Go Ahead: More a Treat than a Health Food
Go Ahead bars have long been positioned as a guilt-free indulgence, a lighter alternative to biscuits or chocolate bars. Their individual portion sizes and relatively low calorie count per slice make them seem like a sensible choice for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a lunchbox filler. However, a closer look at the ingredients and macronutrient balance reveals they are closer to a sugary treat than a genuinely healthy snack. While they might satisfy a sweet craving, they often lack the nutritional density needed to provide sustained energy and satiety. The perception of healthiness is largely based on their low-calorie marketing, which can be misleading for those seeking truly nutritious options.
The Nutritional Breakdown of Go Ahead Bars
The nutritional content of Go Ahead bars varies slightly across their product range, which includes Crispy Slices, Yoghurt Breaks, and Fruit & Oat Bakes. However, a common theme is the high proportion of carbohydrates and sugar relative to other key nutrients like protein and fibre.
For example, the Crispy Fruit Slices are advertised as a 'source of fibre' and '54 kcal per slice'. A single 14.5g slice contains around 3.7g of sugar and less than 1g of protein. This means a significant portion of the calories comes from simple carbohydrates and sugar, leading to a quick energy spike followed by a crash. In contrast, the Yoghurt Breaks are higher in calories per slice and contain slightly more saturated fat from their yoghurt-flavour coating, alongside a high sugar content.
The ingredient list for many Go Ahead bars, such as the Fruit & Oat Bakes, also shows a range of processed components, including various forms of sugar (glucose syrup, invert sugar syrup), bulking agents, and flavourings. While many recipes are vegetarian and free from artificial colours or flavours, they still rely heavily on processed ingredients rather than whole foods.
The Pros and Cons of a Go Ahead Snack
As with any processed food, there are trade-offs to consider before deciding if Go Ahead bars are the right snack for you.
Pros
- Convenience: Individually wrapped and easy to transport, making them a practical choice for on-the-go snacking or packed lunches.
- Controlled Portions: The single-slice packaging helps with portion control, particularly for those who struggle with larger packets of biscuits.
- Low Calorie (Per Slice): The low calorie count per slice can be appealing for those counting calories, provided they stick to the recommended portion.
- Taste and Variety: The range offers a variety of flavours and textures, appealing to different palates.
Cons
- High in Sugar: With sugar being a dominant ingredient, Go Ahead bars can contribute significantly to your daily sugar intake, which is not ideal for health or weight management.
- Lack of Satiety: Low in protein and fibre, these snacks are unlikely to keep you feeling full for long, potentially leading to increased hunger and more snacking later.
- Processed Ingredients: While they contain some fruit, the bars are predominantly made from processed wheat flour, sugar, and various additives, limiting their overall nutritional density.
- Deceptive Marketing: The marketing often highlights low calories and fruit content, downplaying the high sugar and processed nature.
- Portion Misconception: While low per slice, many people consume a full pack (often 3 slices), making the total calorie and sugar intake much higher.
Go Ahead vs. Truly Healthy Snacks: A Comparison
| Feature | Go Ahead Crispy Slices (per 3-slice pack) | Go Ahead Yoghurt Breaks (per 2-slice pack) | Natural Alternative (e.g., small handful of almonds and a few dates) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~162 kcal | ~142 kcal | ~150-200 kcal |
| Sugar | ~11.1g | ~12.6g | ~10-15g (Natural Sugars) |
| Fibre | ~2.7g | ~1.4g | ~3-5g |
| Protein | ~2.4g | ~1.8g | ~5-7g |
| Satiety | Low (processed carbs) | Low (processed carbs) | High (protein, fibre, healthy fats) |
| Processing | Highly Processed | Highly Processed | Minimal |
Healthier Alternatives to Go Ahead Bars
For a truly nutritious and satisfying snack, consider replacing Go Ahead bars with whole-food alternatives. These options provide sustained energy, essential nutrients, and higher levels of fibre and protein.
- Fresh Fruit with Nuts: A small apple with a handful of almonds provides natural fibre, healthy fats, and protein for long-lasting energy.
- Greek Yoghurt: Plain Greek yoghurt is an excellent source of protein. Top with fresh berries or a sprinkle of seeds for extra fibre and flavour.
- Roasted Chickpeas: A savoury alternative, roasted chickpeas are a portable snack packed with protein and fibre.
- Homemade Snack Bars: Creating your own bars with oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit allows you to control the ingredients and minimize added sugar.
- Oatcakes with Nut Butter: A good source of complex carbohydrates and healthy fats, providing sustained energy without a sugar crash.
The Verdict: Are Go Ahead Bars a Good Snack?
Ultimately, the answer depends on your definition of 'good'. If 'good' simply means convenient and low in calories per slice for an occasional sweet craving, then Go Ahead bars can serve that purpose. However, if 'good' implies a healthy, nutritionally dense snack that contributes positively to your overall well-being, then Go Ahead bars fall short. They are a highly processed product with a high sugar content relative to their minimal protein and fibre. The 'low calorie' claim can be misleading, as a full pack delivers a significant amount of sugar without providing lasting satisfaction. For those seeking truly healthy options, the whole-food alternatives listed are a much better choice. While an occasional Go Ahead bar is unlikely to cause harm, they should be treated as a treat rather than a staple healthy snack. For detailed nutritional information, you can always check the manufacturer's site or the product listing on major retailers like Sainsbury's.
