What Defines a Midday Bar's Ingredient Philosophy?
Midday bars, specifically from the brand Mid-Day Squares, are marketed as a 'functional chocolate bar' designed to provide a balance of flavor and nutrition. Unlike conventional chocolate or many traditional protein bars, the company emphasizes using simple, recognizable, whole-food ingredients. The ingredients are certified vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO, and the company proudly uses no artificial preservatives. This commitment to a clean label and whole-food sourcing is a cornerstone of their brand identity.
The Common Core Ingredients
Across all Midday bar flavors, a few foundational ingredients are consistently used to create the bar's unique texture and nutritional profile. These include:
- Real Chocolate: Midday Squares uses Fairtrade-certified chocolate, made from scratch in-house with ingredients like cocoa butter, cacao powder, and organic coconut sugar. This provides the familiar and satisfying chocolate flavor while adhering to ethical sourcing standards.
- Plant-Based Proteins: To create a satisfying and satiating snack, the bars feature a blend of plant-based proteins. Organic pea protein, fava bean protein, and carob protein are commonly found, delivering a substantial protein boost.
- Natural Sweeteners: Instead of refined sugars, Midday bars use a variety of natural sweetening agents. Common examples include organic maple syrup, tapioca syrup, date syrup, and coconut sugar. These lend sweetness without the empty calories of processed white sugar.
- Healthy Fats and Fiber: The bars get their healthy fat content from sources such as cocoa butter, olive oil, and various nut butters. Fiber is added via ingredients like Jerusalem artichoke powder and other whole-food components, which aid in digestion and prolong satiety.
A Flavor-by-Flavor Breakdown of Ingredients
While the base remains consistent, each flavor has its own unique additions that define its character. Here is a look at some of the popular options:
Peanut Butta
- Organic peanuts and partially defatted peanuts
- Dark chocolate base
- Nut butters like hazelnut or peanut
- Organic sweeteners like maple syrup and date syrup
Almond Crunch
- Organic almonds
- Dark chocolate base
- Organic carob protein and fava bean protein
- Organic maple syrup and sorghum flakes for texture
Brownie Batter
- Dark chocolate base with Fairtrade cocoa butter
- Natural sweeteners including organic maple syrup, cherry juice concentrate, and molasses
- Organic fava bean protein and pea protein
Cookie Dough
- Dark chocolate and Fairtrade cocoa butter
- Organic fava bean protein, carob protein, and pea protein
- Cashew butter for flavor and texture
- Sweeteners like organic apple juice concentrate and molasses
Comparison of Key Ingredients Across Flavors
| Ingredient Category | Peanut Butta Flavor | Almond Crunch Flavor | Cookie Dough Flavor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Nut/Seed | Organic peanuts, Hazelnut butter | Organic almonds, Almond butter | Organic cashew butter |
| Key Protein Source | Organic pea protein, Organic peanuts | Organic carob and fava bean proteins | Organic fava bean and carob proteins |
| Featured Sweetener | Organic maple and date syrups | Organic maple syrup, molasses | Organic apple juice conc., maple syrup |
| Unique Texture Agent | Partially defatted peanuts | Organic sorghum flakes | Okra powder |
The Role of Functional Ingredients
The brand emphasizes that these are 'functional' bars, and several ingredients support this claim. For example, Jerusalem artichoke powder is a natural source of inulin fiber, which supports gut health. Furthermore, the use of wholesome, slow-burning ingredients like nut butters and plant proteins helps provide sustained energy and curb cravings more effectively than sugary snacks. The real, high-quality chocolate itself is an antioxidant-rich ingredient that can offer positive benefits.
The Journey from Ingredients to Bar
The process behind Midday Squares ensures that the ingredients retain their integrity. They are blended in-house to create the fudge-like texture, without excessive heat processing that can degrade nutrients. The final product is a satisfying, nutrient-dense snack that must be refrigerated to maintain its quality, a testament to the lack of artificial preservatives. This transparent approach gives consumers confidence that they are consuming a minimally processed, whole-food product.
Conclusion: A Clear Ingredient Profile
Ultimately, the ingredients in Midday bars are a straightforward list of recognizable, whole foods. From Fairtrade chocolate and organic nut butters to a medley of plant-based proteins and natural sweeteners, the brand succeeds in creating a functional snack that appeals to those seeking clean-label products. Their use of diverse, minimally processed components is a primary reason for their popularity, offering a nutritious and satisfying alternative to traditional snack bars.
Interested in the world of functional foods? You can learn more about how ingredients impact health by visiting the Functional Food Center website.
