Snacks

Milk and cereal bar

FDC 174650bar (25 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 27 · -17 vs Snacks median

A milk and cereal bar scores 27 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band that ranks it 52nd of 60 in Snacks, well under the category's median score of 44. It does carry a fortified profile, with an excellent 33% DV of iron and an excellent 32% DV of calcium, numbers that come from added milk solids and enrichment rather than whole-food sources.

These bars are marketed as a portable breakfast or lunchbox snack, with a single bar (25 g) the reference serving. The honest caveat: it's high in sugars at 46 g per 100 g and carries 9.1 g of saturated fat per 100 g, so it behaves nutritionally more like a sweetened snack than the fortification alone suggests; a rice and wheat cereal bar scores higher in this category.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around milk and cereal bar, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 6.5 g · 6%Carb 72 g · 70%Fat 11 g · 24%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories413 kcal21%
Total fat11 g14%
Saturated fat9.1 g46%
Cholesterol6 mg2%
Sodium319 mg14%
Carbohydrate72 g26%
Dietary fiber0.4 g1%
Sugars46 g
Protein6.5 g13%
Potassium254 mg5%
Calcium410 mg32%
Iron6 mg33%
Magnesium21 mg5%
Vitamin C15 mg17%
Vitamin A188 µg21%
Vitamin E0.42 mg3%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 174650

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Iron33% DV
Calcium32% DV
Vitamin A21% DV
Vitamin C17% DV
Protein13% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the snacks median

Nutrient density27 vs 44 median
Protein / 100 g6.5 vs 8.1 median
Fiber / 100 g0.4 vs 4.2 median
Sodium / 100 g319 vs 400 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Snacks, shrimp crackerDensity 29 vs 27Rice and Wheat cereal barDensity 29 vs 27Snacks, pork skins, plainDensity 30 vs 27

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

A milk and cereal bar is a compact, chewy snack bar built from a base of dried milk solids and grain cereal pressed together, similar in format to a granola or breakfast bar but formulated to carry more added vitamins and minerals. It is eaten straight from the wrapper as a grab-and-go breakfast substitute or after-school snack, and its dense, slightly crumbly texture pairs well with a glass of milk or as an addition to a lunchbox alongside fruit.

Keep unopened bars in a cool, dry pantry; once opened, reseal or eat within a day or two since exposure to air can dry them out. A single 25 g bar delivers 413 calories with 46 g of sugar, so it is a fairly sweet, calorie-dense format, but it is also fortified with 33% DV iron, 32% DV calcium and 21% DV vitamin A, making it a way to add several fortified micronutrients into a small, portable snack rather than a low-calorie option.

Frequently asked questions about milk and cereal bar

How many calories are in a milk and cereal bar?

One 25 g bar has 413 calories.

Is a milk and cereal bar high in sugar?

Yes, a single bar contains 46 g of sugar, making it a fairly sweet, calorie-dense snack.

Is a milk and cereal bar a good source of calcium and iron?

Yes, it is fortified with 32% DV calcium and 33% DV iron per bar, along with 21% DV vitamin A.

View the USDA source record