Protein
Protein Functional Bar – Chocolate & Hazelnut
The taste of chocolate and the aroma of hazelnut, with an extra boost of protein.
THE FACT
In some European countries, up to 44% of the calories we eat each day come from ultra-processed foods, and packaged pastries are one of their main sources¹.
SOUND FAMILIAR?
It’s 11 in the morning and your stomach is already letting you know. In the break room, there’s only cookies and packaged pastries. You know there are better options, but it’s what’s within reach.
THE BRIDGE
That’s where this chocolate protein bar comes in, made with hazelnut: a source of protein and fiber, for those times you want something different to snack on between meals.
Origin / why
Protein – Chocolate & Hazelnut combines date, rice protein, hazelnut, and cocoa in a ready-to-eat bar. A source of protein and fiber, designed as an alternative to packaged pastries at the office.
References
1. Mertens E, Colizzi C, Peñalvo JL. Ultra-processed food consumption in adults across Europe. Eur J Nutr. 2022;61(3):1521-1539. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-021-02733-7
Jordina Casademunt
9to5 Nutritionist
“Protein is part of a balanced diet, and we can get it from many different foods. Including different protein sources throughout the day is a simple way to help meet our needs, including between meals.”
Nutritional
Pulsa en cada ingrediente para saber más
Source of protein
Source of fiber
Nutrition information (per 100 g / per bar, 30 g)
Energy
1620 kJ / 387 kcal – 486 kJ / 116 kcal
Fat (of which saturates)
10,6 g (2,9 g) – 3,2 g (0,9 g)
Carbohydrate (of which sugars)
50,8 g (39,2 g) – 15,2 g (11,8 g)
Fibre
8,4 g – 2,5 g
Protein
22 g – 6,7 g
Salt
0,95 g – 0,29 g
*VRN: Valores de Referencia de Nutrientes.
Full ingredient list
Date paste (Phoenix dactylifera, fruit), rice protein (Oryza sativa, grain), date syrup (Phoenix dactylifera, fruit), agave syrup (Agave tequiliana, bulb), toasted hazelnut cream (Corylus avellana, fruit) (8.1%), chocolate chips (Theobroma cacao, fruit) (100% cocoa mass) (4%), cocoa powder (Theobroma cacao, fruit), toasted hazelnuts (Corylus avellana, fruit) (3.2%), sea salt, and vanilla powder. May contain traces of almonds, pistachios, and peanuts.
Warnings
Made in a facility that also processes almonds, pistachios, and peanuts. Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight. It is important to follow a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Contraindications
Not recommended for people with a hazelnut or other nut allergy, due to the risk of almond, pistachio, and peanut traces. In people with diabetes or strict glycemic control, consider portion size, given the natural sugar content from date and agave syrup. It also doesn’t fit ketogenic or very low-carbohydrate diets, given its 15.2 g of carbohydrate per bar.
Interactions
No relevant interactions with medications have been described. It’s compatible with protein supplementation (shakes): this bar provides an extra source of protein, not a complete substitute. For those already taking a magnesium supplement, the amount from hazelnut is small, but worth factoring in if combining several sources.
References
1. Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods. Annex. Official Journal of the European Union L 404, 30.12.2006. Available at: https://www.boe.es/doue/2006/404/L00009-00025.pdf
Education
01
Eye-opening fact
When you eat protein, the body releases hormones that signal to the brain that you’ve eaten enough, one of the reasons it’s more satiating than other nutrients¹.
02
Myth vs. reality
Myth:
“The sugar in dates is the same as added sugar.”
Reality:
Although it contains sugar, the fiber in dates slows its absorption: its glycemic index is considerably lower than that of white bread or white rice². It also provides potassium, something refined sugar doesn’t have.
03
Top ingredient
Cocoa naturally contains compounds called flavanols, a type of antioxidant that has drawn scientific interest for years for its possible connection to cardiovascular health³.
04
9to5 tip
When you buy a snack “with protein,” check the actual grams per serving, not just the eye-catching label: to be called a “source of protein,” at least 12% of its calories must come from it.
References
Ignot-Gutiérrez A, Serena-Romero G, Guajardo-Flores D, Alvarado-Olivarez M, Martínez AJ, Cruz-Huerta E. Proteins and Peptides from Food Sources with Effect on Satiety and Their Role as Anti-Obesity Agents: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2024;16(20):3560. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203560
2. Alkaabi JM, Al-Dabbagh B, Ahmad S, Saadi HF, Gariballa S, Al Ghazali M. Glycemic indices of five varieties of dates in healthy and diabetic subjects. Nutr J. 2011;10:59. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-10-59
3. Goya L, Kongor JE, de Pascual-Teresa S. From Cocoa to Chocolate: Effect of Processing on Flavanols and Methylxanthines and Their Mechanisms of Action. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(22):14365. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232214365
Did you find this helpful?
Join the 9to5 community. Receive practical information about nutrition, wellbeing and health in the workplace, along with new content and the latest news from 9to5.
No unnecessary messages.
Just information you may find useful.
FAQs
Can’t find the answer? Ask our nutritionist.
Do you have a question about Protein – Chocolate & Hazelnut or want to know how to incorporate it into your diet? Our nutrition team will respond with evidence-based information adapted to your individual circumstances.