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What are the ingredients in Natures Bakery bars?

3 min read

Natures Bakery is known for its fig bars, with the brand's website highlighting a focus on thoughtful, plant-based ingredients. A common base across many of their products includes whole wheat flour, fruit paste, and brown rice syrup, supplemented with specific flavorings for each variety. This article explores the precise ingredients found in Natures Bakery products, from their popular fig bars to other specialty items.

Quick Summary

A breakdown of common and specialty Natures Bakery bar ingredients, highlighting the key components that define their different product lines, including vegan and gluten-free options.

Key Points

  • Common Ingredients: Natures Bakery bars frequently use a base of whole wheat flour, fruit paste (figs or dates), cane sugar, and canola oil.

  • Flavor Variations: Specific flavor profiles are achieved by adding fruit jams (raspberry, blueberry) or cocoa-based fillings to the core recipe.

  • Dietary Accommodations: Gluten-free varieties replace wheat flour with a blend of tapioca starch, rice flour, and a five-grain mixture.

  • Ingredient Transparency: The brand commits to avoiding high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and nuts, which is a key selling point.

  • Vegan Formulation: All Natures Bakery products are certified vegan, containing only plant-based ingredients.

  • Binding and Texture: Ingredients like glycerin and xanthan gum are used to achieve the desired soft-baked texture and product stability.

In This Article

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all Natures Bakery products are certified vegan and plant-based, made without any animal-derived ingredients.

The main difference is the flour base. Regular bars use stone ground whole wheat flour, while gluten-free bars use a special blend of gluten-free flours like tapioca starch, rice flour, and a five-grain mix.

No, all Natures Bakery products are made in a dedicated peanut and tree nut-free facility, making them safe for those with nut allergies.

The company states that their snacks contain no artificial flavors or high-fructose corn syrup, using natural flavors and fruit juices for coloring instead.

The core sweeteners include dried cane sugar, cane sugar syrup, and brown rice syrup, which are used in combination with fruit pastes.

Glycerin is a common ingredient used in Natures Bakery products. It functions as a humectant to retain moisture and ensure the bars have a soft, chewy texture.

The most accurate ingredient list can always be found on the product packaging. Additionally, the official Natures Bakery website lists ingredients for each specific product on its dedicated product page.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.