Understanding Sugar in Go-Ahead Bars
When evaluating the sugar content of Go-Ahead bars, it is essential to look at the nutritional information for the specific type, as the values differ between their Crispy Slices, Fruit & Oat Bakes, and Yogurt Breaks. The brand’s Crispy Slices contain a consistent amount of sugar across flavours, but the Bakes and Yogurt varieties have different nutritional profiles due to their formulation.
Sugar content by Go-Ahead bar type
- Go-Ahead Crispy Slices: These are consistently the lowest in sugar per portion. A single 14.5g slice, regardless of the flavour (Apple, Forest Fruit, Cherry, Raspberry), contains around 3.7g of sugar. This makes a portion (two slices) approximately 7.4g of sugar.
- Go-Ahead Fruit & Oat Bakes: These are larger and more substantial, resulting in a higher sugar count per unit. A single 35g Apple Fruit & Oat Bake contains 7.8g of sugar.
- Go-Ahead Yogurt Breaks: The sugar content in the Yogurt Breaks is influenced by the sweet yoghurt-flavoured coating. For example, a single 17.8g Strawberry Yogurt Break slice contains 6.3g of sugar. A pack, which consists of two slices, would therefore contain 12.6g of sugar.
A detailed nutritional comparison
To make a clear comparison, here is a breakdown of the sugar content for some popular Go-Ahead products, showing both the per-portion and per-100g values.
| Product (Flavour) | Portion Size | Sugar per Portion | Sugar per 100g |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crispy Fruit Slice (Apple) | 14.5g slice | 3.7g | 25.6g |
| Crispy Fruit Slice (Forest Fruit) | 14.5g slice | 3.7g | 25.4g |
| Fruit & Oat Bake (Apple) | 35g bake | 7.8g | 22.3g |
| Yogurt Break (Strawberry) | 17.8g slice | 6.3g | 35.3g |
Understanding the source of sugar
It is also important to consider where the sugar comes from. Go-Ahead bars contain both naturally occurring sugars from the dried fruit (sultanas, currants, fruit purées) and added sugars, including granulated sugar, glucose syrup, and bulking agents like maltitol syrup. While sugars from fruit provide some fibre, free and added sugars are a key area for health considerations. The UK guideline for free sugars is no more than 30g per day for adults, so consuming multiple bars in a day can quickly add up.
How to interpret Go-Ahead bar nutrition
Here are some tips for assessing the healthiness of Go-Ahead bars:
- Check the label: Always look at the specific nutritional information on the packaging, as recipes can change over time.
- Consider portion size: A pack of Go-Ahead Crispy Slices contains two slices, meaning the total sugar is double the 'per slice' value.
- Compare to other snacks: When considering a snack, compare the sugar, fat, and calorie content with other options like fruit, nuts, or plain biscuits.
For more information on recommended daily sugar intake, you can visit the Heart UK website: Heart UK: Sugary Foods and Drinks Recommendations.
Conclusion
The sugar content in Go-Ahead bars is not uniform across the range. The Crispy Slices generally offer a lower sugar option per portion, containing less than 4g per slice. However, the Yogurt Breaks and Fruit & Oat Bakes contain considerably more due to their coating and recipe. Consumers should always check the nutritional label for the specific product and consider the total sugar intake when assessing how these snacks fit into a balanced diet.