BREAKFAST BARS
The Saints
Belvita milk and cereals Calories 196, saturated fat 0.8g, sugars 8.8g, protein 3.6g, salt 0.44g One packet contains a quarter of your daily recommended limit of free sugars, but studies show that the bars are slowreleasing, due to processing techniques that make the starches harder to digest. This stabilises energy levels throughout the day. Jordan’s absolute nut bars Calories 249, saturated fat 26g, sugars 6.9g, protein 6.5g, salt 0.01g These are 59 per cent nuts, which bumps up their level of filling protein and bowel-friendly fibre to more than the amount in a slice of wholemeal bread. A bar has only one heaped teaspoon of free sugars – lower than many.
M&S sticky date and cinnamon grain bars Calories 181, saturated fat 0.7g, sugars 8g, protein 4.4g, salt 0g Low in saturated fat and containing only natural sugars from the dried fruit (none is added), these have as much fibre as a thick slice of wholemeal bread. They’re also salt-free.
The Sinners
Pure granola squares Calories 418, saturated fat 9.3g, sugars 17g, protein 8g, salt 0.28g Despite containing some nutrient-rich ingredients like oats, omega-3 rich seeds and walnuts, one bar contains almost half the daily saturated fat intake for women. The honey ups the free sugar content to the equivalent of three Jaffa Cakes.
Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain choc chip breakfast bake bars Calories 182, saturated fat 1.5g, sugars 17g, protein 2.2g, salt 0.25g Added iron and B vitamins, and low saturated fat, can’t make up for the low fibre, low protein and high sugar content (almost twice the amount as you’ll find in a small bowl of Coco Pops). It’s a combination that can leave you prone to snacking between meals.