Snacks, M&M MARS, KUDOS Whole Grain Bars, peanut butter
Whole food · Snacks
A nostalgic, chewy whole-grain snack bar coated in milk chocolate and studded with peanut butter, offering a sweet, nutty flavor and a satisfyingly dense texture. Its primary nutritional highlight is its substantial carbohydrate and sugar content, providing a quick energy boost, though it is also calorie-dense. The bar is a classic example of a convenient, pre-packaged treat that balances a wholesome grain base with indulgent candy-like elements.
Calorie split: 5% protein · 55% carbs · 40% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for the perfect marriage of salty peanut butter and sweet milk chocolate, creating a deeply satisfying flavor. Its portable, no-mess format makes it a go-to for on-the-go energy or a nostalgic treat that recalls childhood snack time.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar and calorie content can lead to blood-sugar spikes and is not ideal for those monitoring their intake. To counteract this, pair the bar with a source of protein or healthy fat (like a handful of nuts) and practice portion control, enjoying it as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates and sugars.
- Contains whole grains, contributing some dietary fiber.
- Offers a convenient, portable snack option.
- Includes peanut butter for a source of plant-based protein and fat.
- Satisfies sweet cravings with a familiar, comforting flavor profile.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The Kudos bar was originally launched in the early 1990s as a 'wholesome' alternative to candy bars, but its formula was later adjusted to be even more dessert-like, leading to its eventual discontinuation by Mars in 2017.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 7.0 g |
| Energy | 463 kcal |
| Energy | 1937 kj |
| Protein | 5.9 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 20.8 g |
| Ash | 1.4 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 64.7 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.6 g |
| Total Sugars | 44.3 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 871 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.89 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 268 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.30 mg |
| Vitamin A, IU | 71.0 iu |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 10.4 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.32 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Snacks, corn-based, extruded, chips, plain — USDA does not publish this profile for Snacks.
| Tryptophan | 0.05 g |
| Threonine | 0.25 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.23 g |
| Leucine | 0.80 g |
| Lysine | 0.18 g |
| Methionine | 0.14 g |
| Cystine | 0.12 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.32 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.27 g |
| Valine | 0.33 g |
| Arginine | 0.33 g |
| Histidine | 0.20 g |
| Alanine | 0.49 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.46 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.2 g |
| Glycine | 0.27 g |
| Proline | 0.57 g |
| Serine | 0.31 g |
FAQ
Are Kudos bars still available?
No, Mars discontinued the Kudos bar line in 2017, though it remains a nostalgic item for many who grew up eating them.
Is this a healthy snack option?
While it contains whole grains and peanut butter, its high sugar and calorie content make it more of an occasional treat than a health food.
What are the main allergens in this bar?
It contains peanuts, milk, and may contain traces of other nuts or soy, making it unsuitable for those with peanut or dairy allergies.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 4.63 kcal/g · 5% calories from protein · 2.6 g fiber · 44.3 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.