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Are Simple Mills almond flour bars gluten-free? A Detailed Look for Your Nutrition Diet

4 min read

According to the company's FAQ, all Simple Mills products, including their almond flour bars, are certified gluten-free. For individuals with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or those following a specific nutrition diet, confirming the safety of a packaged snack like Simple Mills almond flour bars is an essential step.

Quick Summary

Simple Mills almond flour bars are confirmed as certified gluten-free, backed by extensive third-party testing and rigorous allergen control measures to ensure safety for sensitive diets.

Key Points

  • Certified Gluten-Free: All Simple Mills products, including their almond flour bars, are third-party certified gluten-free, offering a high level of assurance.

  • Naturally Gluten-Free Ingredients: The bars are made with a blend of naturally gluten-free ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, and seed blends.

  • Strict Allergen Controls: The company follows comprehensive allergen control procedures and conducts extensive testing to minimize cross-contamination.

  • Nutrient-Dense Snack: Almond flour contributes to a nutritious, energy-sustaining snack that is also grain-free and Paleo-friendly.

  • Check Labels for Updates: Despite rigorous measures, consumers with severe allergies should always check the most up-to-date allergen information and potential recalls.

  • Certification Matters: Relying on products with certified gluten-free labels is the safest approach for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

In This Article

The Simple Mills Gluten-Free Guarantee

For many consumers, especially those with dietary restrictions, the label on a product is a primary source of trust. The good news for those wondering if Simple Mills almond flour bars are gluten-free is that the company explicitly states that all of its products are naturally gluten-free and undergo extensive third-party laboratory testing. This certification provides a higher level of assurance beyond simply not having gluten-containing ingredients listed on the label. The brand's commitment to taking its gluten-free status 'very seriously' and going 'above and beyond the industry standards' is a key factor for individuals prioritizing a strict gluten-free nutrition diet.

Ingredient Profile of Almond Flour Bars

The gluten-free status of Simple Mills bars begins with their ingredient list. The primary components of these bars, such as almond flour, coconut flour, and seed blends (sunflower, flax, chia), are all naturally free of gluten. This focus on simple, purposeful, whole-food ingredients is a hallmark of the Simple Mills brand. A typical list of ingredients for a dark chocolate almond bar includes:

  • Almond flour
  • Organic coconut nectar
  • Seed & seed flour blend (sunflower, flax, chia)
  • Chocolate chips (cane sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter)
  • Tapioca starch
  • Organic coconut oil
  • Almond butter
  • Molasses
  • Egg whites
  • Raisin juice concentrate (for freshness)
  • Sea salt
  • Baking soda
  • Rosemary extract (for freshness)

By building its products on a foundation of naturally gluten-free ingredients, Simple Mills reduces the risk of gluten contamination right from the start. Furthermore, using ingredients like almond flour, arrowroot, and flax meal adds a nutrient-dense quality that can offer benefits for overall nutrition.

Production and Allergen Control

While starting with naturally gluten-free ingredients is a crucial first step, preventing cross-contamination during manufacturing is what truly earns a product its 'certified gluten-free' label. Simple Mills uses a comprehensive allergen control process to ensure product integrity. This process includes:

  • Segregating allergens: Ingredients are stored separately to prevent mixing.
  • Allergen cleans: Full allergen cleans are conducted between production runs to remove any residue from previous batches.
  • Testing manufacturing equipment: Equipment is tested for allergens before being used for a new production run.
  • Third-party testing: Finished products undergo external lab testing to confirm gluten content is below acceptable levels.

It is important to note that while the company has robust procedures, unexpected incidents can happen. For example, a 2021 recall was issued for their Fine Ground Sea Salt Almond Flour Crackers due to an inadvertent mix-up with Farmhouse Cheddar crackers, which introduced an undeclared milk allergen. While this was a milk, not gluten, contamination event, it serves as a reminder for consumers with severe allergies to stay vigilant and check for any and all allergen updates from brands they trust.

Simple Mills vs. Other Gluten-Free Bars: A Comparison

When choosing a gluten-free snack bar, consumers have various options. The table below compares Simple Mills almond flour bars to a generic gluten-free bar and a traditional grain-based bar to highlight key differences.

Feature Simple Mills Almond Flour Bar Generic “Gluten-Free” Bar Traditional Grain-Based Bar
Key Flour Base Almond Flour, Coconut Flour Rice Flour, Oats (often certified) Wheat Flour, Whole Grains
Certified Gluten-Free Yes, certified Often, but confirmation needed No
Grain-Free Yes May contain gluten-free grains No
Artificial Ingredients No artificial ingredients May contain artificial sweeteners or preservatives Common to contain artificial ingredients
Nutrition Focus Nutrient-dense, whole-food ingredients Varies widely by brand Often higher in sugar, fewer nutrients

The Role of Almond Flour in Gluten-Free Diets

Almond flour is a popular gluten-free alternative because it is naturally low in carbohydrates and rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Unlike some other gluten-free flours that are primarily starch-based, almond flour provides a nutritional boost that aligns with clean-eating and Paleo-friendly diets. In Simple Mills bars, the use of almond flour contributes to a moist, soft-baked texture while providing a source of sustained energy. This makes them a satisfying and nourishing snack option for those following a gluten-free lifestyle, and part of a balanced nutrition diet.

Why Certification Matters for Your Nutrition Diet

For a person with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can cause significant health problems. A product labeled “gluten-free” means it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, a “certified gluten-free” mark, such as that provided by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), often indicates even stricter testing standards, potentially as low as 10 ppm. For someone following a nutrition diet, choosing certified products provides the highest level of assurance that cross-contamination is minimized, safeguarding their health. While Simple Mills has a robust internal process, their use of third-party validation provides an extra layer of confidence.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to the question, “Are Simple Mills almond flour bars gluten-free?” is a resounding yes. The company uses naturally gluten-free, purposeful ingredients in all its products and backs up this claim with a rigorous third-party certification program that includes finished-product testing. By prioritizing strict allergen controls during production, Simple Mills ensures that its almond flour bars are a safe and delicious snack option for those maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle or seeking clean, nutrient-dense foods. As with any packaged food, consumers should always perform their own label checks and stay informed about any potential product updates, especially if they have severe sensitivities.

For more information on the brand's commitment to clean ingredients and allergen control, you can visit the official Simple Mills website at simplemills.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, according to Simple Mills' FAQ, every product they make is certified gluten-free. The company takes its gluten-free status very seriously and conducts extensive finished-product testing.

Simple Mills almond flour bars are made with purposeful, whole-food ingredients. The base is typically a blend of almond flour, coconut flour, and seeds like sunflower, flax, and chia. They also use natural sweeteners such as coconut nectar and molasses.

Yes, Simple Mills products are certified gluten-free. This certification is verified through extensive finished-product testing conducted by a third-party laboratory.

Simple Mills follows rigorous industry standards for allergen controls, including segregating ingredients, performing full allergen cleans between production runs, and testing equipment. However, those with severe sensitivities should always exercise caution, as manufacturing facilities can handle various ingredients, including wheat.

Almond flour is valued in gluten-free diets for being naturally grain-free and nutrient-dense. It provides protein, healthy fats, and fiber, contributing to a satiating and nourishing snack.

For the most current allergen information, you should always check the 'Ingredients & Allergens' tab on each product page on the Simple Mills website. Allergen profiles can change over time, so it's wise to check periodically.

Yes, the almond flour bars are certified grain-free, corn-free, and Paleo-friendly, in addition to being certified gluten-free. They are made without grains, gums, or emulsifiers.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.