Are there any healthy bitterballen? Yes—though a bitterbal is still a snack for happy hour. The SNX bitterbal is the better choice in its category: 25% beef (100% beef from the Netherlands) supplemented with legumes and vegetables, 8.4 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per 100 grams, and a Nutri-Score of B—the highest score among Dutch bitterballs. The same crispy crust, the same shredded meat, just a smarter blend.
In this article, you’ll learn why “healthy bitterballen” is such a popular search term, what’s in the SNX bitterbal, how it compares to vegetarian bitterballen and classic brands, and what this means for the hospitality industry, sports canteens, catering, and retail.
The bitterbal is part of our cultural heritage—and it’s time for a better version
The bitterbal has been listed on the Dutch Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory since 2020. And rightly so: no drinks party is complete without bittergarnituur. At the same time, the way the Netherlands eats is changing. 42% of the Dutch follow a flexitarian diet and pay attention to meat, fat, and origin—even when dining outdoors. That group isn’t giving up the bitterbal; they want a bitterbal that fits with the rest of their diet.
What is a healthy bitterbal?
A healthy bitterbal isn’t a bitterbal made of lettuce and carrots. It’s a bitterbal that’s been carefully formulated: less saturated fat, less salt, more protein, and more fiber—while retaining the flavor and shredded meat texture of the original. That’s exactly what the SNX bitterbal is designed to deliver.
What's in the SNX bitterball?
The SNX bitterbal is part of SNX’s BOB (Best of Both) line: Dutch snack classics, reimagined as a healthier choice. The recipe: 25% beef — 100% beef from the Netherlands, with no other meat or fillers — supplemented with legumes and vegetables for a better nutritional profile. Developed in collaboration with Lekker500 chefs and international food technologists.
| Nutritional Value | SNX Bitterball per 100 g | Per bitterbal (30 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 177 kcal | 53 kcal |
| Protein | 8,4 g | 2.5 g |
| Bold | 5.9 g (2.6 g saturated) | 1.8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 21 g (sugars 1.1 g) | 6.3 g |
| Fiber | 6.0 g | 1.8 g |
| Salt | 0,97 g | 0.29 g |
| Nutri-Score | B | |
The bitterbal is low in sugar, GMO-free, and a source of protein and fiber. A serving of 8 bitterballen provides over 14 grams of fiber—nearly half of the Health Council’s daily recommendation (30–40 grams per day)—and 20 grams of protein.
Hybrid Bitterballen vs. Vegetarian Bitterballen
Vegetarian and vegan bitterballen are widely available, but they often go unsold on many menus: guests miss the shredded beef. The SNX bitterbal is the smart middle ground. It offers the authentic taste of 100% beef, along with more protein and fiber and less fat. This way, you can feature a single bitterbal on the menu that satisfies both meat-eaters and flexitarians—easier for the kitchen, better for your profit margin.
Compared to traditional brands (Mora, Van Dobben), the difference is the same as with croquettes: 3–4 times more fiber, about 2 times more protein, and the highest Nutri-Score in the category. You can read about the numbers behind that comparison in Is a croquette healthy?. An explanation of exactly what hybrid meat is can be found in What is hybrid meat?
Preparation: Just put it in the deep fryer
The SNX bitterball goes into the fryer frozen and fits right into the existing process—same fryer, same time, no new equipment. Store at -18 °C; exact cooking times are listed in the product specifications for each SKU. Please note: Products made specifically for air fryers are often pre-fried at the factory and contain added fats and sugars. To find out why “air fryer = healthier” is a myth, read The Air Fryer Myth.
For restaurants, sports canteens, catering, and retail
For hospitality industry This is a bitterbal that surprises guests: 25% shredded beef made from 100% Dutch beef—the only one with a Nutri-Score of B and dietary fiber—and a story that fits a menu that cares about something. In the sports cafeteria and at contract catering The Nutri-Score is the selling point: a healthier cafeteria that still moves products. For cafeteria and snack bar What matters most is convenience—same fryer, same time. And in retail The SNX bitterbal is the third option in the frozen food aisle: not traditional, not plant-based, but the “better-for-you” classic for the flexitarian shopper.
Available in boxes of 54 (54 × 30 g) through the wholesalers VHC and Nice to Meat, and through the SNX Online Store. SNX won the FSIN Food Court Award 2025 and is listed in the Chamber of Commerce Innovation Top 100.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Bitterballen
Are there any healthy bitterballen?
Yes. The SNX bitterbal has a Nutri-Score of B—the highest in its category—with 8.4 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per 100 grams, and less fat and salt than traditional bitterballen. It’s still a snack, but it’s the better choice.
How many calories are in a bitterbal?
A 30-gram SNX bitterbal contains 53 kcal (177 kcal per 100 grams). A serving of 8 pieces totals about 425 kcal, with 20 grams of protein and 14 grams of fiber.
What is the difference between hybrid and vegetarian bitterballen?
Vegetarian bitterballen do not contain meat. The hybrid SNX bitterball contains 25% beef (100% beef from the Netherlands), supplemented with plant-based proteins and fiber—for those who want the taste of shredded beef but want to eat more health-consciously.
How much meat is in an SNX bitterbal?
25% beef. The beef is 100% beef from the Netherlands. Therefore, the bitterbal is not a vegetarian product.
Where can you buy SNX bitterballen?
For business orders, contact VHC, Nice to Meat, or orders@snxfood.com; sample packs are free for companies. For home orders, visit the online store at snxfood.com/producten/ (box of 54).
Want to try it yourself?
Are you a buyer for a wholesaler, restaurant, catering company, sports club, or retailer? Request a free sample pack via snxfood.com/proefpakket or email us at orders@snxfood.com including product information, quantities, and company details. You can sample the products at home via the online store. Now. You can have it all!
