide sustained energy.
For those monitoring their nutrient intake, Kroger Mixed Berry Bars can be a part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. The bars’ combination of fruit and grains offers a quick energy boost, making them suitable for busy mornings or as an on-the-go snack. Consumers looking for a sweet treat with some nutritional benefits may find these bars to be a satisfying choice.
Product Overview
Kroger Mixed Berry Bars offer a convenient and tasty breakfast or snack option. These fruit and grain cereal bars feature a mixed berry flavored filling wrapped in a wholesome grain crust.
Brand Information
Kroger is a major American retail company known for its supermarket chains and grocery products. The company produces a wide range of store-brand items, including these Mixed Berry Bars. Kroger aims to provide quality products at affordable prices for budget-conscious consumers.
Kroger’s fruit and grain bars compete with similar offerings from national brands. They are part of Kroger’s broader line of breakfast and snack foods designed to meet various dietary needs and preferences.
Product Description
Kroger Mixed Berry Bars come in boxes containing 8 individually wrapped bars. Each bar weighs 37 grams. The bars feature a soft, chewy texture with a fruit-flavored filling.
The mixed berry flavored filling contains a blend of berry flavors, giving the bars a sweet and tangy taste. The outer crust is made from whole grains, providing a hearty and satisfying element to the snack.
These bars are designed for on-the-go eating. They require no preparation and can be easily packed in lunchboxes or bags for a quick energy boost. The individual wrapping helps maintain freshness and makes portion control simple.
Nutritional Breakdown
Kroger Mixed Berry Bars provide a balanced mix of macronutrients and micronutrients. These bars offer a quick energy source with their carbohydrate content while also containing some protein and fat.
Macronutrients Profile
Each Kroger Mixed Berry Bar contains a mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The primary macronutrient is carbohydrates, making up about 72% of the total calorie content. Fats contribute approximately 23% of the calories, while proteins account for the remaining 6%.
The carbohydrate content includes both simple and complex carbs. Simple sugars come from the fruit purees and added sugars, while the grain components provide complex carbohydrates. These bars also contain dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes feelings of fullness.
Fat content is relatively low but contributes to the bar’s texture and flavor. Proteins, though present in smaller amounts, help provide some satiety.
Micronutrients Contents
Kroger Mixed Berry Bars contain various micronutrients, with vitamin A being a notable component. Each bar provides about 17% of the daily recommended value for vitamin A, which is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health.
The mixed fruit purees (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) in the bars likely contribute small amounts of vitamins C and K, as well as various antioxidants. These compounds play roles in immune support and overall health.
Mineral content may include trace amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium, though specific quantities are not provided in the available information. The bars also contain sodium, which is important for maintaining fluid balance in the body.
Caloric Information
A single Kroger Mixed Berry Bar contains approximately 120-140 calories, depending on the specific product variant. This calorie count makes these bars a moderate snack option that can fit into various dietary plans.
The calorie distribution is as follows:
- Carbohydrates: 86-101 calories
- Fats: 28-32 calories
- Proteins: 7-8 calories
For those monitoring their calorie intake, these bars can serve as a portion-controlled snack. They provide enough energy for a quick boost without significantly impacting daily calorie goals.
The total fat content is around 3 grams per bar, with saturated fat likely making up a small portion of this amount. Sodium content, while present, is typically not excessive in these types of products.
Ingredients Analysis
Kroger Mixed Berry Bars contain a blend of fruits, grains, sweeteners, and additives. Understanding the components helps consumers make informed choices about this snack option.
Core Ingredients
The primary ingredients in Kroger Mixed Berry Bars include mixed fruits puree, whole oat flour, and wheat flour. The fruit puree consists of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, providing natural flavors and some nutritional benefits. Apple puree and apple powder are also present, likely to enhance sweetness and texture.
Whole oat flour contributes fiber and nutrients, while wheat flour serves as a base ingredient. These grains give the bars structure and help create a satisfying texture.
Honey and molasses are used as natural sweeteners, adding depth to the flavor profile.
Additives and Preservatives
Kroger Mixed Berry Bars contain several additives to enhance flavor, texture, and shelf life. Corn syrup and fructose are added sweeteners that improve taste and help bind ingredients together.
Glycerin is used as a humectant to retain moisture and keep the bars soft. Natural flavors are included to boost the berry taste profile.
Wheat gluten is present, likely to improve the texture and cohesiveness of the bars. Liquid whole eggs serve as a binding agent and contribute to the nutritional profile.
Potential Allergens
These bars contain several common allergens that consumers should be aware of. Wheat is a primary ingredient, making the product unsuitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Eggs are present in the form of liquid whole eggs, which may pose a risk for individuals with egg allergies.
The fruit ingredients, particularly berries, could potentially cause reactions in people with specific fruit allergies. While not a common allergen, some individuals may be sensitive to corn-derived ingredients like corn syrup.
It’s important for consumers with food allergies or sensitivities to carefully review the full ingredient list before consuming these bars.
Health and Diet Information
Kroger mixed berry bars provide some nutritional benefits but also contain added sugars. They offer a convenient source of certain vitamins and minerals, as well as dietary fiber.
Dietary Fiber Benefits
Kroger mixed berry bars contain dietary fiber, which supports digestive health. Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements and may aid in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. It also contributes to feelings of fullness, potentially assisting with weight management.
The exact fiber content varies between product varieties. Consuming adequate fiber is associated with reduced risks of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Adults should aim for 25-30 grams of fiber daily from various sources.
Sugar Content Considerations
These bars contain added sugars, which contribute to their sweet taste. Excessive sugar intake is linked to health issues like obesity and tooth decay. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day for women and 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for men.
Kroger mixed berry bars typically provide 8-12 grams of sugar per serving. This amount should be factored into one’s total daily sugar intake. Individuals managing blood sugar or following low-sugar diets may need to limit consumption.
Vitamins and Minerals
These bars offer small amounts of essential vitamins and minerals. They typically contain iron, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the body. Some varieties may provide calcium for bone health.
B-vitamins like thiamin, niacin, and riboflavin are often included. These support energy metabolism and nerve function. Zinc, important for immune health, may also be present in small quantities.
The bars generally contain low levels of vitamins A and D. Potassium, which aids in blood pressure regulation, is found in minimal amounts. While these nutrients contribute to overall health, the bars should not be relied upon as a primary source of vitamins and minerals.
Comparative Analysis
Kroger Mixed Berry Bars offer a convenient snack option, but how do they stack up against alternatives? A closer look reveals important nutritional differences between these bars and other snacks or whole fruits.
Comparison with Other Snack Bars
Kroger Mixed Berry Bars contain 120 calories per 37g serving. This calorie count is relatively low compared to many other snack bars on the market.
The bars provide 3g of total fat, which is moderate for their size. They contain less fat than nut-based bars but more than some fruit-only options.
Sugar content is a key consideration. Kroger’s bars have 11g of sugar per serving, which is comparable to similar fruit-based snack bars.
Fiber content varies among snack bars. Kroger Mixed Berry Bars offer 1g of fiber per serving, which is lower than some high-fiber alternatives but typical for fruit-based options.
Mixed Berry Bars vs. Whole Fruits
Whole fruits generally offer more nutritional benefits than processed snack bars. Fresh berries provide more fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants per serving.
A cup of mixed berries typically contains fewer calories than a Kroger Mixed Berry Bar. Whole fruits also have no added sugars, unlike the bars which list sugar as a primary ingredient.
Kroger’s bars do offer convenience and portability that whole fruits lack. They have a longer shelf life and are easier to pack for on-the-go snacking.
The bars contain added vitamins and minerals, which may not be present in equivalent amounts in a single serving of whole fruit. This fortification can be beneficial for some consumers.
Consumption Advice
Kroger Mixed Berry Bars can be incorporated into a balanced diet when consumed mindfully. Proper portion control and strategic meal planning help maximize nutritional benefits while avoiding excessive calorie intake.
Portion Sizing
A single Kroger Mixed Berry Bar contains 130 calories. This represents about 6.5% of a 2,000 calorie diet. The standard serving size is one bar. For weight management, limit consumption to one bar per day. Those with higher caloric needs may include two bars, spaced throughout the day.
Pairing a bar with protein-rich foods like Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts can increase satiety. This combination helps prevent overeating and provides a more nutritionally complete snack.
Incorporation into Diet
Kroger Mixed Berry Bars work well as a quick breakfast option or midday snack. They can be part of a balanced meal plan when combined with other nutrient-dense foods. For breakfast, pair a bar with a piece of fruit and a low-fat dairy product.
As a snack, these bars offer a convenient source of carbohydrates. They can provide energy before or after physical activity. However, they should not replace whole foods entirely. Aim to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your daily diet.
Consider using these bars in recipes. Crumble them over yogurt parfaits or use as a topping for homemade fruit crisps. This adds texture and flavor while controlling portion sizes.
Labeling and Packaging
Kroger Mixed Berry Bars feature detailed labeling and packaging designed to inform consumers and meet regulatory requirements. The packaging contains essential information about the product’s nutritional content and ingredients.
Nutrition Label Deciphering
The nutrition label on Kroger Mixed Berry Bars provides a breakdown of key nutritional components. Each bar contains 120-130 calories, with 3g of total fat and 0g of saturated fat. The bars offer 25g of total carbohydrates, including 3g of dietary fiber and 11g of sugars. Protein content is listed at 1g per bar. The label also indicates the presence of 115mg of sodium and 150mg of calcium.
This information allows consumers to make informed decisions about incorporating these bars into their diet. The label clearly displays serving size and the percentage of daily values for various nutrients based on a 2000-calorie diet.
Environmental Considerations
Kroger’s packaging for Mixed Berry Bars reflects a balance between product protection and environmental impact. The bars are typically sold in boxes containing individually wrapped portions. This packaging method helps maintain freshness and provides convenient portioning.
The outer box is made from recyclable cardboard, encouraging consumers to participate in recycling efforts. Individual wrappers, while ensuring food safety and extending shelf life, may present challenges for recycling. Kroger continues to explore more sustainable packaging options to reduce environmental impact while maintaining product quality and safety standards.