Joybuy Insights

Choosing healthy snacks: how to compare ingredients, protein and sugars

Healthy snacks may seem easy to choose at first glance. However, packaging terms such as “0% added sugar”, “protein” or “gluten-free” can sometimes make comparisons difficult. A snack may contain little added sugar, but still provide a lot of energy or salt. Vegetarian snacks are not automatically suitable for every allergy or dietary preference either.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I filter product information according to practical criteria: ingredients, nutritional values, allergens, serving size and ease of use. This helps you quickly see which muesli, granola, nut mix or high-protein snack best suits your daily routine.

Three pitfalls when buying healthy snacks

1. Confusing “no added sugar” with sugar-free

The label may state that a product contains no added sugars. This does not mean that the product contains no sugars at all. Dried fruit, such as raisins or apricots, naturally contains sugar. So always check the table showing carbohydrates of which sugars as well as the ingredients list.

For example, B+ Muesli Nuts and Fruit states 0 g added sugars per 100 grams, but according to the nutritional table it contains 20.8 g of sugars. This is consistent with the presence of dried grapes and apricot.

2. Treating a high protein percentage as the only criterion

Protein snacks and high-protein snacks can be useful after exercise or when you are out and about. However, also look at the amount of salt, fat, fibre and allergens. A product containing 20 or 23 g of protein per 100 grams is not automatically suitable for everyone.

With granola, the serving size also matters. Nutritional values are usually given per 100 grams, while in practice you often use 30 to 50 grams. So calculate the nutritional value for your actual serving.

3. Not checking “gluten-free”, “vegetarian” or “organic” on the label

A product name or marketing text is no substitute for the full ingredients list. For allergies, the allergen information is particularly important. Also look out for “may contain” warnings.

You can identify organic snacks by the organic designation and the relevant certification mark on the packaging. Labels or product information may vary between different markets. Therefore, check the packaging when your order arrives.

Which features should you compare?

1. Ingredients and allergens

Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. If oats, wholegrain cereals, soya or nuts appear near the top, they make up a significant part of the product. With muesli and granola, look out for:

  • the proportion of wholegrain cereals;
  • the amount of nuts and seeds;
  • syrup, sugar or other sweeteners;
  • palm or sunflower oil;
  • allergens such as peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, soya and gluten.

A gluten-free granola must be clearly labelled as gluten-free. Standard oats, spelt, wheat and barley are not suitable for a gluten-free diet. If you have severe allergies, it is advisable to follow the current packaging and warnings.

2. Protein, fibre, sugar and salt per 100 grams

Use the per-100-gram figures as a consistent basis for comparison. Here are some examples from the range:

  • Holie’s Granola Protein Amandel Speculaas: 20 g of protein and 14 g of fibre per 100 g;
  • Holie’s Crunchy Muesli Protein Nuts: product information states 22 to 23 g of protein, depending on the nutritional table shown;
  • Holie’s Granola Peanut Chocolate: 15 g of protein, 14 g of fibre and 4 g of sugars per 100 g;
  • Hao Ba Shi Vegetarian Beef Steak Spicy Flavor: 20 g of protein, but also 3.1 g of salt per 100 g.

The duplicate nutritional information shown on some product pages demonstrates why it is important to check the current packaging before buying.

3. Serving size, packaging and storage instructions

A large bag of granola or nut mix may seem good value, but only if you keep the product fresh and measure out your portions. Many nut mixes have a recommended serving size of around 30 g. Once opened, the packaging should be sealed properly and stored in a cool, dry place.

For ready-to-eat vegetarian snacks, the format is convenient, but check whether refrigeration is required after opening. Some products must be eaten immediately after opening. Also look out for damaged packaging and the best-before date.

Our recommendations for different user profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
B+ Muesli Nuts and Fruit - 450g

B+ Muesli Nuts and Fruit - 450g

Why it suits this profile: A versatile base for breakfast, yoghurt or a smoothie bowl. The product information states that it contains organic ingredients and 0 g added sugars per 100 grams.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The nutritional values and ingredients are clearly listed. The 20.8 g of sugars per 100 g makes it clear that “no added sugar” does not mean sugar-free.

Main benefit & advantages

9 g of fibre and 10.9 g of protein per 100 g; suitable for combining with milk or yoghurt.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Holie's Granola Glutenfree Peanut Chocolate - 330g

Holie's Granola Glutenfree Peanut Chocolate - 330g

Why it suits this profile: A choice for anyone looking for gluten-free granola with a short, easy-to-understand ingredients list. The product information states 0% added sugar.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The table shows 4 g of sugars and the ingredients do not list added sugar. However, always check the current packaging if you have an allergy.

Main benefit & advantages

15 g of protein and 14 g of fibre per 100 g; contains oats and peanuts as listed allergens.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Holie's Crunchy Muesli Protein Nuts - 6 x 400g

Holie's Crunchy Muesli Protein Nuts - 6 x 400g

Why it suits this profile: For athletes or households that regularly use protein snacks and high-protein breakfast options. The pack contains six 400-gram bags.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The protein value is shown alongside sugar, fat and fibre. This means you compare the complete nutritional profile, rather than focusing only on the eye-catching protein percentage.

Main benefit & advantages

The product information states 22 to 23 g of protein and 19 to 21 g of fibre per 100 g; contains wheat, oats and nuts, among other ingredients.

Suitable for: Fans of spicy vegetarian snacks
Hao Ba Shi Vegetarian Beef Steak Spicy Flavor 62g

Hao Ba Shi Vegetarian Beef Steak Spicy Flavor 62g

Why it suits this profile: A ready-to-eat, spicy vegetarian snack for when you are out and about, with rice or as an addition to noodles.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Alongside the protein content, the product information also shows 3.1 g of salt per 100 g. This helps you assess a savoury snack on more than just its protein content.

Main benefit & advantages

20 g of protein per 100 g; 62 g serving and ready to eat. Contains soya, wheat and sesame.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about healthy snacks

Which healthy snacks are suitable for when you are out and about?

Choose individually wrapped snack bars, a small nut mix or a ready-to-eat vegetarian snack. Check the serving size, allergens and storage instructions beforehand. Products that need to be refrigerated after opening are less practical for a long commute or train journey.

Are muesli and granola the same thing?

No. Muesli usually consists of a mix of cereal flakes, nuts, seeds and dried fruit. Granola is often baked, giving it a crunchy texture. For both, check the oil, sugar, fibre and serving size. Granola with no added sugar may still contain naturally occurring sugars.

Which snacks are suitable for a high-protein diet?

Compare the protein content per 100 grams and per actual serving. High-protein granola, protein snacks, nuts and vegetarian snacks made with soya or wheat can all be suitable options. At the same time, pay attention to salt, fat and allergens. According to the brands’ own product information, nutritional values may vary between products, so always use the current label as your reference.