Nutritional content assessment of nutrition bars commercially available in Korea
10.4163/jnh.2025.58.6.583
- Author:
Na Yeong KIM
1
;
Eun Ji SON
;
Jihyeung JU
Author Information
1. Department of Food and Nutrition, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:Research Article
- From:Journal of Nutrition and Health
2025;58(6):583-605
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study evaluated the nutrient content of nutrition bars sold in Korea.
Methods:Three hundred and twenty-five products were collected from online marketplaces and classified according to the bar type, food category, and protein source. The nutritional content per serving was analyzed using the percent daily value (% DV) and the index of nutritional quality (INQ).
Results:The nutrition bars provided 9.6% DV for energy, 6.7% DV for carbohydrates, 16.8% DV for protein, and 16.9% DV for fat. Fat contributed 42.5% of the total energy, exceeding the recommended range (15–30%). Fat and saturated fat showed high INQs (1.8–1.9), whereas sugars, sodium, and cholesterol had much lower values (0.1–0.7). Chocolate bars had the lowest protein but the highest energy, sugars, fat, and saturated fat, with saturated fat alone contributing approximately 50% DV (INQ 3.6). Energy bars showed significantly high fat-derived energy proportions (52.9%) and INQ values for total fat and saturated fat (1.7–2.2), even though their total energy content was not particularly high. Cereal bars exhibited generally low nutrient levels, except for fat INQ (2.0). Protein bars delivered the highest protein (26.1% DV, INQ 3.0) but the lowest sugars (5.5% DV, INQ 0.6). Among the protein bars, chocolate-based products were high in energy and carbohydrates. Protein bars formulated with mixed protein sources (70.4%), primarily soy and milk (60.4%), contained the highest protein (28.4% DV, INQ 3.3) compared to the products with only plant- or animalbased proteins. Among the optional nutrients, dietary fiber (36.6%) and allulose (19.4%) were the most commonly labeled, mainly in protein bars. The fiber content averaged 32.5% DV (INQ 2.6), with energy and cereal bars approaching 50% DV.
Conclusion:Nutrition bars may contribute to the daily nutrient intake but require a careful choice due to the compositional differences according to types and formulations.
