Understanding What are the ingredients in nature bakery?

According to research, consumer demand for transparent food labeling is on the rise, with many seeking to understand the components of their snacks. This makes knowing what are the ingredients in Nature's Bakery products, like their popular fig bars, more important than ever for those who prioritize wholesome, convenient, and plant-based nutrition.

Quick Summary

This article examines the ingredient list for Nature's Bakery's popular fig bars, covering both the classic and gluten-free versions. It explores the core components like whole grains and fruit fillings, discusses nutritional pros and cons, and provides a comparative analysis to help consumers make informed dietary choices.

Key Points

• Whole Grains and Real Fruit: Most Nature's Bakery bars are made with a base of whole wheat flour and rolled oats, combined with a filling of real fruit paste, such as figs or raspberries.

• Plant-Based Ingredients: The snacks are certified vegan, containing no animal-derived products. They are also made in a dedicated nut-free facility.

• Multiple Sweeteners Are Used: Sweetness comes from a combination of sources, including cane sugar, dried cane sugar, and brown rice syrup, not just the fruit itself.

• Gluten-Free Options Use Different Grains: For those with gluten restrictions, a separate line of bars uses alternative flours like tapioca, rice, amaranth, quinoa, and flaxseed instead of whole wheat.

• No Artificial Flavors or Corn Syrup: A key feature promoted by the brand is the absence of high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, and artificial flavors.

• Moderation is Recommended: While wholesome, the bars contain added sugars and are moderately high in calories, so portion control is important, especially for those monitoring sugar intake.

• Healthier Than Some Alternatives: When compared side-by-side, Nature's Bakery fig bars are generally considered a healthier snack than traditional cookies or cakes due to their use of whole grains and less processed ingredients.

The Core Ingredients of a Classic Whole Wheat Fig Bar

For their most popular product, the Original Whole Wheat Fig Bar, Nature's Bakery relies on a foundation of simple, plant-based ingredients. The primary components combine to create a soft-baked exterior and a sweet, chewy filling that many consumers enjoy. Key ingredients found in the classic fig bars include:

• Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour: The first ingredient listed, this provides the base for the bar's soft texture and is a good source of dietary fiber and other nutrients.
• Fig Paste: Used for the filling, this contributes natural sweetness and flavor while providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Cane Sugar / Dried Cane Sugar: Used as a sweetener in both the bar and the fruit filling.
• Brown Rice Syrup: A syrup used for sweetness and to help bind the ingredients together.
• Canola Oil: This is included as a fat source to help create the moist texture.
• Rolled Oats / Whole Grain Oats: Adds a hearty, wholesome texture and additional fiber.
• Glycerin: An ingredient derived from plants that helps to maintain moisture and freshness in the bar.
• Leavening Agents: These include common baking soda to help the bar rise during baking.
• Natural Flavor & Citric Acid: Used for taste enhancement and as a natural preservative.
• Oat Fiber: An additional source of fiber.

Ingredient Variations by Flavor and Dietary Need

Beyond the original fig, Nature's Bakery offers a variety of other flavors, each with a slightly different ingredient profile to achieve its unique taste. For example:

• Raspberry Fig Bars: These include a Raspberry Jam made with additional ingredients like organic cane sugar, glycerin, and organic rice starch, along with real raspberries.
• Apple Cinnamon Fig Bars: These contain an Apple Paste that uses evaporated apples, cinnamon, and natural colorings like annatto and turmeric.

Nature's Bakery also caters to specific dietary needs by offering gluten-free products. The ingredient list for these items differs significantly from the whole wheat versions to ensure they are safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. The gluten-free version of the Raspberry Fig Bar, for instance, uses a different set of ingredients:

• Gluten-Free Flour: A blend that typically includes tapioca starch and rice flour.
• Gluten-Free Five Grain Flour: A mix of wholesome grains like amaranth, quinoa, millet, sorghum, and teff.
• Flaxseed: Added for extra fiber and nutritional benefits.
• Xanthan Gum: Used as a stabilizer, as it is a common substitute for gluten in baked goods.

Comparison of Nature's Bakery vs. Competitors

To understand where Nature's Bakery products stand in the snack market, it's helpful to compare them with common alternatives like generic fig newtons and other popular granola bars.

Feature	Nature's Bakery Whole Wheat Fig Bar	Generic Fig Newton Cookie	Standard Granola Bar (e.g., Oats 'n Honey)
Primary Grain	Whole wheat and oats	Enriched flour (often white flour)	Rolled oats
Sweeteners	Dried cane sugar, brown rice syrup, fruit paste	High fructose corn syrup, sugar, corn syrup	Sugar, brown sugar, honey, high fructose corn syrup
Fruit Source	Real fruit paste (e.g., fig, raspberry)	Fruit paste, often with a more processed consistency	N/A (often just sweeteners)
Artificial Flavors/Colors	No artificial flavors or colors	May contain artificial flavors and colors	May contain artificial flavors and colors
Processing	Moderate processing	Often more highly processed	Varies, can be highly processed
Notable Features	Vegan, Non-GMO, Nut-Free Facility	Not necessarily vegan; may contain nuts	Varies greatly; may contain nuts and dairy

The Nutrition and Health Verdict

Nature's Bakery bars occupy a middle ground in the healthy snacking world. They are generally considered a more wholesome option than traditional cookies or sugary granola bars due to their whole grain content, real fruit fillings, and lack of high-fructose corn syrup. For individuals following specific diets, their vegan, non-GMO, and nut-free status is a significant advantage.

However, it is crucial to consume them in moderation. A two-bar twin pack contains around 200 calories and can have a significant amount of added sugar (around 14-19 grams). While the presence of fiber from whole grains and fruit is beneficial, the sugar content can contribute to a higher daily sugar intake if not monitored. Some critics also note that the moderate level of processing and use of ingredients like brown rice syrup (which may carry trace amounts of arsenic) are points to consider, though these are typically of lower concern. Overall, they provide a quick and convenient energy source for on-the-go moments, but are best paired with other whole foods for a balanced diet.

Conclusion

In summary, the ingredients in Nature's Bakery fig bars are primarily whole grains and real fruit, sweetened with cane sugar and brown rice syrup, and baked into a convenient, plant-based snack. While offering a more transparent and arguably healthier alternative to many conventional snacks, awareness of the sugar content and caloric density is important for balanced nutrition. The availability of specific versions, such as the gluten-free bars with unique ingredient lists, allows for wider dietary accessibility. For those seeking more details or specific product information, the Nature's Bakery Official Website is a great resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Nature's Bakery fig bars vegan?

Yes, Nature's Bakery fig bars are Certified Vegan and contain only plant-based ingredients.

Are Nature's Bakery fig bars gluten-free?

Only the specifically marked gluten-free bars are. The standard whole wheat version contains wheat flour. The gluten-free products are made with an alternative flour blend.

Do Nature's Bakery fig bars contain nuts?

No, Nature's Bakery products are manufactured in a dedicated nut-free facility, making them safe for those with nut allergies.

Do Nature's Bakery bars have high fructose corn syrup?

No, the company prides itself on not using high-fructose corn syrup in its products.

What gives the fig bars their sweet taste?

The sweetness comes from a combination of real fruit paste (like fig), cane sugar, and brown rice syrup.

Is canola oil a healthy ingredient in these bars?

Canola oil is a processed vegetable oil used for moisture and texture. While it contains healthy fats, some sources note that processed oils can contain trace amounts of trans fats, so it is best to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Can I eat Nature's Bakery bars on a weight loss diet?

Yes, they can be included in a weight-loss plan if consumed mindfully and in moderation. Their whole-grain content provides fiber, which can help with fullness, but monitoring the calories (around 200 per twin pack) and sugar content is crucial.