The Misleading '100% Natural' Claim
For years, Nature Valley marketed its products as “100% NATURAL,” a claim that was legally challenged by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). The lawsuit highlighted the use of industrial ingredients like high-maltose corn syrup and maltodextrin, which are produced through chemical or enzymatic processes from corn starch. Despite the wholesome imagery of cascading waterfalls and natural landscapes, the products contain industrially produced, rather than purely natural, components.
Deconstructing the Ingredient List
A closer inspection of the ingredient list on many Nature Valley products reveals why they fall into the processed or ultra-processed categories. While they do contain whole grain oats and nuts, these are combined with a range of refined and industrial additives.
- Refined Oils: The use of palm oil and canola oil is common across many Nature Valley bars. Refined oils are heavily processed and, according to the EWG, can even contribute small amounts of unhealthy artificial trans fats. Furthermore, palm oil production has significant environmental impacts.
- Excessive Added Sugars: Numerous Nature Valley varieties are loaded with added sugars. The Oats & Honey Crunchy Granola Bars contain 11g of added sugar per two-bar serving, while the Sweet & Salty Nut bars were found by EWG to be 26% sugar by weight. Ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup and high-maltose corn syrup are frequently used to achieve sweetness and texture.
- Industrial Flavorings: Many products contain "natural flavor," a non-specific term for complex chemical mixtures that mimic or enhance taste. While legally defined, these are not whole-food ingredients you would have in your pantry.
- Soy and Other Additives: Ingredients such as soy lecithin are often included as emulsifiers to extend shelf life and improve texture. This is another indication of an industrially manufactured product.
The Ultra-Processed Verdict
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a 'Food Scores' database that rates products based on nutrition, ingredient concerns, and processing level. Certain Nature Valley bars, like the Sweet & Salty Nut varieties, have received a classification of 'high processing concerns' and are flagged as an 'unhealthy ultra-processed food'. The EWG notes that consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to a higher risk of health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Even seemingly simple varieties like the Crunchy Peanut Butter bars are scored as moderately processed due to ingredients like canola oil and potential contaminants.
Are They Really Any Better Than a Cookie?
The significant amounts of sugar and fat in many Nature Valley bars lead some to question if they are truly a healthier alternative to traditional snacks. A Reddit user pointed out the surprisingly similar nutritional profile of a serving of Oats & Honey bars and a couple of Oreos, noting they were 'disappointingly close'. This comparison highlights that marketing and consumer perception can significantly differ from the product's actual nutritional reality. Healthline notes that many granola bars in general are often highly processed and can negatively impact health due to added sugars and vegetable oils.
Comparison: Nature Valley vs. Healthier Whole-Food Alternatives
A comparison table can highlight the difference between a typical Nature Valley bar and a whole-food snack like an RXBAR. Nature Valley Crunchy Oats 'n Honey contains ingredients such as whole grain rolled oats, sugar, canola oil, rice flour, honey, brown sugar syrup, salt, baking soda, soy lecithin, and natural flavor. In contrast, a bar like an RXBAR style contains dates, nuts, egg whites, and natural flavoring. Nature Valley bars have high added sugar via multiple sweeteners (11g per serving) and use refined canola oil, whereas whole-food bars have lower sugar naturally from fruit and healthy fats from nuts/seeds. This shows Nature Valley relies on industrial ingredients leading to moderate to high processing, while whole-food bars use whole ingredients with minimal processing.
Conclusion
While Nature Valley bars include oats and nuts, the presence of refined sugars, processed oils, and other additives means many are highly processed. The 'natural' marketing can be misleading. Checking ingredient lists and considering minimally processed alternatives with whole-food ingredients is crucial for healthier snack choices. For more information on food labeling and consumer advocacy, visit the {Link: Center for Science in the Public Interest https://www.cspi.org/news/natural-nature-valley-products-have-unnatural-ingredients-says-lawsuit-20120726}.
