My name is Jesse Feder, a personal trainer & Registered Dietitian and contributor to https://www.mycrohnsandcolitisteam.com/I saw your query on Mid-Day Squares and I thought you might find this useful. -Mid-Day Squares are fairly balanced in terms of protein, carbs, and fats. They do provide ~4g of fiber and ~6g of protein. For a snack this can be good to help satisfy a craving or mild hunger. They are quite low in sugar and sodium which is also a good option for a snack. - The first or second ingredient in these snacks is dark chocolate. I would say this is more of a small dessert rather than a snack. However, the added fiber and protein could be acceptable for a sweet snack to curb some hunger. Therefore, I would say it is acceptable as both a dessert or a snack. - Mid-Day Squares, while they are quite similar in terms of calories, sugars, carbs, proteins and fats, to other products, I would say they do offer a higher amount of fiber. This is great for promoting gut health and feeling full for longer periods of time. This is where I think this product has an edge. If you need any more information, I'm happy to reply as soon as possible. Please let me know if you have any questions, if it's not too much trouble my preferred link would be to my website https://www.mycrohnsandcolitisteam.com/
Mid-day Squares (peanut butter) contain 170 calories, 6g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 4g fiber. Ingredients are mostly from plant sources and labeled as organic. The fiber added is from artichoke powder, fava bean powder, pea protein powder, and okra powder. The added fiber may cause consumers to have bloating or gas- think the introduction of Fiber One bars in the early 2000s or the string of prebiotic sodas on store shelfs today. They interestingly, must also be refrigerated which makes it harder to take on-the-go. While they are not very high in calories, the squares would tend to rank as a sweet snack or dessert. If we compare them to other items on the market, they are similar to Quaker Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars which have 100 calories, 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates and 1 g fiber. The squares have a more whole-foods label which may be more attractive to those seeking Organic and whole-foods based snacks. If you are looking for a filling snack or one that is more healthful, neither would be filling for a typical adult or provide much in terms of nutrient density. When I think about food products entering this space, I would recommend that clients choose a small snack or dessert that fills the craving and move on. I would choose a small square or two of chocolate. 2 Ghiradelli 60% dark chocolate squares are 100 calories, <2g protein, 12g carbohydrate, <2g fiber. A client who opts for the Mid-Day Square instead may feel partly satisfied, then having a second Mid-Day Square, and some finally turning to the original craving anyway. Instead of 100 calories for 2 chocolate squares, they wind up consuming 340 calories of squares+ chocolate squares they decide to eat after being unfulfilled.
Neuroscientist | Scientific Consultant in Physics & Theoretical Biology | Author & Co-founder at VMeDx
Answered 7 months ago
Good Day, 1. Are Mid Day Squares a healthy option for snacking? Indeed they are a great choice plant based, high in healthy fats, moderate in protein (6-8g) and also a great source of fiber. Made with real food ingredients like nut butters, dates and chocolate which will have you feeling full and with energy. Do bear in mind they are a dense in calories (around 250 per bar) which makes them better for a proper in between meal snack rather than a light snack. 2. Is it a dessert or a snack? A little of both. Nutritional they are great for a in between meal snack, but the rich chocolate coating and sweet taste put them in the dessert category. They are perfect for something that is very satisfying and indulgent without going over board like a full size candy bar. 3. How do they do in comparison to other products out there? We think of them as more indulgent then most protein or date based bars kind of a chocolate upgrade of GoMacro. In terms of RXBAR or Larabar which we are comparing them to Mid-Day Squares have more fat, a little more calories, and a very dessert like taste. They do stand out for clean ingredients and flavor, they are just not your go to go bar they are more filling and different. If you decide to use this quote, I'd love to stay connected! Feel free to reach me at gregorygasic@vmedx.com and outreach@vmedx.com.