Do KIND Bars Contain Palm Oil? What You Need to Know

October 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to KIND's official FAQ, many of their bars contain palm kernel oil, which they assert is sourced from suppliers certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). This ingredient is used in various products, including some KIND bars, to achieve a desirable texture and extend shelf life.

Quick Summary

Many KIND bar varieties include palm kernel oil, which is sourced from RSPO-certified suppliers to promote sustainability. Consumers can check specific bar ingredient lists for confirmation of its inclusion.

Key Points

Palm Kernel Oil Used in Many Bars: Several KIND bar flavors, especially those with chocolatey coatings, contain palm kernel oil.
Sustainably Sourced: KIND states that the palm kernel oil they use is sourced from RSPO-certified suppliers.
Different Product Formulations: Some KIND bars, like certain Fruit & Nut varieties, may not contain palm kernel oil, so checking the label is essential.
Check Labels for Confirmation: Always look at the specific ingredient list for the flavor you are purchasing, as ingredients can vary.
Alternatives Exist: For those avoiding palm oil, alternatives include other brands that are certified palm-oil-free or making homemade versions.
RSPO Certification KIND sources its palm kernel oil from suppliers certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil.

Unpacking the Ingredients: Do KIND Bars Contain Palm Oil?

As health-conscious consumers, we've come to rely on ingredient labels to make informed decisions about our food. KIND bars, often marketed as a wholesome snack, have faced scrutiny regarding their use of palm oil. While many varieties do contain palm kernel oil, the full picture is more nuanced and involves understanding different oil types, the reasons for their use, and the company's sourcing practices.

What is Palm Kernel Oil, and Why is it Used?

It is important to differentiate between palm oil and palm kernel oil, though both come from the same oil palm fruit. Palm kernel oil is a type of vegetable fat extracted from the seed, or 'kernel,' of the palm fruit, while palm oil is derived from the fleshy fruit itself. In food production, palm kernel oil is prized for several properties:

Texture: It provides a semi-solid texture at room temperature, which is useful for creating consistent coatings on products like the chocolate on a KIND bar.
Long Shelf Life: It is resistant to oxidation, helping to extend a snack's freshness.
Flavor Neutrality: Unlike some other oils, it has a neutral taste and smell, meaning it doesn't interfere with the intended flavors of the bar.

For some KIND bars, this ingredient is used to help bind the nuts and grains together, ensuring the bar holds its shape and has a satisfying crunch.

KIND's Commitment to Sustainable Sourcing

KIND, now a part of Mars, has publicly addressed its use of palm kernel oil, citing a commitment to sustainable sourcing. Specifically, the company states it obtains its palm kernel oil from suppliers certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). The RSPO is an independent, third-party standard that sets best practices for producing and sourcing palm oil more sustainably. By participating in the RSPO certification program, KIND aims to mitigate the environmental and social impacts often associated with conventional palm oil production, such as deforestation and habitat destruction.

How to Verify the Presence of Palm Oil

Because KIND offers a wide range of products, the presence of palm kernel oil is not universal across all bars. Consumers should always check the ingredient label for specific products. Look for phrases like "palm kernel oil" or simply "palm oil" in the ingredients list. Some older product varieties, or those sold in different regions, may have slightly different formulations. For example, some Fruit & Nut varieties may not list palm kernel oil, while chocolate-coated bars almost always do.

Comparison Table: Palm Kernel Oil in Popular KIND Bars


Product Name	Does it Contain Palm Kernel Oil?	Typical Application
Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt	Yes	Used in the chocolatey coating to create a semi-solid texture and longer shelf life.
Crunchy Peanut Butter Protein	Yes	Found in the chocolate-flavored coating to bind the ingredients and create a consistent feel.
Caramel Almond & Sea Salt	Yes	Used in the caramel coating to provide texture and prevent spoilage.
Fruit & Nut (Select Varieties)	Typically No	These varieties often rely on honey, rice syrup, or other binders and may not have a chocolatey coating.
Zero Added Sugar, Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt	Yes	Included in the chocolate coating, alongside a different sweetener, allulose.

Alternatives for Palm Oil-Free Snacking

For those who prefer to avoid palm oil, several options are available. Some food manufacturers offer explicitly palm oil-free snack bars, and many grocery stores feature dedicated sections for such products. Additionally, consumers can consider making their own homemade copycat KIND bars. Numerous recipes are available that utilize alternative ingredients like coconut oil, nut butter, or honey to bind ingredients together. This approach allows for complete control over all ingredients, including the type of oil used.

Conclusion

In short, the answer to "do KIND bars contain palm oil?" is yes, many of them do, specifically palm kernel oil. The company's transparency on the ingredient label, along with its commitment to sourcing through the RSPO, provides consumers with the information needed to make their own purchasing decisions. For those who wish to avoid palm oil entirely, exploring alternative bar brands or making a homemade version are viable options. Ultimately, reading the label is the most reliable way to know exactly what's in your snack bar.

Find more information on the brand's sustainability initiatives by visiting the official KIND Snacks Sustainability Hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all KIND bars contain palm kernel oil. Varieties without a chocolatey coating, such as some of the Fruit & Nut options, are less likely to contain it. Always check the ingredient list on the specific product packaging to confirm.

No, palm kernel oil and palm oil come from different parts of the oil palm fruit. Palm oil comes from the fleshy fruit, while palm kernel oil is extracted from the seed, or kernel.

Palm kernel oil is used in food production for several reasons: it gives products a semi-solid texture, increases shelf life due to its resistance to oxidation, and has a neutral flavor.

The RSPO, or Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, is a third-party standard that promotes the sustainable production and sourcing of palm oil to mitigate its negative environmental and social impacts.

KIND states that it obtains its palm kernel oil from suppliers who are RSPO-certified, indicating a commitment to sustainable sourcing practices.

Making homemade KIND-style bars is an excellent way to ensure your snack is palm oil-free and gives you full control over all ingredients. Many recipes use alternative binders like coconut oil or honey.

Yes, regulations require that palm kernel oil be explicitly listed on the ingredient label if it is used in the product. You should always read the label carefully before purchasing.