Healthy Food Guide by KarbCoach
Valu Time Fig Bars: Food Integrity analysis
Quick answer
Lower integrity
Valu Time fig bars received a Food Integrity Score of 38 out of 100 (lower integrity). This reflects ultra-processed and high additive load. This reads more like a food-engineering project than a simple recipe, with figs buried under refined flours, multiple sweeteners, preservatives, and flavor systems. Figs are the only real fruit in the mix, and the sulfur dioxide preservation is worth noting. Treat it as an occasional snack rather than an everyday food. Main considerations include artificial flavor and vague natural flavor systems, multiple refined sweeteners including hfcs and corn syrup, and preservatives and color additives. Simpler options: Look for dried figs with no added preservatives or sweeteners; choose bars sweetened with honey or dates and made with whole-grain flours.
Food Integrity Score 38/100
What stood out on the label?
- Ultra-processed
- High additive load
- Transparency: Low
What to watch?
- Artificial flavor and vague natural flavor systems
- Multiple refined sweeteners including HFCS and corn syrup
- Preservatives and color additives
Simpler options to consider
- Look for dried figs with no added preservatives or sweeteners
- Choose bars sweetened with honey or dates and made with whole-grain flours
You are viewing ingredients and processing. Switch to Longevity for nutrition and longer-term eating pattern fit.
Source data, GTIN, and Healthy Food Guide analysis details
Product facts
- Product
- Valu Time Fig Bars
- Brand
- Valu Time
- Category
- Snacks (source: Snack, Energy & Granola Bars)
- GTIN / UPC
00011225549441- Serving size
- 33 g (2 cookies)
- Source data — ingredients
- Ingredient list from product label data (see Sources)
- Healthy Food Guide analysis
- Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards. See methodology under Sources.
- Data last verified
Food Integrity results
Fig Bars
Valu Time
Lower integrity
Warning Signs
Artificial flavor, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and high fructose corn syrup make this a heavily formulated bar.
Consider This
Refined enriched flour, palm oil, pregelatinized corn flour, and dextrose are typical of factory-formulated snack foods.
Good Substitutes
Dried figs with a short ingredient list, plus oat or whole-wheat flour, nut butter, and honey for a simpler homemade-style bar.
Overall Assessment
Lower integrityThis reads more like a food-engineering project than a simple recipe, with figs buried under refined flours, multiple sweeteners, preservatives, and flavor systems. Figs are the only real fruit in the mix, and the sulfur dioxide preservation is worth noting. Treat it as an occasional snack rather than an everyday food.
Key Highlights
What stood out
- Artificial flavor and vague natural flavor systems
- Multiple refined sweeteners including HFCS and corn syrup
- Preservatives and color additives
Family Watchlist
Ingredients some users may personally want to know about.
- High fructose corn syrup — Refined industrial sweetener
- Corn syrup — Refined corn-derived sweetener
- Figs (preserved with sulfur dioxide) — Sulfite preservative on fruit
- Palm oil — Industrial vegetable fat
- Preservatives (potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate) — Shelf-life preservatives
- Artificial flavor — Lab-made flavor system
Highest concern ingredients
- Artificial flavor (8/10) — Lab-made flavor system with unspecified sources
- Preservatives (potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate) (7/10) — Shelf-life preservatives
- High fructose corn syrup (6/10) — Refined industrial sweetener
Better choice tips
- Look for dried figs with no added preservatives or sweeteners.
- Choose bars sweetened with honey or dates and made with whole-grain flours.
Ingredients
Ingredient list
BLEACHED ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, DEXTROSE, SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, FIGS (PRESERVED WITH SULFUR DIOXIDE), CORN FLOUR, PALM OIL, PREGELATINIZED CORN FLOUR, FLAKED CORN, SALT, PRESERVATIVES (POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM BENZOATE), ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, SOY LECITHIN, BAKING SODA, CARAMEL COLOR, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVOR, ANNATTO (COLOR).
Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.
Highest-concern ingredients first. Expand an item for notes.
Artificial flavorConcern 8/10 — Higher concernArtificial flavorWatchlist · Additive · Vague label term · Higher concern
What this is
Artificial flavor
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Artificial flavors are a common watchlist item for label-focused users.
Additional note
Lab-made flavor system with unspecified sources.
Family watchlist
Artificial flavor system
Preservatives (potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate)Concern 7/10 — Higher concernPreservativeWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Preservative
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Preservatives signal shelf-life engineering in packaged snacks.
Additional note
Shelf-life preservatives.
Family watchlist
Shelf-life preservatives
High fructose corn syrupConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernSweetenerWatchlist
What this is
Sweetener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Refined liquid sweeteners are a common watchlist item for sugar-conscious users.
Additional note
Industrial corn-derived liquid sweetener.
Family watchlist
Refined industrial sweetener
Corn syrupConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernSweetenerWatchlist
What this is
Sweetener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Refined corn syrup adds another sweetener layer to an already sweet product.
Additional note
Refined corn-derived syrup sweetener.
Family watchlist
Refined corn syrup sweetener
View all 19 ingredient assessments
Palm oilConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernRefined oilWatchlist
What this is
Refined oil
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Palm oil is an industrial fat that many users prefer to track.
Additional note
Industrial vegetable fat, often refined.
Family watchlist
Refined industrial vegetable fat
Pregelatinized corn flourConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernModified starch
What this is
Modified starch
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Pre-processed starch helps texture and binding in engineered snack formulas.
Additional note
Corn flour pre-cooked and processed for texture.
Caramel colorConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernColor additiveWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Color additive
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Added color signals cosmetic formulation in a snack product.
Additional note
Color additive made from heated sugars.
Natural flavorConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernVague flavorWatchlist · Additive · Vague label term
What this is
Vague flavor
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Natural flavor is a vague term, so the exact source compounds are unclear.
Additional note
Broad flavor category with undisclosed source compounds.
Family watchlist
Vague flavor category
Bleached enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)Concern 5/10 — Moderate concernRefined flour
What this is
Refined flour
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Refined and bleached flour is a stripped-down base often used in packaged snacks.
Additional note
Refined wheat flour with added vitamins and minerals.
Soy lecithinConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernEmulsifierWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Emulsifier
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Emulsifiers help texture and blending in processed foods.
Additional note
Emulsifier derived from soybeans.
Family watchlist
Emulsifier additive
DextroseConcern 4/10 — Mild concernSweetener
What this is
Sweetener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Added simple sugar that boosts sweetness and quick energy.
Additional note
Refined simple sugar made from corn starch.
SugarConcern 4/10 — Mild concernSweetener
What this is
Sweetener
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Added sugar is a common concern for users watching sweeteners.
Additional note
Refined cane or beet sugar.
Figs (preserved with sulfur dioxide)Concern 3/10 — Mild concernWhole foodWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Whole food
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Transparency Context
Why it matters
Figs are the real fruit here, but sulfite preservation is worth knowing about.
Additional note
Real figs preserved with sulfur dioxide.
Family watchlist
Sulfite preservative used on figs
Corn flourConcern 3/10 — Mild concernRefined flour
What this is
Refined flour
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Adds more refined grain base to the bar.
Additional note
Ground corn, a refined grain form.
Citric acidConcern 3/10 — Mild concernAcidulantAdditive
What this is
Acidulant
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Adds tartness and works as a mild preservative helper.
Additional note
Acidulant commonly made by fermentation.
Annatto (color)Concern 3/10 — Mild concernColor additiveAdditive
What this is
Color additive
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Plant-derived coloring, but still added for appearance.
Additional note
Plant-derived color from annatto seed.
Flaked cornConcern 2/10 — Very low concernGrain
What this is
Grain
Processing category
Natural refined
Why it matters
Corn flakes add texture with minimal processing.
Additional note
Corn that has been flattened into flakes.
Baking sodaConcern 2/10 — Very low concernLeavening agent
What this is
Leavening agent
Processing category
Processed
Why it matters
A common baking ingredient with minimal concern.
Additional note
Leavening agent.
SaltConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Common seasoning with no notable concern.
Additional note
Basic seasoning.
This Food Integrity score estimates how close a food appears to a simple, recognizable ingredient profile. It is not a medical safety rating. Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
How this product may fit different goals
The same food can look different depending on what matters most to you. Here is a general preview of how this product may align with several common goals.
Low-Spike Stability
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low-Spike Stability, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar on watchlist (see Food Integrity)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
GLP-1 Eating Support
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing GLP-1 Eating Support, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar", "syrup", "dextrose". See ingredients for details.)
Low Sugar Lifestyle
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low Sugar Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar on watchlist (see Food Integrity)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Appetite & Portion Awareness
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Appetite & Portion Awareness, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar", "syrup", "dextrose". See ingredients for details.)
Low-Carb Lifestyle
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low-Carb Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Carb-dense ingredients (Mentions "flour", "wheat flour", "enriched flour". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Keto-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Keto-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Carb-dense ingredients (Mentions "flour", "wheat flour", "enriched flour". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Low Gluten Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low Gluten Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Gluten-related ingredients (Mentions "wheat". See ingredients for details.)
Minimally Processed Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Minimally Processed Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Ultra-processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Whole-Food Focused Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Whole-Food Focused Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Ultra-processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Ultra-processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Paleo-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Paleo-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Grain/legume ingredients (Mentions "wheat", "flour", "corn". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Heart-Healthy Eating
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Heart-Healthy Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Athletic Fueling
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Athletic Fueling, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Workout Recovery
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Workout Recovery, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Strength & Protein Focus
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Strength & Protein Focus, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Vegetarian
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegetarian, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Vegan
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegan, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Plant-Based
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Plant-Based, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Pescatarian
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Pescatarian, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Mediterranean-Style Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Mediterranean-Style Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Healthy Fat Focus
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Healthy Fat Focus, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
See how this product fits your goals
Choose what matters most to you and explore a more detailed interpretation of this product's nutrition, ingredients, and tradeoffs.
Understanding the Food Integrity analysis
What the Food Integrity analysis evaluates
The Food Integrity analysis focuses on how a packaged food is formulated and made. It examines processing level, ingredient quality, additives, oils, sweeteners, purity cues, and how clearly a label communicates what is in the product. The Food Integrity Score summarizes that formulation and transparency picture on a 0–100 scale. It is not a full nutrient report and it is not a personalized meal plan.
Why processing, ingredients, and transparency matter
Processing level and ingredient quality shape what you are actually eating beyond calories on the label. Additives, industrial oils, and intense sweeteners can change how clean or heavily engineered a product feels, even when the front of pack looks wholesome. Purity and transparency matter because incomplete or marketing-heavy labeling can hide tradeoffs that only show up when the full ingredient list is reviewed carefully.
Who may prioritize Food Integrity
Some people care mainly about Food Integrity because their dietary goals center on formulation rather than macros alone. Examples include checking vegetarian or vegan suitability, preferring simpler ingredient sources, avoiding certain additives or sweeteners, watching oil choices, or preferring less processed options. For those priorities, the Food Integrity Score can be the more practical first read.
How Food Integrity differs from Longevity
Food Integrity is the focused analysis of processing, ingredients, additives, purity, and transparency. Longevity is the broader analysis of nutritional composition, metabolic and dietary characteristics, processing, and ingredient quality together. Favorable nutrition values do not necessarily mean strong Food Integrity: a product can look balanced on macros yet still rely on heavy processing or additives that the Food Integrity analysis flags in more detail.
Why the two analyses overlap—and why to review Longevity too
The analyses overlap intentionally. Food Integrity–related characteristics contribute to Longevity, and Longevity still benefits from the same ingredient-quality lens. They are not competing verdicts; they answer different questions at different depths. Reviewing the Longevity analysis can add information about nutritional composition, metabolic characteristics, and dietary balance that Food Integrity alone does not emphasize. Looking at both usually gives the most complete understanding of tradeoffs.
Common questions about this product
Is Valu Time Fig Bars highly processed?
Food Integrity lists processing level as Ultra-processed. That reflects formulation and processing signals from the ingredient analysis — not a medical or regulatory classification.
Why are the Longevity and Food Integrity scores different?
Longevity emphasizes nutrition per serving and longer-term dietary alignment. Food Integrity emphasizes ingredients, additives, processing, and label transparency. The same product can score differently on those lenses.
How much fiber is in one serving?
Valu Time Fig Bars shows about 0.99g of fiber per labeled serving in the Longevity nutrition facts.
Does it contain added sugar?
Valu Time Fig Bars: 10g added sugar per serving; sweetener signals include High fructose corn syrup, Dextrose. Confirm the current package Nutrition Facts and ingredient list.
What helped the Longevity Score?
Key positives called out in the analysis include: Contains real figs as a fruit component; Modest calories per serving (110 kcal); Low sodium relative to many packaged snacks.
What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?
Key concerns noted include: Multiple added sugars: HFCS, dextrose, sugar, corn syrup; Refined enriched flour as the primary ingredient; Palm oil and multiple additives, colors, and preservatives.
Who might evaluate this product differently?
People prioritizing different goals (for example lower carbs, higher protein, or minimally processed eating) may weigh the same snacks differently. Use the goal preview on this page, then personalize in KarbCoach for your priorities.
Source data and Healthy Food Guide analysis
- Public label databases (including USDA FoodData Central and Open Food Facts) — Possible sources for package ingredients and nutrition.
- Healthy Food Guide analysis (Longevity and Food Integrity) — Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards.
- How the Longevity Score is calculated
- How the Food Integrity Score is calculated
- Scoring models: KarbCoach Longevity and Food Integrity.
- Independent analysis. No manufacturer affiliation.
- Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions. Full sources and safety details.
Label accuracy and safety information
Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
See how this item lines up with your goals
Healthy Food Guide covers this product in detail. In KarbCoach, your goals shape what matters most for your meals.
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