Nutrition Diet: Are Benton's Fig Bars Dairy Free?

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Spoonful's ingredient analysis, Aldi's Benton's brand fig bars are indeed dairy-free, based on the components listed on the product label. For anyone adhering to a specific nutrition diet, understanding product ingredients is key, especially when asking: are Benton's fig bars dairy free?

Quick Summary

Benton's fig bars, an Aldi exclusive, do not contain any dairy ingredients according to their label, making them suitable for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. A detailed look at their ingredients shows they are also free of milk and lactose.

Key Points

Dairy-Free Status: Benton's fig bars are dairy-free, lactose-free, and milk-free based on their ingredients list.
Ingredient Breakdown: The bars are made with plant-based ingredients like enriched wheat flour, figs, high-fructose corn syrup, and vegetable oils, without any dairy derivatives.
Not Necessarily Vegan: While dairy-free, Benton's fig bars are not certified vegan. Sensitive vegans may need to consider potential animal-derived processing aids or debated ingredients like glycerin in other products.
Allergen Check: The product does contain allergens such as wheat and soy, which are listed on the ingredient label.
Read Labels: Always read the most current ingredient list on the package to confirm dietary compliance, as recipes can change over time.
Alternative Options: Many competitors like Nature's Bakery offer specific dairy-free and vegan fig bars, and homemade recipes provide full control over ingredients.

Understanding the 'Dairy-Free' Claim

For those with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or following a vegan diet, the term 'dairy-free' is crucial. Dairy refers to products made from the milk of mammals, and a sensitivity or allergy to any component can cause adverse reactions. The good news for fans of Benton's is that a review of their fig bar ingredients confirms they do not contain any milk, whey, casein, or other dairy derivatives. This offers peace of mind for individuals managing their dietary restrictions.

Ingredients Deconstructed: What’s Inside Benton’s Fig Bars

To be certain about the dairy-free status, it's essential to look at the specific ingredients. According to nutritional information available, the core ingredients in Benton's fig bars are plant-based and do not include dairy. Key components typically include:

Enriched Wheat Flour: The base of the cookie portion is a blend of bleached wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid.
Figs: The fruit filling is made from real figs, sometimes preserved with sulfur dioxide.
Sugars: A mix of high-fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, sugar, and dextrose is used for sweetness.
Vegetable Oils: The product uses vegetable shortening, which is a blend of oils like soybean, cottonseed, and palm oil, all non-dairy sources.
Leavening and Emulsifiers: Ingredients like sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and soy lecithin are included to help with the bar's texture and stability. Soy lecithin is derived from soybeans, not dairy.
Preservatives and Coloring: Potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and caramel color are used to maintain freshness and appearance.

This breakdown clearly shows no dairy components are used in the standard recipe. However, cross-contamination warnings are always a possibility in facilities producing other products, so sensitive individuals should contact the manufacturer if concerned.

The Vegan Question: Beyond Dairy-Free

While Benton's fig bars are confirmed dairy-free, that does not automatically make them vegan. The difference lies in whether any animal-derived ingredients are used at all, even if not dairy. For some fig bars, the ingredient glycerin can be a point of debate, as its source is not always specified as plant-based. A close look at the Benton's ingredients listed in search results does not show glycerin, but vegans concerned about trace amounts or processing methods should always investigate further or seek out certified vegan products.

Making a Nutritional Choice: Comparing Fig Bars

When evaluating Benton's against other popular fig bar brands, several factors come into play, including ingredients, nutritional content, and dietary claims. While Benton's provides a dairy-free option, other brands may offer different nutritional profiles, like whole grain or organic ingredients.

Fig Bar Comparison Table


Feature	Benton's Fig Bars (Aldi)	Nature's Bakery Fig Bars	Newman's Own Fig Newmans
Dairy-Free	Yes	Yes	Yes (select product)
Whole Grains	Enriched bleached flour	Stone ground whole wheat flour	Whole grain wheat flour
Primary Sweetener	High fructose corn syrup	Dried cane sugar, brown rice syrup	Corn syrup, invert sugar
Known Allergens	Contains wheat, soy	Contains wheat	Contains wheat, soy
GMO-Status	Not specified in search results	Non-GMO	Not specified in search results

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Fresh Approach to Dairy-Free

For those who want complete control over their ingredients, making homemade dairy-free fig bars is an excellent option. Several recipes available online provide instructions for versions that are not only dairy-free but can also be tailored to be vegan, gluten-free, or lower in sugar. This approach eliminates any concern about cross-contamination or hidden ingredients and offers a fresh, wholesome alternative to packaged snacks.

Control over ingredients: Homemade bars allow you to use specific flours, sweeteners, and fats that fit your dietary needs.
Avoid processed additives: You can skip the preservatives, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavors found in many commercial products.
Fresher flavor: A homemade recipe offers a more natural, robust flavor compared to some shelf-stable options.

Conclusion

In summary, for individuals following a dairy-free diet, Benton's fig bars from Aldi are a safe and accessible snack option. Their ingredient list clearly indicates the absence of dairy products. While this is great news for those avoiding dairy, it's always important for those with multiple sensitivities, such as vegans, to carefully scrutinize the full ingredient list and production methods. For those seeking maximum control or a cleaner label, considering other commercial options or baking a homemade version are excellent alternatives that align perfectly with a mindful nutrition diet.

Optional Outbound Link

For more information on the product, you can view the Benton's Fig Bars listing on the ALDI website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, based on the ingredients list, Benton's fig bars do not contain dairy, milk, or lactose. However, individuals with severe allergies should always exercise caution and consider potential cross-contamination risks from manufacturing facilities that handle other products containing allergens.

No, Benton's fig bars are not gluten-free, as they are made with enriched bleached wheat flour. You should seek certified gluten-free options if you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.

Not necessarily. While they are dairy-free, they are not certified vegan, and some ingredients like certain natural flavors could potentially have animal origins, though none are obviously animal-based from the provided ingredients list. Strictly adhering vegans may choose a certified vegan brand for assurance.

Both are similar fruit-filled cookies, but their ingredient lists differ, particularly regarding sweeteners and other additives. Benton's bars contain high fructose corn syrup, while Fig Newtons may use different sweeteners and potentially glycerin, which can raise questions for vegans.

Benton's is a private label brand exclusive to ALDI stores, so you can find these fig bars at any ALDI location.

Several other brands offer dairy-free fig bars, including Nature's Bakery, which specifies its products are vegan and dairy-free. Newman's Own also offers specific wheat-free and dairy-free options. You can also make your own at home using dairy-free ingredients.

While they are free of dairy, Benton's fig bars are high in added sugars, including high fructose corn syrup, and are a source of carbohydrates. They are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, rather than as a primary source of nutrition.