Are barkTHINS good for you? A balanced nutritional analysis

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), some varieties of barkTHINS, despite their simple ingredients, have been classified as 'unhealthy ultra-processed food'. This often surprising classification prompts the question: are barkTHINS good for you, or is their health halo simply a marketing trick?

Quick Summary

This article explores the nutritional truth behind barkTHINS, analyzing the sugar, fat, and calorie content alongside the benefits of its dark chocolate and nut components for a clearer understanding of its health profile.

Key Points

Nutritional Paradox: barkTHINS contain beneficial ingredients like dark chocolate and nuts but are also high in added sugar and saturated fat.
High Sugar Content: Many varieties contain 11g of sugar per serving, all of which is added sugar, so portion control is crucial.
Not a 'Health Food': While potentially better than a traditional candy bar, their high sugar and fat levels mean they are not a true health food and are moderately processed.
Mindful Indulgence: For optimal health, consider barkTHINS an occasional treat rather than a daily staple, focusing on mindful consumption.
Antioxidant Source: The dark chocolate base provides some beneficial antioxidants and minerals, but these are balanced against the overall high-calorie profile.
Calorie-Dense Snack: The product is calorie-dense, and the ease of eating the bark-like pieces can lead to overconsumption.
Ingredient Transparency: The use of Fair Trade and Non-GMO ingredients is a positive, but consumers should look beyond simple labels to the full nutritional information.

The Allure of 'Snacking Chocolate'

For years, barkTHINS have been marketed as a simple, better-for-you indulgence. With minimalist packaging and phrases like 'Snacking. Elevated,' they position themselves as a healthier alternative to traditional candy bars. The use of dark chocolate, almonds, and sea salt—ingredients often associated with health benefits—contributes to this perception. However, the true measure of a snack's healthiness lies beyond its marketing and requires a closer look at its nutritional composition and overall processing.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

Simple, yet complex

The ingredient list for many barkTHINS varieties is relatively short and recognizable. For example, the Dark Chocolate Almond with Sea Salt flavor lists: dark chocolate (chocolate liquor, sugar, cocoa butter, milk fat, soy lecithin, vanilla), almonds, sunflower oil, and sea salt. The inclusion of Fair Trade Certified and Non-GMO ingredients is a definite plus for ethical consumers.

The tale of two ingredients

Dark Chocolate: High-quality dark chocolate (ideally with a high cocoa percentage) is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids, which can support heart health by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. It also contains beneficial minerals like iron and magnesium.
Nuts and Seeds: Additions like almonds, pumpkin seeds, and coconut provide protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which contribute to satiety and provide additional nutrients.

The drawback: sugar and saturated fat

Despite the positive aspects of dark chocolate and nuts, barkTHINS are not low in sugar or fat. The amount of added sugar per serving is significant, and the cocoa butter and milk fat contribute to a high saturated fat content. For example, the Environmental Working Group calculated that some barkTHINS products contain about three teaspoons of added sugar per serving.

Nutritional Breakdown and Comparison

To understand the full picture, it's helpful to compare barkTHINS with other popular snacks. Here is a comparison based on a standard 1.1 oz serving size (where available).


Item	Serving Size	Calories	Sugar	Saturated Fat
barkTHINS Dark Chocolate Almond	1.1 oz	160	11g	6g (28% DV)
barkTHINS Dark Chocolate Pretzel	1.1 oz	150	11g	6g (28% DV)
Snickers Fun Size (approx. 0.6 oz x 2)	1.2 oz	~160	~18g	~5g
Hershey's Special Dark Bar	1.45 oz	200	21g	8g

As the table shows, while barkTHINS may be slightly lower in sugar than a full-size traditional candy bar, their caloric, sugar, and saturated fat density is comparable per serving size. This highlights the importance of portion control when consuming them.

The Role of Moderation and Mindful Snacking

Ultimately, whether barkTHINS are 'good for you' depends on your overall diet and how you consume them. The label 'snacking chocolate' can sometimes lead to overindulgence, as the pieces are easy to eat. The benefits of dark chocolate only hold true when consumed in moderation, and eating too much can counteract any positive effects due to the high sugar and calorie load.

For a balanced diet, barkTHINS should be considered an occasional treat rather than a daily health staple. Mindful eating, focusing on a single serving and savoring the taste, is key to enjoying them without negative health consequences. For those who enjoy the flavor, they offer a satisfying, crunchy snack, but they do not replace genuinely healthy, whole foods.

The Verdict: Pros and Cons of barkTHINS

Pros:

Antioxidants: Contains beneficial flavonoids from the dark chocolate base.
Nuts and Fiber: Adds healthy fats, protein, and fiber from nut and seed inclusions.
Ethical Sourcing: Uses Fair Trade certified and Non-GMO ingredients.
Simple Ingredients: The ingredient list is generally shorter and more recognizable than many other processed candies.

Cons:

High Sugar and Fat: Contains a significant amount of added sugar and saturated fat per serving.
Calorie-Dense: Easy to overconsume, leading to high calorie intake.
Processed: Classified as moderately processed or even ultra-processed, despite the simple appearance.
Allergen Concerns: Contains soy and tree nuts, with potential cross-contamination.

Conclusion: A Treat, Not a Health Food

So, are barkTHINS good for you? The answer is nuanced. While they offer some nutritional advantages over a heavily processed milk chocolate candy bar due to their dark chocolate content and nuts, they are not a health food and do not provide substantial nutrition on their own. Their high sugar and saturated fat content mean that they should be consumed in strict moderation. For those seeking the true health benefits of dark chocolate, a small piece of a high-cocoa-percentage bar is a better choice. BarkTHINS are best viewed as a simple, delicious indulgence to be enjoyed sparingly, not a guilt-free daily snack. For more information on the health benefits of dark chocolate, consult authoritative nutritional sources.

Find more information on the health benefits of high-quality dark chocolate from reputable sources like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 1.1-ounce serving of barkTHINS, such as the Dark Chocolate Almond with Sea Salt flavor, contains 11 grams of sugar, all of which is added sugar.

They may offer more beneficial ingredients like almonds and dark chocolate, but often have a comparable calorie, sugar, and fat profile per serving. They are not necessarily a 'healthier' option, but a different type of treat.

Yes, some popular varieties contain a high amount of saturated fat. For example, a single 1.1-ounce serving of the Almond with Sea Salt flavor contains 6 grams of saturated fat, which is 28% of the daily recommended value.

Yes, reports from the Environmental Working Group have classified some barkTHINS products as an 'unhealthy ultra-processed food' based on their sugar, fat, and processing levels.

Dark chocolate itself is known for containing antioxidants that can promote heart health and provide minerals. However, these benefits are moderated by the product's high sugar and fat content, especially if not consumed in moderation.

Some flavors, like Almond Sea Salt, are inherently gluten-free, but they are often not processed in a certified gluten-free facility. The pretzel variety contains wheat and is not gluten-free.

While the nuts and dark chocolate contribute some fiber, a typical serving only provides a small amount, such as 3 grams in the Almond Sea Salt flavor.

Due to the high calorie, sugar, and fat content, consuming barkTHINS in moderation is essential to prevent overconsumption and maintain a balanced, healthy diet.