What are the ingredients in Quaker oats granola bar?

December 5, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), some Quaker granola bars are classified as 'ultra-processed food' due to the inclusion of refined ingredients and additives. This article breaks down the common ingredients found in various Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, from whole grains to sweeteners and everything in between.

Quick Summary

A detailed analysis of the typical ingredients in Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, including the whole-grain oats, sweeteners like corn syrup and brown sugar, chocolate chips, and various additives and preservatives. Common allergens such as milk and soy are also addressed.

Key Points

Granola Base: Primary ingredients are whole grain oats, whole grain wheat, and brown rice crisps, held together with sugars and oils.
Common Additives: Includes sugars (corn syrup, brown sugar), oils (soybean oil), preservatives (tocopherols), and emulsifiers (soy lecithin).
Flavor-Specific Inclusions: Ingredients like chocolate chips, marshmallows, or peanut butter chips provide distinct flavors.
Potential Allergens: Frequently contain milk, soy, and wheat. Some may include peanuts or tree nuts.
High Added Sugar Content: Despite whole grains, they contain multiple sources of added sugar.
Ultra-Processed Classification: The EWG classifies some bars as ultra-processed due to refined ingredients and additives.

Core ingredients of Quaker Chewy Granola Bars

Quaker granola bars typically include a base of whole grain oats, whole grain wheat, and brown rice crisps. They contain multiple sweeteners like brown sugar, corn syrup, and invert sugar, alongside oils such as soybean oil, soy lecithin as an emulsifier, and nonfat dry milk.

Common additions by flavor

Specific flavors add unique ingredients. Chocolate Chip varieties contain semisweet chocolate chips, while others like S'mores or Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip include marshmallows, graham pieces, or peanut-flavored chips.

Additives and preservatives

Additives and preservatives like calcium carbonate, sorbitol, and tocopherols are used for texture, freshness, and stability. Quaker states their Chewy bars do not use artificial flavors or colors.

Comparison of ingredients across different Quaker granola bar flavors

For a detailed comparison of ingredients across different Quaker Chewy Granola Bar flavors, including Chocolate Chip, S'mores, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, please refer to the ingredient information provided by {Link: Tasty Rewards https://www.tastyrewards.com/en-ca/brands/quaker/products/quaker-chewyr-granola-bars-rocky-road}, {Link: BakersPlus https://www.bakersplus.com/p/quaker-chewy-chocolate-chip-granola-bars/0003000031182}, {Link: Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Quaker-Chewy-Granola-Variety-Count/dp/B01GQ5WNC0}, {Link: EWG https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/030000311820-QuakerChewyGranolaBarsChocolateChip/}, {Link: Cooklist https://cooklist.com/product/quaker-chewy-granola-bars-variety-pack-36-count-1106785}, {Link: EWG https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/products/030000311219-QuakerChewyGranolaBarsPeanutButterChocolateChip/}, and {Link: HEB https://www.heb.com/product-detail/quaker-chewy-chocolate-chip-granola-bars-value-pack/1647294}.

Potential allergens and dietary considerations

Common allergens in Quaker granola bars include milk (from nonfat dry milk or other dairy), soy (soy lecithin), and wheat (whole grain wheat). Some flavors contain peanuts or tree nuts, and those with nut allergies should check specific labels due to ingredients or potential cross-contamination during processing.

Understanding the 'added sugar' content

Multiple added sugars, such as corn syrup, brown sugar, invert sugar, and molasses, are present in Quaker granola bars. The EWG has highlighted that some varieties contain a high amount of sugar by weight.

Conclusion: Navigating the ingredient list

Quaker Oats granola bars provide a combination of whole grains, sugars, flavorings, and preservatives. While they contain whole grains, the inclusion of multiple sweeteners and processed elements leads to their classification as moderately processed. Examining the ingredient list allows consumers to make choices based on their dietary needs and concerns about sugar or allergens.

To understand the specific ingredients, sweeteners, allergens, and preservatives in a particular Quaker granola bar flavor, it is recommended to check the product label. This ensures awareness of the product's composition.

What to look for on the Quaker granola bar label

Checking the label on Quaker granola bars is important for identifying flavor-specific ingredients, understanding the types and amount of sweeteners, noting potential allergens like milk, soy, wheat, or nuts, and recognizing preservatives used. Confirming whole grains are listed is also advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary grain in Quaker granola bars is whole grain rolled oats, which is the base for the granola mix.

No, according to Quaker's website and recent product labels, their Chewy granola bars are made without high fructose corn syrup. They use other sweeteners like regular corn syrup and brown sugar instead.

No, most Quaker granola bars are not gluten-free because they contain whole grain wheat, as listed in the ingredients.

The multiple types of sugar, including brown sugar, corn syrup, and invert sugar, serve to provide sweetness, flavor, and the distinctive chewy texture of the bars.

Tocopherols are natural preservatives, a form of Vitamin E, added to prevent the fats and oils in the granola bars from spoiling and becoming rancid.

While they contain whole grains, many health organizations classify Quaker granola bars as moderately to ultra-processed due to high added sugar content and other refined ingredients. They can be a source of quick energy but are not as wholesome as less processed options.

Quaker Chewy bars are explicitly made with no artificial flavors or added colors. They do contain preservatives like tocopherols to ensure freshness.