Total vs. Net Carbs in Noshu Bars: What's the Difference?
Before diving into the specific numbers, it's crucial to understand the distinction between total carbohydrates and net carbohydrates. Total carbs include all types of carbohydrates, while net carbs are the ones that are actually absorbed by the body and impact blood sugar levels. For people following low-carb or ketogenic diets, tracking net carbs is the primary concern.
The calculation for net carbs is typically as follows:
- Total Carbs - Dietary Fibre - Sugar Alcohols = Net Carbs.
Noshu bars are specifically formulated to be low in net carbs by using a blend of soluble fibres and sugar alcohols like erythritol and xylitol to provide sweetness without the high carbohydrate load. This explains why a bar can have a higher total carb number but a much lower and more diet-friendly net carb figure.
Noshu Bar Nutrition Breakdown by Flavour
The carbohydrate content in Noshu bars is not uniform across the entire range. Flavours featuring different ingredients, such as nuts or added fruit pieces, will have different nutritional profiles. It is essential to check the nutritional panel of your specific bar to get the most accurate data. Below is a look at some of the most popular Indulgence bar flavours.
Peanut & Caramel Nougat Indulgence Bar
This popular bar combines a peanut and caramel flavour profile. According to the product information from Noshu, the Peanut & Caramel Nougat Indulgence Bar contains the following per serving:
- Total Carbohydrates: 3.3g
- Dietary Fibre: 7.8g
- Sugar Alcohols (Polyols): 3.1g (Sorbitol 1.1g, Erythritol 1.1g, Glycerol 1.5g)
- Sugars: 2.4g
- Net Carbs: 3g per serve
Choc Mint Indulgence Bar
For mint chocolate lovers, the Choc Mint bar offers a low-carb option. The carb content is similar to other bars but has its own unique profile:
- Total Carbohydrates: 3.9g
- Dietary Fibre: 5.8g
- Sugar Alcohols (Polyols): Includes Erythritol, Xylitol, Sorbitol
- Sugars: 1.4g (naturally occurring)
- Net Carbs: 4g per serve
Cherry & Coconut Indulgence Bar
The Cherry & Coconut variant caters to fans of a more tropical flavour. The nutrition panel shows that this bar also fits into a low-carb eating plan:
- Total Carbohydrates: 4.3g
- Dietary Fibre: 10.6g
- Sugar Alcohols (Polyols): Includes Erythritol, Glycerol
- Sugars: 1.9g
- Net Carbs: 4g per serve
Comparison of Popular Noshu Bars
To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison table for the popular Indulgence bar flavours based on a single serving.
| Flavour | Net Carbs (g) | Total Carbs (g) | Sugars (g) | Fibre (g) | Main Sweeteners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peanut & Caramel Nougat | 3 | 3.3 | 2.4 | 7.8 | Erythritol, Sorbitol, Monk Fruit |
| Choc Mint | 4 | 3.9 | 1.4 | 5.8 | Erythritol, Xylitol, Monk Fruit, Stevia |
| Cherry & Coconut | 4 | 4.3 | 1.9 | 10.6 | Erythritol, Monk Fruit |
Factors Influencing the Carb Count
Several factors contribute to the final carbohydrate count of a Noshu bar beyond just the headline numbers.
- Sweeteners: The type and quantity of natural, plant-based sweeteners used are critical. Noshu's use of erythritol, stevia, and monk fruit extract means that the high sweetness level does not translate to high sugar content. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is not fully metabolised by the body, so it contributes very little to net carbs.
- Fibres: Ingredients like chicory root fibre, polydextrose, and soluble corn fibre are added to bulk up the bars and provide fibre. These are counted in total carbs but are largely indigestible, hence excluded from the net carb count. However, some individuals with sensitive digestive systems may experience discomfort from high fibre or sugar alcohol intake.
- Fillers and Coatings: The specific ingredients in the chocolate coatings, nougat, or other fillings can also impact the carbohydrate profile slightly. This is why small variations exist between flavours.
- Serving Size: Always pay attention to the serving size listed on the packaging. The listed carbohydrate count applies to a single serving, which is typically one bar.
Conclusion
In summary, Noshu bars are designed to offer a low-carb snacking option by keeping net carbohydrate counts minimal, typically around 3-4 grams per bar, depending on the flavour. This is achieved by using a combination of natural plant-based sweeteners and dietary fibres, which are subtracted from the total carbohydrate count to determine the net carbs. While they are a good fit for low-carb and keto lifestyles, sensitive individuals should be aware of the sugar alcohol and fibre content. By reviewing the specific nutritional information for your chosen flavour, you can confidently integrate Noshu bars into your diet as a guilt-free treat.
