MadeGood Granola Bar Sugar Content: A Detailed Look
MadeGood granola bars are often marketed as a healthier, allergy-friendly snack, but examining the sugar content is crucial for those watching their intake. For many of their classic flavors, like Chocolate Chip and Mixed Berry, the nutritional facts are consistent across different packaging and retailers. A single 24g bar typically contains 6 grams of total sugars. A closer look at the label also reveals that all 6 grams are listed as 'Added Sugars,' which accounts for 12% of the daily value based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
The Source of Sugar in MadeGood Bars
The sugar in MadeGood bars doesn't come from refined white sugar. Instead, the company uses alternative sweeteners derived from natural sources, which is a key part of their branding. The primary sweeteners listed in the ingredients include:
- Agave Syrup: A nectar from the agave plant, often used as a vegan, alternative sweetener. Agave is sweeter than table sugar, so less is needed to achieve the same level of sweetness.
- Brown Rice Syrup: A sweetener made from fermenting brown rice with enzymes. It is also a form of added sugar.
- Invert Cane Syrup: Another sweetener derived from sugarcane, which is used to provide texture and moisture to the bars.
These ingredients provide the sweet flavor and help bind the other ingredients, such as gluten-free oats, rice crisps, and vegetable powders, into a cohesive bar. While these sweeteners might sound more natural than high-fructose corn syrup, they are still considered added sugars and should be consumed in moderation.
Comparing MadeGood to Other Granola Bars
To understand if MadeGood's 6g of sugar is considered high or low, it's helpful to compare it to other popular brands. The sugar content in granola bars can vary dramatically, with many mainstream options containing significantly more sugar.
| Brand | Flavor | Serving Size | Sugar (per serving) | Added Sugar (per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MadeGood | Chocolate Chip | 1 Bar (24g) | 6g | 6g (12% DV) |
| Nature Valley | Oats 'n Honey | 2 Bars (42g) | 11g | 11g (22% DV) |
| Quaker | Chewy Granola Bar (Chocolate Chip) | 1 Bar (24g) | 7g | 7g (14% DV) |
| KIND | Caramel Almond & Sea Salt | 1 Bar (40g) | 5g | 4g (8% DV) |
As the table illustrates, MadeGood falls into a moderate range when comparing sugar content by serving size. When considering Quaker Chewy bars, which have the same serving size, MadeGood actually contains 1 gram less sugar. However, comparisons with products like KIND bars, which are larger and contain more nuts, show a more nuanced picture. While KIND contains less added sugar per serving, it's a larger bar, which complicates direct, simple comparisons. The key takeaway is to always check both the sugar content and the serving size on the nutritional label.
The Role of Whole Grains and Vegetables
MadeGood emphasizes that its bars are a source of vitamins from vegetables, specifically spinach, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, beets, and shiitake mushrooms. The addition of these vegetable extracts provides nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, and E. This, combined with the use of organic, gluten-free oats and whole grains, creates a snack that provides more nutritional value than just empty calories from sugar. However, the presence of these vegetables doesn't negate the presence of added sugars. It's best to view the added vitamins as a bonus, not a justification for a high-sugar item.
Are MadeGood Granola Bars a Healthy Choice?
Whether a MadeGood granola bar is a 'healthy' choice depends on the context of one's overall diet and health goals. For a child with severe food allergies looking for a safe, nut-free snack, a MadeGood bar can be an excellent option. For someone monitoring their blood sugar or seeking to minimize added sugar intake, it's a good alternative to many conventional granola bars, but it's still not a low-sugar product. The balance of 6g of sugar with 1g of fiber and 2g of protein is something to consider. Some individuals may find that snacks with higher protein or fiber content are more satiating and have less impact on blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a standard MadeGood granola bar contains 6 grams of total and added sugar per 24-gram serving. The sweeteners used, such as agave and brown rice syrup, are a part of the brand's organic and allergy-friendly profile, but are still classified as added sugars. While MadeGood bars can be a more moderate option compared to some competitors and offer bonus nutrients from hidden vegetables, consumers should be mindful of the sugar content. Understanding the full nutritional profile allows for informed choices that align with individual dietary needs and health objectives.
Disclaimer: Nutritional information may vary slightly by flavor and package size. Always check the specific nutritional facts on the product packaging.
