Core ingredients in Soreen Lift Bars
Regardless of the flavor, the foundation of every Soreen Lift Bar is built upon a consistent set of core ingredients. This base provides the characteristic soft, squidgy texture and foundational nutrition that Soreen is known for. The main component is fortified wheat flour, which contains added essential nutrients like Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin (B3), and Thiamin (B1) to enhance its nutritional profile. Water and sugar are combined with maize starch and malted barley flour to create the signature malty flavor and chewy consistency. Vegetable fats, typically a blend of rapeseed and palm oil, are used, though Soreen states a commitment to sourcing sustainably. A touch of salt enhances the flavor, while yeast is used as a leavening agent. Calcium propionate is added as a preservative to maintain freshness.
Flavor-specific ingredients
While the base remains consistent, each Soreen Lift Bar gets its unique taste from a specific set of fruit nuggets or flavored pieces.
Blueberry: The blueberry version contains blueberry nuggets made from a mixture of sugar, concentrated blueberry juice, and lemon juice concentrate. Pectin is used as a gelling agent, with oat fibers, natural flavoring, and anthocyanin (a coloring agent) also included. Apple puree is also present to complement the fruit flavor.
Raspberry & Vanilla: This bar uses raspberry nuggets, which are created from sugar, water, concentrated raspberry juice, and lemon juice concentrate. The characteristic pink color comes from black carrot concentrate and anthocyanin. Pear juice concentrate and natural flavorings are also added to achieve the desired fruity and vanilla taste.
Banana: Sweetened banana flavored pieces are a key ingredient, composed of fructose-glucose syrup, concentrated pear puree, and concentrated banana puree. A humectant (glycerol) and wheat fiber help with texture, while pectin acts as a gelling agent. Banana puree, sugar, and natural flavourings complete the fruity profile.
Nutritional benefits and health considerations
Soreen Lift Bars are marketed as a healthier snack alternative to traditional cakes and chocolate bars. They are low in fat, vegan-friendly, and contain naturally occurring vitamin B12, which is known to help reduce tiredness and fatigue. Each bar typically contains fewer than 150 calories, making them a suitable option for those monitoring their calorie intake. The combination of complex carbohydrates from the fortified flour and malted barley, along with the natural sugars from the fruit nuggets, provides sustained energy.
Comparison Table: Soreen Lift Bars vs. Standard Cereal Bars
| Feature | Soreen Lift Bars | Standard Cereal Bars |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Flour | Fortified Wheat Flour | Often a mix of oats, rice, and wheat flour |
| Key Sweetener | Sugar, fruit juice concentrate | Often includes added syrups, honey, or high fructose corn syrup |
| Fat Content | Low in fat (e.g., Raspberry & Vanilla: 1.4g per 42g bar) | Varies widely, can be higher due to added oils or coatings |
| Fiber Source | Wheat flour, fruit nuggets, added fiber | Oats, nuts, seeds, and added dietary fiber |
| Vegan Status | Vegan-friendly | Varies by brand and recipe; often contains dairy or honey |
| Vitamin B12 | Naturally occurring source | Not typically included unless fortified |
| Texture | Soft and squidgy | Can be chewy, crispy, or crunchy |
The malt and fruit combination
The inclusion of malted barley flour is a defining characteristic of Soreen products, imparting a unique flavor and texture. Malt is a natural source of energy, and its complex carbohydrates release energy slowly over time, providing a sustained energy boost rather than a quick sugar rush. The fruit nuggets, made from concentrated fruit juice and puree, contribute natural sweetness and additional nutrients. The use of gelling agents like pectin helps to create the soft, chewy texture that is central to the bar's appeal.
Conclusion
Soreen Lift Bars are created with a core recipe of fortified wheat flour, water, malted barley flour, sugar, and vegetable fats, providing a consistent base across all flavors. The variations in fruit nuggets and flavouring are what differentiate each bar, such as the blueberry and raspberry & vanilla options. The bars are low in fat, vegan-friendly, and contain naturally occurring vitamin B12, making them a popular and healthier alternative for on-the-go snacking. The combination of sustained energy from complex carbohydrates and natural fruit sweetness makes them a fulfilling choice for a quick energy boost.