COLES JOYFUL BERRY AND WHITE CHOC BAKED BARS
15 min reading time
ReAL FOOD RATING
Price
$5.50/ 5 bars - 150grams
Where to Buy
Coles Supermarkets
MANDY'S TAKE
“At first glance, this bar might seem like a better option — it’s low in sugar, high in fibre, receives a 3.5 Health Star Rating and lists coconut and seeds upfront. But don’t be fooled. The Stars and the “low sugar” claim can be misleading, suggesting it’s a healthy choice when in reality, the sweetness comes from sugar alcohols like maltitol and isomalt, synthetic sweeteners known to cause digestive discomfort, especially in children. Beyond the gut effects, these sweeteners still trigger intense sweetness on the palate, which can condition individuals to crave unnaturally sweet foods.
The bar also contains sulphur dioxide (a preservative), along with a long list of refined flours, isolated fibres, thickeners, humectants, and emulsifiers. This is a highly engineered snack, not a real food bar, and certainly not lunchbox-friendly or suitable for children with gut sensitivities or developing taste buds.”
RATING BREAKDOWN
NUTRITION SNAPSHOT
- Some whole food ingredients (coconut, sunflower seeds)
- Gluten-free formulation
- Low sugar (1.23g per bar)
- Maltitol and Isomalt, sugar alcohols, used to replace sugar — may cause digestive upset, especially in children.
- Extensive ultra-processing: Includes modified starch, humectants, thickeners, emuslifier and natural flavours
- 10+ additives, including Category D (Sulphur Dioxide/220) — associated with respiratory sensitivity.
- Misleading "low sugar" claim: Multiple sweeteners and sweet-tasting ingredients still function like added sugar.
- Contains Emulsifier Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (464) - derived from wood pulp and may be linked to digestive issues
NUTRITION SNAPSHOT
Natural colours (not artificial)
Limited whole food ingredients beyond oats
Contains glycerine additive
Fibre partly from extracted chicory root
Colours: Natural
No Artificial Colours: Win!
WHO'S IT FOR?
- Babies & Toddlers
- Kids
- Teens (avoid/ limit wherever possible)
- Adults (limit wherever possible)
- Contains milk
- Contains soy
- Contains sulphites
BETTER OPTIONS
- Coconut Tahini Bars – shredded coconut, almond meal, tahini, vanilla, and cinnamon pressed into a slice and chilled — naturally sweet-tasting without added sugar.
MAKE IT YOURSELF
Want a healthier alternative? Try a homemade version!
“These use healthy and nutritious ingredients” – Mandy
Check out the Recipe
High-Protein Chocolate Brownies
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavour of these brownies, each hiding a secret twist: chickpeas and tofu. Surprisingly delicious, these treats boast a nutritious boost, packed with
Watch the Reel
THE VERDICT
Despite its “no added sugar” claim, this bar relies on synthetic sweeteners like maltitol and isomalt, which can cause digestive discomfort and are not suitable for young children. It also contains sulphur dioxide, multiple gums and emulsifiers, and a long list of ultra-processed fibres and starches — making it a prime example of an ultra-processed bar. While it may tick fibre and sugar boxes on a label, and receives a 3.5 star rating it fails the real food test. Highly engineered and not lunchbox-friendly — this is a bar best avoided by kids and anyone with sensitive guts. It gets a 2/5 Real Food Rating (RFR) alerting consumers about what’s really hiding inside.
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