Trader Joe’s ABC Bars
Why It Scored This Way
A mixed nutrition profile and more processed formulation give this product some useful qualities, but also meaningful limitations.
- Low Sodium
- Saturated Fat
- Added Sugar
Verdict
Trader Joe’s ABC Bars are a portable, sweet-and-salty snack bar. Its main strength is the low sodium content, while its main tradeoff is the amount of added sugar. Overall, it is a plant-based convenience option for those wanting a dessert-like treat on the go.
How to Use This
Best included occasionally, a few times per month, within a balanced diet and in controlled portions. Pair it with fresh berries or sliced apple in a snack bowl for a more complete treat.
Nutrition Overview
The nutrition panel shows a profile with minimal saturated fat and salt, though it is high in calories relative to its fiber and protein content. A notable portion of the energy is derived from sweeteners.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 160 | Per serving |
| Total Fat | 7g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g | 3% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | — |
| Sodium | 70mg | 3% |
| Total Carbs | 20g | 7% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Total Sugars | 7g | — |
| Added Sugars | 5g | 10% |
| Protein | 3g | — |
| Vitamin D | 0.1mcg | 0% |
| Calcium | 30mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.9mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 100mg | 2% |
Ingredient Analysis
These bars are based on almond butter, oats, and fig paste, but the formula relies on several sweeteners including powdered sugar, brown rice syrup, and invert sugar syrup. The use of refined starches and natural flavors indicates a highly processed formulation.
Ingredients
ALMOND BUTTER FILLING (ALMONDS, POWDERED SUGAR [SUGAR, CORNSTARCH], TAPIOCA STARCH), OATS, OAT FLOUR, BROWN RICE SYRUP, INVERT SUGAR SYRUP, CANOLA OIL, FIG PASTE (FIGS, FIG CONCENTRATE), ALMOND BUTTER (ALMONDS), SWEET RICE FLOUR, GLYCERIN, COCOA PROCESSED WITH ALKALI, TAPIOCA STARCH, NATURAL FLAVORS, SEA SALT, BAKING SODA (LEAVENING).
