KIND changes its nutrition labels after USDA research on calories in nuts

Its research​ found whole almonds and cashews have less calories than originally thought due to findings on how our bodies digest the fats found in them (whole almonds have 19% less calories and cashews have 16% less calories). 

20% less calories

KIND claims this means its Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bar has 20% less calories than originally thought. 

“KIND has always prioritized using and celebrating whole nuts as the main ingredient in our nutrition bar portfolio​,” said Daniel Lubetzky, founder/executive chairman, KIND. 

“This research indicates nuts not only contain fewer digestible calories but are just as nutrient dense as they always have been with the same amount of protein, and essential healthy fats that contribute to heart health​.” 

Lubetzky said, unlike its competitors, which use a form of sugar such as brown rice syrup, or a protein blend, such as whey or soy isolate blend as the first ingredient, all of KIND’s nut bars have whole nuts, and 95% of the bars in its portfolio will be positively impacted by these findings. 

He claims KIND is the first national snack brand to announce changes to its labels based on this research. ​ 

The research came to light after scientists allegedly discovered the standard way of measuring calories, the 100-year old Atwater system, is inaccurate when it comes to certain foods, like nuts. 

“Nuts remain a nutrient dense snack, but the number of calories provided in a single serving has been grossly miscalculated​,” added Dr. David Baer, researcher, USDA. 

“Our findings suggest a more accurate representation of calories and food companies using nuts in their products will be able to provide clearer information to the public.​” 

Nut consumption

The study​ is especially relevant as tree nut consumption has grown 88% between 2000-2017. 

Calories are the second most checked item on a nutrition facts label, following sugar, according to the NPD Group, American market research company.

And 61% of adults are trying to reduce their calorie intake (NPD Group/Dieting Monitor, YE February 2018).   

More than 95% of KIND’s nut bar portfolio is affected, resulting in a 10-30 calorie reduction per bar including its Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt, will shift from 200 to 180 calories. 

The updated nutritional information can be found on KIND’s newly redesigned packaging.