A Closer Look at the 'Good' in MadeGood
MadeGood has positioned itself as a conscientious brand, emphasizing its commitment to creating allergen-friendly, organic snacks for families. Their granola bars are often lauded for being free from common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, and gluten, and for including vegetable extracts for added nutrients. While these attributes are commendable, a comprehensive assessment requires a deeper look at the nutritional details, comparing them to other snacks, and considering how they fit into a balanced diet.
The Allergic Consumer's Ally
For many, MadeGood's most significant benefit is its commitment to allergy safety. By manufacturing in a dedicated, top-allergen-free facility, the brand provides peace of mind for families managing severe food allergies. This makes them a safe and viable snack option for school lunches and social events where cross-contamination is a concern. They are certified organic, vegan, and non-GMO, which further aligns with certain dietary preferences and values.
The Vegetable Extract Conundrum
One of the brand's key selling points is the inclusion of vegetable extracts from sources like spinach, broccoli, and carrots. The company states that the vegetables are freeze-dried and processed into a powdered extract, providing nutrients without affecting taste. Each bar reportedly contains 20% of the recommended daily intake of several vitamins. While this sounds impressive, critics point out that these vitamins are added through a powdered extract rather than from the whole vegetable itself. This is different from a snack where a whole vegetable might provide fiber and a fuller spectrum of nutrients, leading some to question the actual health impact of these hidden veggies.
Sugar Content: A Sweet Spot or a Sticky Situation?
Despite their organic and allergen-free claims, a crucial factor in evaluating how healthy MadeGood bars are is their sugar content. While MadeGood uses natural sweeteners like agave and brown rice syrup, some varieties, particularly the drizzled ones, can be quite sweet. For example, the Mixed Berry Granola Bar contains 6g of sugar per bar, which is lower than many competing snack bars, but still a notable amount, especially for children who may consume multiple snacks throughout the day. It is important for consumers to read the nutrition label carefully, as sugar content can vary between flavors.
A Comparative Look: MadeGood vs. Conventional Bars
| Feature | MadeGood Granola Bars | Conventional Granola Bars |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Certified Organic; gluten-free oats, agave syrup, vegetable extracts | Can contain non-organic ingredients, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavors |
| Allergens | Free from top common allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten, soy) | Often contain nuts, dairy, and wheat, posing risks for allergy sufferers |
| Sugar | Uses natural sugars like agave, but total content varies by flavor | Frequently uses high-fructose corn syrup and higher amounts of refined sugar |
| Fiber | Contains a modest amount of fiber (e.g., 2g in Mixed Berry) | Varies widely; some can be low in fiber or contain added synthetic fibers |
| Protein | Lower protein content; company acknowledges challenge in adding more | Varies; many are fortified with protein to appeal to fitness market |
| Hidden Veggies | Contains powdered vegetable extracts for added vitamins | Typically do not contain added vegetables or nutrients from vegetable extracts |
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
- Lower Protein Content: The company admits that higher protein levels currently compromise taste and texture, so the bars have a relatively low protein count. This can make them less satisfying as a meal replacement and more like a simple carbohydrate snack.
- Texture and Crumbly Nature: Some reviews note inconsistencies in texture, with some batches being chewier and others being overly crumbly. This can be a minor inconvenience, especially for on-the-go snacking.
- Sweetness and Calories: While often lower in sugar than some competitors, some flavors can still be quite sweet due to natural sugars, and the calorie count for a relatively small bar should be considered for those managing calorie intake.
- Cost: As a specialty product, MadeGood bars can be more expensive than conventional granola bars, which may be a factor for budget-conscious families.
Conclusion: A Qualified 'Healthy' Status
Are MadeGood bars healthy? The answer is nuanced. For families with food allergies or those seeking organic, vegan, and gluten-free options, MadeGood is an excellent choice. The inclusion of vegetable extracts adds valuable vitamins, and the use of natural sugars is a positive aspect. However, they are still a processed snack and not a direct replacement for whole foods. The relatively low protein content and varying sugar levels mean they should be treated as a supplemental snack, not a primary source of nutrition. For those without allergies, other whole-food-based snacks might offer a better nutritional profile. When deciding, consider your specific dietary needs, allergies, and nutritional goals, and use MadeGood as a tasty and safe part of a varied diet, rather than a health panacea.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do MadeGood bars get their vitamins from vegetables?
MadeGood uses a process where vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and carrots are freeze-dried and converted into a tasteless powdered extract, which is then added to the bars for vitamins A, C, D, and E.
Are MadeGood bars suitable for people with food allergies?
Yes, they are made in a dedicated facility free from the top common allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, egg, soy, and gluten, making them a safe choice for many with food allergies.
Is the sugar content in MadeGood bars a concern?
While MadeGood uses natural, organic sweeteners like agave syrup, the sugar content can vary by flavor. It's always best to check the nutrition label and consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Can MadeGood bars be considered a whole food snack?
No, while they contain organic ingredients, MadeGood bars are a processed snack, not a whole food. They should supplement a diet rich in whole fruits, vegetables, and other unprocessed foods.
Do MadeGood bars contain enough protein to be a meal replacement?
No, MadeGood bars have a relatively low protein count and are not intended to be a meal replacement. They are better suited as a quick, energizing snack.
Are MadeGood bars suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, MadeGood products are certified vegan, containing no animal products or byproducts.
Why do some people say MadeGood bars are not as healthy as they seem?
Critics often point to the fact that the vitamins come from a processed vegetable extract rather than whole vegetables, and that the sugar content, while natural, is still a notable amount for a snack.
Is the packaging for MadeGood products eco-friendly?
The boxes are made from recycled cardboard and are recyclable. However, the individual wrappers are not currently recyclable, though the company is working on sustainable alternatives.
