What's in a Feastables Bar? A Closer Look at Ingredients
Feastables are marketed with a short, simple ingredient list, often featuring organic cocoa, organic cane sugar, and other recognizable items. However, specific ingredient lists can vary by flavor. For example, the Milk Chocolate bar lists: sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa butter, unsweetened chocolate, lecithin (soy), and natural vanilla extract. The Almond Chocolate bar uses organic cocoa butter, organic chocolate liquor, organic milk, roasted almonds, organic vanilla powder, and sunflower lecithin.
Key ingredients and their roles:
- Organic Cocoa: Feastables use 100% organic cacao in many of their products, which appeals to consumers seeking ingredients produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
- Cane Sugar: This sweetener is derived from the sugarcane plant. While it comes from a natural source, it is still a refined sugar, and excess consumption carries the same health risks as other added sugars.
- Lecithin: As a multi-purpose emulsifier, lecithin helps bind fat-based ingredients like cocoa butter with non-fat ingredients like sugar, improving the chocolate's texture and flow properties. Feastables has used both soy and sunflower lecithin, both of which are processed food additives.
- Other Flavorings: Feastables uses "natural vanilla extract" rather than unspecified "natural flavorings" or other synthetic additives, a common differentiator from competitors.
Feastables vs. Conventional Chocolate: A Comparison
Feastables was created with the stated purpose of offering a cleaner snacking alternative to conventional chocolate bars. A closer look at the ingredients of a Feastables Milk Chocolate bar versus a Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar highlights some key differences in sourcing and processing.
| Feature | Feastables Milk Chocolate | Hershey's Milk Chocolate |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Sugar, Whole Milk Powder, Cocoa Butter, Unsweetened Chocolate, Lecithin (Soy), Natural Vanilla Extract | Sugar, Milk, Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Lactose, Milk Fat, Soy Lecithin, PGPR, Natural Flavor |
| Emulsifier | Lecithin (Soy) | Soy Lecithin, PGPR |
| Flavoring | Natural Vanilla Extract | Natural Flavor |
| Processing | Generally lower processing concerns, simple ingredients | More complex, higher degree of processing |
| Source of Milk | Some variants advertise "grass-fed milk" | Standard milk fat |
Understanding "Natural" in Processed Foods
The term "natural" is not strictly defined by regulatory bodies like the FDA for processed food, making it subject to interpretation. While Feastables' ingredients like organic cacao and cane sugar are derived from nature, they have still undergone processing. The key takeaway is not whether a food is 100% natural, but rather the degree of processing and the presence of identifiable, clean-label ingredients. Feastables' commitment to simple, recognizable ingredients and avoiding high fructose corn syrup and artificial additives is what sets them apart in the marketplace. However, a food is not inherently "healthy" just because it has a cleaner label, as indicated by Feastables' high sugar and calorie content.
Sourcing Claims and Ethical Considerations
Feastables has taken significant action to address ethical concerns in the cocoa industry. The brand sources 100% Fairtrade certified cocoa, a step that helps ensure better wages and working conditions for farmers and combats child labor. This ethical sourcing is part of a larger strategy that includes paying a Living Income Reference Price and implementing child labor monitoring and remediation systems. However, it is worth noting that some skepticism and complexity exist surrounding ethical claims in the food industry. For consumers who prioritize ethically sourced products, the Fairtrade certification is a meaningful indicator.
Conclusion: Are Feastables Natural? The Final Verdict
So, are Feastables natural? The answer is both yes and no. Feastables are not a whole, unprocessed food in the way a piece of fruit is, as they contain refined sugar and processed emulsifiers like lecithin. However, in comparison to many other chocolate bars, Feastables products can be considered more natural due to their use of organic cocoa, simpler ingredients, and avoidance of artificial additives. The decision of whether Feastables meet an individual's standard for "natural" comes down to personal values regarding ingredients, sourcing, and health considerations. While they offer a cleaner label and ethical sourcing, they remain a high-sugar, indulgent snack that should be enjoyed in moderation.
