Are Simple Mills Actually Healthy? A Dietitian's Review

November 8, 2025 •

5 min read

According to Simple Mills' product information, their food is made with simple, nutrient-dense ingredients like almond flour, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds, and nothing artificial. But the question remains: are Simple Mills actually healthy, or is it just clever marketing? The answer is more complex than it appears at first glance.

Quick Summary

An in-depth look at Simple Mills reveals that while it uses healthier, cleaner ingredients than conventional brands, its products' overall nutritional value varies. They are a great gluten-free and paleo-friendly option, but factors like calories, fat, and sugar content still require mindful consumption.

Key Points

Healthier Alternatives: Simple Mills products are a better choice than conventional snacks, using nutrient-dense flours and no artificial ingredients.
Moderation is Key: Despite being 'clean,' these are still processed foods and can be high in calories and fat due to their nut and seed flour bases, so portion control is important.
Blood Sugar Impact: Thanks to ingredients like almond flour, many products are lower-glycemic compared to refined flour alternatives, which is beneficial for blood sugar management.
Check for Added Sugar: Sweet items like baking mixes and cookies can still be high in sugar, so it's important to check the nutritional information, especially if you are monitoring sugar intake.
Budget Considerations: The high-quality ingredients used by Simple Mills mean that its products are more expensive than many competitors, which can be a limiting factor for some consumers.

The Philosophy Behind Simple Mills

Founded on the principle that 'food has the power to transform how you feel,' Simple Mills aims to create products with recognizable, purposeful ingredients. They avoid gluten, grains, dairy, soy, GMOs, and artificial additives, focusing on wholesome bases like almond flour, coconut flour, and seed blends. This approach is a significant step up from many conventional snack foods loaded with refined flours and sugars. However, it's essential to look beyond the mission statement and examine the nutritional specifics of each product line.

Simple Mills' Ingredients: The Good and the Bad

The Good: Nutrient-Dense Flours and Healthy Fats

One of the brand's key strengths is its ingredient selection. By replacing traditional white flour with nutrient-rich alternatives, Simple Mills enhances the nutritional profile of its offerings.

Almond Flour: A primary ingredient in many products, almond flour is a valuable source of protein, fiber, healthy monounsaturated fats, and antioxidants like Vitamin E. This nutrient combination can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote a feeling of fullness, aiding satiety.
Seed Blends: Products like their seed crackers feature blends of sunflower, pumpkin, and flax seed flour, providing plant-based omega-3s, magnesium, and other vital nutrients.
Healthy Sweeteners: Simple Mills often uses lower-glycemic sweeteners like coconut sugar in its dessert mixes and cookies, an improvement over high-fructose corn syrup.

The Bad: Processed Foods with Potential Downsides

Despite their wholesome ingredients, Simple Mills products are still processed foods and should not be viewed as a health 'free pass'.

Calorie and Fat Density: Almond and coconut flours are higher in calories and fat than traditional wheat flour. While the fat is primarily a healthy kind, overconsumption can still lead to weight gain.
Sugar Content: While using better sweeteners, some sweet products, like the brownie mix, still have a notably high sugar content. For example, the brownie mix is calculated as 33% sugar by weight, which is not ideal for those managing blood sugar.
Sodium Levels: Some products, particularly the crackers, can have significant sodium levels. For instance, the Rosemary & Sea Salt crackers contain 230mg of sodium per serving, or 10% of the daily value.
Cost: The high-quality ingredients and production methods come at a premium, making Simple Mills more expensive than many traditional alternatives.

Comparison: Simple Mills vs. Traditional Snacks


Feature	Simple Mills (e.g., Almond Flour Crackers)	Traditional Snacks (e.g., White Flour Crackers)
Primary Flour Base	Almond, sunflower seed, flax seed flours	Refined, enriched white wheat flour
Nutritional Value	Higher in protein, fiber, healthy fats; contains vitamins and minerals.	Typically low in fiber, protein, and micronutrients.
Glycemic Index	Low GI due to nut and seed flours, helping to stabilize blood sugar.	Can have a higher GI, causing potential blood sugar spikes.
Allergens	Gluten-free, grain-free; contains nuts.	Contains gluten; may have other allergens.
Additives	No artificial ingredients, gums, or emulsifiers.	Often contains artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Caloric Density	Higher per serving due to nut flour base.	Generally lower per serving but less satiating.
Cost	More expensive per unit due to specialty ingredients.	More affordable and widely available.

A Closer Look at Product Lines

Crackers

Simple Mills' crackers are one of their most popular and arguably 'healthiest' products. The almond and seed flour bases provide good fiber and fat, promoting satiety. The Fine Ground Sea Salt variety, for example, is gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and a reasonable low-carb choice when eaten in moderation. They make a great pairing with a protein or dip to create a balanced snack.

Baking Mixes and Cookies

This is where more scrutiny is needed. While still using better ingredients than most conventional mixes, items like the Chocolate Muffin & Cake Mix and brownie mix contain added sugars and can be calorically dense. An article from GoCoCo notes the brownie mix is classified as "ultra-processed," pointing out its high sugar and fat content. This doesn't mean they are 'unhealthy' in moderation, but they should be viewed as a treat rather than a health food staple.

Snack Bars

Simple Mills offers soft-baked almond flour bars made with nuts, seeds, egg whites, and dried fruit. These are generally well-received as a nutritious, satisfying snack that fits a healthy eating pattern, especially for on-the-go fuel. The inclusion of protein, fat, and fiber helps to keep you full longer.

How to Incorporate Simple Mills into a Healthy Diet

To get the most health benefits from Simple Mills products, use them strategically.

Mind Your Portions: Always check the serving size and don't assume that 'healthy ingredients' mean unlimited consumption, especially for higher-calorie items like crackers and cookies.
Use as a Component, Not the Whole Meal: Pair the crackers with a protein source like cheese, hummus, or nuts to create a more balanced and filling snack. This also mitigates potential blood sugar impact.
Choose Wisely: Opt for products with less added sugar. For baking mixes, you can even modify recipes by adding fiber like ground flaxseeds to improve the nutritional profile.
Remember They are Still Processed: While a better-for-you option, they are not a substitute for whole foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. They fit best in a diet that primarily consists of unprocessed ingredients.
Consider Your Budget: Due to the higher cost, consider them a premium snack rather than an everyday staple, especially if you can make similar baked goods at home for less.

Visit the Simple Mills website for their full ingredient lists and nutrition facts before purchasing.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

So, are Simple Mills actually healthy? Yes, when viewed in the right context. They are a much healthier, cleaner alternative to many conventional processed snacks and baked goods on the market. For those with dietary restrictions like gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, or following paleo or keto diets, they provide a valuable and delicious option. However, their healthiness is not absolute. They are still processed, can be high in calories and fat, and some sweet products contain significant sugar. The key is to consume them mindfully as part of a balanced diet, paying attention to portions and the overall nutritional balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all products are keto-friendly, but many, especially the crackers made from almond and seed flours, are a good option due to their lower carbohydrate content compared to traditional grain-based snacks. Always check the specific nutritional information for net carbs per serving.

Yes, Simple Mills crackers made with nut and seed flours are typically considered low-glycemic. The high fiber, fat, and protein content of the flours helps to slow down the absorption of carbohydrates and sugar, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels.

The higher price point is mainly due to the cost of premium, high-quality ingredients. Ingredients like almond flour, seed blends, and natural sweeteners are more expensive than the refined flours and sugars used by most conventional brands.

Yes, many Simple Mills products are a good source of naturally occurring fiber. The almond and seed flour bases are significantly higher in fiber than white wheat flour, which is beneficial for digestive health and satiety.

You can use Simple Mills mixes for healthier desserts, but guilt-free consumption depends on your overall diet and portion control. Some mixes can still be high in calories and fat, and some contain significant sugar. It's best to enjoy them as an occasional treat.

No, Simple Mills explicitly states that their products contain 'nothing artificial, ever.' They use simple, purposeful, and recognizable ingredients, which is a key part of their brand mission.

Many Simple Mills products are dairy-free and vegan, especially their crackers and baking mixes. However, some cheese-flavored products, like Farmhouse Cheddar crackers, contain dairy. It is important to always check the specific product label to ensure it aligns with a dairy-free diet.