Tribe flapjacks are distinguished by their commitment to using natural, plant-based ingredients to create a gluten-free and vegan-friendly snack. While the exact components can vary slightly depending on the specific flavour, such as Choc Hazelnut or Raspberry, several core ingredients form the foundation of most Tribe flapjacks. This deep dive explores these common and flavour-specific ingredients, shedding light on their nutritional purpose.
Core Ingredients in Tribe Flapjacks
At the heart of every Tribe flapjack is a blend of natural, whole-food ingredients that provide energy and texture without relying on animal products or gluten.
- Date Paste: Serving as the primary binder and natural sweetener, date paste offers a rich, caramel-like flavour and a chewy texture. It's a key source of natural sugars and fibre, providing a quick but sustained energy release.
- Gluten-Free Oats: These form the classic flapjack base, contributing complex carbohydrates and a satisfying, chewy consistency. Being gluten-free makes the flapjacks suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
- Chicory Fibre: A soluble dietary fibre, chicory fibre adds bulk and sweetness while also contributing to the bar's overall fibre content. It's beneficial for digestive health.
- Sunflower Oil or Rapeseed Oil: These plant-based oils are used to create the soft, moist texture of the flapjack.
- Soya Protein Crispies: Included in protein-focused versions, these provide an additional source of plant-based protein. They consist of soya protein isolate, tapioca starch, and a pinch of salt.
- Coconut Sugar or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners are used alongside date paste to achieve the desired flavour profile without using refined sugars.
Flavour-Specific Ingredients
Beyond the core formula, Tribe adds specific ingredients to create their unique flavours.
- Choc Peanut: This flavour includes additional peanuts, peanut flour, and fat-reduced cocoa powder. The cocoa adds a chocolatey taste, while the added peanuts and flour enhance the peanut butter filling and nutty topping.
- Choc Hazelnut: This variation incorporates hazelnuts and fat-reduced cocoa powder to achieve its distinct flavour profile.
- Caramel: The caramel version features natural caramel flavouring and date syrup to deepen the sweet, caramelised taste.
- Raspberry: In this flapjack, natural raspberry flavouring is used to provide a fruity, tangy note.
- Choc Chip (Standard & White): These flavours include a chocolate topping made from cocoa mass and cocoa butter, or a white chocolate flavour topping containing sugar, cocoa butter, and maize flour.
How Ingredients Contribute to Performance
Tribe designs their flapjacks not just for taste, but for active lifestyles. The combination of ingredients works synergistically to deliver sustained energy and aid recovery.
- Sustained Energy: The blend of complex carbohydrates from gluten-free oats and natural sugars from date paste provides a steady release of energy, preventing the sharp peaks and crashes associated with refined sugars.
- Protein for Recovery: The inclusion of soya protein crispies adds a significant protein boost, which is essential for muscle repair and recovery after exercise.
- Fibre for Gut Health: Ingredients like chicory fibre and oats are high in dietary fibre, which supports healthy digestion and can help you feel fuller for longer.
- Natural Fats: The healthy fats from sunflower or rapeseed oil and nuts provide a dense source of energy for endurance and satiety.
Comparison Table: Tribe Flapjack vs. Traditional Flapjack
| Feature | Tribe Flapjack | Traditional Flapjack |
|---|---|---|
| Key Sweetener | Date Paste, Coconut Sugar, Maple Syrup | Golden Syrup, Brown Sugar |
| Primary Binder | Date Paste | Butter, Golden Syrup |
| Protein Source | Soya Protein Crispies (plant-based) | No added protein or whey-based (not vegan) |
| Fat Source | Sunflower or Rapeseed Oil | Butter |
| Dietary Suitability | Vegan and Gluten-Free | Typically not vegan or gluten-free |
| Additional Ingredients | Chicory Fibre, Nuts, Natural Flavourings | Fewer functional ingredients; often higher in refined sugar |
Are Tribe Flapjacks a 'Health Food'?
It's important to view Tribe flapjacks in context. While they are made with natural, plant-based ingredients and contain no refined sugars, they are still a calorie-dense snack. They are specifically formulated to provide a boost of energy and protein for active individuals, rather than being a low-calorie diet option. For example, the caramel flavour contains around 197kcal per 50g bar. Their benefits lie in their use of high-quality, whole-food ingredients and their alignment with vegan and gluten-free dietary needs. They are a far more nutritionally-dense choice than many confectionary bars on the market.
Potential Allergens and Manufacturing Information
Though Tribe flapjacks are vegan and gluten-free, it is crucial for individuals with specific allergies to read the label carefully. The products often contain nuts (peanuts, hazelnuts) and soya. Furthermore, the manufacturer uses shared facilities, and cross-contamination with other allergens such as eggs, milk, sesame, and sulphites is possible. Those with severe allergies should always exercise caution and consult the packaging for the most current information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ingredients in Tribe flapjacks are a carefully considered blend of natural, plant-based elements designed to fuel an active lifestyle. They rely on date paste for natural sweetness, gluten-free oats for slow-release energy, and soya protein crispies for a protein boost, while avoiding common allergens like dairy and gluten in their core formula. By offering a range of flavours and highlighting specific ingredients like chicory fibre and various nuts, Tribe provides a versatile and functional snack. The company's transparency about its ingredients, coupled with its mission-driven approach, helps consumers make informed choices while enjoying a tasty and wholesome treat.
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FAQs
How much protein is in a Tribe flapjack? A 50g Tribe Protein Flapjack typically contains around 7g of plant-based protein, derived from soya protein crispies.
Are Tribe flapjacks vegan? Yes, Tribe flapjacks are suitable for vegans, as they are made exclusively from plant-based ingredients.
Are Tribe flapjacks gluten-free? Yes, Tribe flapjacks are certified gluten-free, using gluten-free oats as their base.
What makes Tribe flapjacks different from regular flapjacks? Tribe flapjacks differ from regular ones by using natural, plant-based sweeteners like date paste instead of golden syrup, healthy plant-based oils instead of butter, and soya protein for added protein, making them vegan and gluten-free.
Do Tribe flapjacks contain refined sugar? No, Tribe flapjacks do not contain refined sugars; they are sweetened with natural sources like date paste, coconut sugar, and maple syrup.
What are soya protein crispies? Soya protein crispies are small, crunchy pieces made from soya protein isolate, tapioca starch, and salt, used to increase the protein content of the flapjacks.
Is there a risk of cross-contamination for allergens in Tribe flapjacks? Yes, Tribe flapjacks are made on a site that also handles other allergens like eggs, milk, and nuts, so there is a risk of cross-contamination.
Are Tribe flapjacks suitable for athletes? Yes, Tribe flapjacks are specifically formulated for athletes and active individuals, providing a mix of complex carbohydrates for energy and protein for recovery.
How are the various flavours created? The different flavours are created by adding specific ingredients such as hazelnuts and cocoa powder for Choc Hazelnut or natural flavouring for Raspberry.
