Core Ingredients in Natures Bakery Products
Many Natures Bakery snacks share a foundation of grain-based dough and fruit fillings. The dough typically uses stone-ground whole wheat flour, cane sugar, and canola oil, while fillings often feature fig or date paste, and fruit jams made from purées and concentrates. Additional common ingredients for sweetness and texture include brown rice syrup, rolled oats, glycerin, and sea salt. The brand emphasizes that its products are Non-GMO Project Verified, certified vegan, made in a nut-free facility, and contain no high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, or colors.
Common Base Ingredients
- Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour: The primary ingredient for the whole-grain base in many bars.
- Dried Cane Sugar/Cane Sugar Syrup: A natural sweetener.
- Brown Rice Syrup: Another sweetener that contributes to flavor and texture.
- Fruit Paste: Forms the base of fillings, with fig and date paste being common.
- Canola Oil: Provides fat in the dough for a soft texture.
- Glycerin: Acts as a humectant to keep bars moist.
- Sea Salt: Balances sweetness.
- Baking Soda: A leavening agent.
Ingredients by Product Type
Ingredients vary by flavor and product line, like fig bars, brownie bars, or oatmeal crumbles.
Whole Wheat Fig Bars
Raspberry Whole Wheat Fig Bars include a raspberry jam alongside the fig paste.
- Dough: Whole wheat flour, cane sugar, canola oil, rolled oats, brown rice syrup.
- Filling: Fig paste and raspberry jam (sugar, glycerin, rice starch, raspberries, apple powder).
- Other: Fruit juice, sea salt, natural flavor, citric acid, baking soda.
Double Chocolate Brownie Bars
These use cocoa-based fillings instead of fruit paste.
- Dough: Whole wheat flour, cane sugar, canola oil, date paste.
- Filling: Cocoa powder, chocolate (unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter), cane sugar.
- Other: Glycerin, gum acacia, brown rice syrup, malted barley flour, molasses, sea salt, natural flavors, baking soda.
Oatmeal Crumble Bars
Known for its crumble topping and fruit filling.
- Dough/Crumble: Whole wheat flour, oats, cane sugar, date paste, canola oil.
- Filling: Apple variety uses wheat syrup, apple puree, brown sugar, cinnamon.
- Other: Agave inulin, brown rice syrup, sea salt, baking soda, cinnamon.
Specialty and Dietary Considerations
Natures Bakery offers gluten-free options, using alternative flours.
Gluten-Free Fig Bars
- Dough: Gluten-free blend (tapioca starch, rice flour).
- Filling: Fig paste, sometimes with other fruit concentrates like pomegranate or raspberry.
- Five Grain Blend: Amaranth, quinoa, millet, sorghum, teff are included.
- Other: Brown rice syrup, cane sugar, date paste, rolled oats, canola oil, flaxseed, leavening agents, sea salt, xanthan gum.
Comparison Table: Natures Bakery Product Ingredients
| Ingredient Category | Whole Wheat Fig Bars | Double Chocolate Brownie Bars | Gluten-Free Fig Bars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flour Base | Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour | Whole Wheat Flour | Tapioca Starch, Rice Flour, Five Grain Blend |
| Sweeteners | Dried Cane Sugar, Brown Rice Syrup | Cane Sugar, Brown Rice Syrup | Brown Rice Syrup, Cane Sugar |
| Fat Source | Canola Oil | Canola Oil | Canola Oil |
| Fillings | Fig Paste, Fruit Jam (flavor-specific) | Date Paste, Cocoa Powder, Chocolate | Fig Paste, Fruit Jam (flavor-specific) |
| Binding Agent | None explicitly listed in base recipe | Gum Acacia | Xanthan Gum |
| Other Notables | Rolled Oats, Glycerin | Malted Barley Flour, Molasses, Flaxseed | Flaxseed, Rolled Oats |
Conclusion
Natures Bakery products utilize a consistent base of plant-based ingredients, primarily whole wheat flour and fruit fillings. Variations arise with specific flavors and dietary needs like gluten-free options. Key features include the absence of high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and nuts. For precise details, checking product packaging or the official Natures Bakery website is recommended.
Visit the official Natures Bakery website for the most current product information