Nutritional Properties of the E2G FOOD Bar
Nicola Marsh RD, SENr, MSc, BSc - HCPC DT26666
The E2G FOOD bar:
The E2G FOOD bar is a fortified, high protein bar that is rich in nutrient dense plant-based ingredients such as dates, oats, peanut butter, soy protein, sunflower seeds, chia seeds and a novel ingredient called spirulina, which is a type of blue-green algae. Each E2G FOOD bar offers a comprehensive nutritional profile that is comparable with that of a meal. In a compact 120g serving, the bar provides 500kcal, 30g of protein, 45g of carbohydrate, 22g of fat, 5.7g of fibre and a vitamin and mineral profile that meets the World Food Programme technical specifications for a fortified biscuit. Due to its nutrient density, the E2G FOOD bar has many potential roles as a food supplement supporting those who are unable to meet their nutritional requirements through their diet alone. The following article aims to highlight the various nutritional properties as well as the potential therapeutic and practical roles of the E2G FOOD bar.
Protein provision:
Multiple plant-based protein sources such as soy protein, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, chia seeds and spirulina contribute to the protein content of the bar resulting in a high-protein product, as more than 20% of the bar’s calorie content is provided by protein. Dietary protein is a type of macronutrient that contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. Whilst individual protein requirements will vary according to age, clinical status and activity levels, at 30g of protein per bar, the E2G FOOD bar will likely contribute significantly to any individual’s total protein consumption. For comparison, 30g of protein is also provided by 100g cooked chicken, 150g cooked salmon, 5 large eggs or 300g cooked lentils.
Vitamins & minerals:
Fortification with a vitamin and mineral pre-mix means that the E2G FOOD bar has the potential to alleviate and prevent micronutrient deficiencies. The vitamin and mineral pre-mix used to fortify the bar meets the World Food Programme technical specifications for a fortified biscuit and as such meets or exceeds 100% of the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) for adults (19-50 years of age) for several micronutrients including; thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin D and iodine.
Novel food ingredient:
Unique to other fortified biscuits, high energy biscuits and commercially available protein bars, the E2G FOOD bar contains spirulina. Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae with a diverse nutrient profile containing proteins, B vitamins and essential fatty acids. It is also rich in bioactive compounds such as phytonutrients that have strong antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are known as naturally occurring ‘disease-fighting’ compounds that have the potential to protect cells from damage by free radicals.
Nutrition support:
The E2G FOOD bar is energy-dense at 500kcal per 120g bar (4.1kcal/g). This, alongside it’s high protein content and fortification with vitamins and minerals makes it a potential nutrition support option supplementing the diets of those at risk of under-nutrition and or micronutrient deficiencies. For example, supporting regions facing emergencies and humanitarian crises where access to adequate nutritious food may be limited. Furthermore, the bar does not require refrigeration or cooking making it a practical option when these facilities are scarce.
References:
World Food Programme Technical Specifications: Fortified Biscuit. https://docs.wfp.org/api/documents/WFP- 0000149123/download/
Food Standards Agency: Food Supplements: https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/food-supplements
European Commission: Food Safety, Nutrition & Health Claims: https://food.ec.europa.eu/safety/labelling-and- nutrition/nutrition-and-health-claims_en