Kinder Bueno
A hazelnut-cream wafer bar that is essentially sugar, palm oil and fat in a chocolate coating, so best kept as an occasional treat.
Ingredients (12)
Sugar
Sugar is the first ingredient, which means it is the largest component by weight. High free-sugar intake is linked to weight gain, dental decay and metabolic issues.
Palm oil
ControversialPalm oil is high in saturated fat. Its production is also linked to deforestation and habitat loss, and refined palm oil can contain processing contaminants (glycidyl esters, 3-MCPD) at high-temperature refining.
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts provide healthy unsaturated fats, vitamin E and some fiber, but the quantity here (~10-15%) is too small to offset the sugar and saturated fat. They are also a major allergen.
Skimmed milk powder
A source of protein and calcium with little concern for most people, but it is an allergen and not suitable for vegans or those with lactose intolerance.
Whey powder (from milk)
A by-product of cheese making, used as a cheap filler and texture enhancer. It is not harmful for most people but adds little nutritional value in this context.
Cocoa butter / cocoa mass
Natural cocoa ingredients contribute flavor and some antioxidants. Their content here is low compared with dark chocolate, so benefits are minimal.
Wheat flour
Refined flour for the wafer provides quick-digesting carbohydrate with little fiber. It is fine in moderation but not nutritious, and it is unsuitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Soy lecithin
E322A widely used and generally recognized as safe emulsifier. It is rated yellow because it is a processed additive and a soy allergen, not because of strong safety concerns.
Lactose
A natural milk sugar that adds to total sugar load and can cause digestive upset in lactose-intolerant individuals.
Sodium bicarbonate
E500A common raising agent with a long safety record at the amounts used in food.
Salt
The quantity is low, so it makes only a small contribution to daily sodium intake.
Vanillin
A synthetic flavoring that is considered safe at normal levels. It is rated yellow because it is an artificial flavoring that replaces real vanilla.
Healthier alternatives
Higher cocoa content means more antioxidants and less sugar, plus whole nuts for healthy fats.
Find on AmazonWhole-food option with no added palm oil and much less sugar.
Find on AmazonTypically more protein and fiber with less sugar, keeping you fuller for longer.
Find on AmazonKinder Bueno means 'good' in Spanish and Portuguese, and the bar was launched in 1990 by Ferrero as a lighter, crispier alternative to its other Kinder chocolates.