Healthy appetizers don’t have to be a compromise. The SNX bitterbal combines 25% shredded meat from 100% Dutch beef with protein and fiber from vegetables and legumes, among other sources. The result: a bitterbal with a Nutri-Score B rating, a source of protein and a source of fiber—one that can be cooked just like any other in a standard deep fryer and tastes exactly as a bitterbal should.
Healthy appetizers: Here's how the SNX bitterbal is made
The “borrelplank” is the time when the Netherlands snacks en masse—and precisely the time when most snacks have little nutritional value. SNX takes a different approach. The SNX bitterbal is a Dutch classic, reimagined as a healthier choice: Dutch beef combined with legumes and vegetables for a better nutritional profile.
25% shredded beef, 100% Dutch beef
Every SNX bitterbal contains 25% beef. That beef is 100% beef—no other meat, no fillers—and comes from the Netherlands. The shredded beef gives the bitterbal its rich, savory flavor, which defines its character. Guests can hardly taste any difference compared to a traditional bitterbal.
Fortified for a better nutritional profile
The rest of the recipe consists of a mix of protein and fiber, including vegetables and legumes. As a result, the SNX bitterbal provides more fiber and protein than comparable snacks, with less fat and fewer calories. The bitterbal is also low in sugar. To find out exactly how this hybrid approach works, read What is hybrid meat?
Nutritional Value: Values per 100 grams
First, the facts. Here’s what the SNX bitterball contains per 100 grams:
| Nutritional Value (per 100 g) | SNX Bitterball |
|---|---|
| Energy (kcal) | 177 |
| Protein (g) | 8,44 |
| Fat (g) | 5,9 |
| of which saturated (g) | 2,6 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 21 |
| of which sugars (g) | 1,1 |
| Fiber (g) | 5,98 |
| Salt (g) | 0,97 |
| Nutri-Score | B |
With 5.98 grams of fiber per 100 grams, the SNX bitterbal is a good source of fiber, and with its protein content, it’s a good source of protein. By comparison, that’s 3 to 4 times more fiber than similar traditional snacks. The Nutri-Score B is the highest score in the bitterbal category—it’s the only bitterbal with a Nutri-Score B and fiber.
Same fry shop, better bitterballen
For restaurants, cafeterias, and sports canteens, nothing changes in the kitchen. The SNX bitterball goes into the fryer frozen and fits right into the existing process: same fryer, same convenience, no new equipment, and no separate procedure. Store at -18 °C; the exact cooking time is listed on the product specification label inside each package.
That makes the pitch to guests simple: you put a bitterbal on the menu that surprises, with a story that fits a menu that cares about something. And for venues where health is a purchasing criterion—such as healthcare facilities, corporate cafeterias, and sports canteens—this bitterbal does pass the health test.
The bitterbal is also a factor for buyers with sustainability goals: because the hybrid recipe replaces part of the meat with proteins and fibers from vegetables and legumes, among other sources, each serving requires fewer animal-based ingredients than a product made entirely from beef—and thus has a smaller carbon footprint per serving. Not a vague sustainability promise, but an honest claim at the portion level.
The bitterbal in SNX's BOB line
The bitterbal is part of BOB (Best of Both), SNX’s product line in which classic Dutch snacks have been reimagined as healthier options. In addition to the bitterbal, the BOB line also includes the kroket, the burger, and the gehakt—from appetizers to meal components. The recipe was developed by Lekker500 chefs and international food technologists, and SNX was recognized with the FSIN Foodcourt Award and a spot in the Chamber of Commerce Innovation Top 100. You can find the full product range on our product page.
From bar snacks to an appetizer platter
The SNX bitterball is perfect for happy hour: as a snack in restaurants and bars, in the sports canteen after a game, or at home on the snack shelf. If you want to make your own, check out our recipe Make an appetizer platter with bitterballen and mustard mayo A complete setup in 30 minutes. Want to learn more about the approach behind all our products? Read How SNX Works.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SNX Bitterbal
What's in an SNX bitterbal?
Each SNX bitterbal contains 25% of shredded meat from 100% Dutch beef, supplemented with protein and fiber from vegetables and legumes, among other sources. The result is a bitterbal with a Nutri-Score of B that is a source of protein and a source of fiber.
Is the SNX bitterbal healthier than a regular bitterbal?
It does meet most of the criteria: more fiber and protein, less fat and calories, and the highest Nutri-Score in its category (B). The exact nutritional values per 100 grams are listed in the table above and in the product specifications.
How do you make SNX bitterballen?
The bitterball is placed in the fryer while still frozen and is fried as part of the existing frying process—no special equipment or separate procedure is required. Store at -18 °C. For exact cooking times, refer to the product specifications on the package.
Where can I buy SNX bitterballen?
Business customers place orders through wholesalers (including VHC and Nice to Meat) or directly through orders@snxfood.com. Consumers order the shipping box containing 54 bitterballen (54 × 30 g) in the online store.
Are SNX bitterballen vegetarian?
No. The SNX bitterbal contains beef, combined with protein and fiber from vegetables and legumes, among other sources. It is precisely this combination that makes it the better choice for those who do want meat but want to snack more mindfully.
Are you in the hospitality, wholesale, foodservice, or retail industry and would you like to try the SNX bitterball yourself? Request a free sample pack as a business or send an email orders@snxfood.com with your desired products and quantities — then we'll work together to find what suits your display, shelf, or cafeteria.
