What are the ingredients in Unreal bars?

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 50% of consumers are now actively seeking healthier snack alternatives, and Unreal bars have emerged as a popular choice. But what are the ingredients in Unreal bars, and what makes them a better option for a healthier lifestyle? This article delves into the specific components found across the Unreal snack line, from dark chocolate coconut bars to crispy quinoa gems.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the core ingredients in various Unreal bars, such as their dark chocolate coconut bars and peanut gems, highlighting their use of natural, fair-trade, and non-GMO components and their lower sugar content compared to conventional candies. We also examine specific ingredients like cassava syrup and vegetable-based colorings.

Key Points

Simple Ingredients: Unreal bars typically contain fewer, simpler ingredients than conventional candy bars, focusing on organic, natural components.
Low Sugar Content: Many Unreal products boast up to 51% less sugar than leading competitors, using natural sweeteners like cassava syrup.
Ethically Sourced: The chocolate used in Unreal bars is Fair Trade certified, supporting sustainable and ethical cocoa farming.
Natural Coloring: Instead of artificial dyes, Unreal uses vegetable-based colorings derived from sources like beet juice and spirulina extract.
Vegan Options: Several Unreal varieties, including the Dark Chocolate Coconut Bar, are certified vegan and free from dairy.
No Artificial Additives: Unreal bars are made without artificial flavors, preservatives, or GMOs, appealing to clean-eating consumers.
Allergen Information: While many products are gluten-free, Unreal notes that its products are made in facilities that handle potential allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, and milk.

Unreal's Philosophy: Simple, Ethical Ingredients

Unreal's core mission is to create chocolate snacks with significantly less sugar and without artificial ingredients. Instead of using corn syrup, sugar alcohols, or artificial colors and preservatives, the company opts for cleaner, more natural alternatives. This commitment is reflected in the ingredient lists for their various products, many of which are certified vegan, non-GMO, and use fair trade chocolate.

The Signature Dark Chocolate Coconut Bar

The Dark Chocolate Coconut Bar is perhaps Unreal's most iconic offering, and its ingredient list showcases the brand's philosophy perfectly. It contains just a handful of simple components:

Organic coconut
Organic cassava syrup
Dark chocolate (made from fair trade chocolate liquor, cane sugar, cocoa butter, and vanilla)

This simple, three-ingredient core recipe results in a gluten-free and vegan treat with 51% less sugar than its leading competitor. The use of cassava syrup, a natural sweetener, allows for a lower glycemic impact compared to refined sugars, while the fair trade dark chocolate ensures ethical sourcing practices.

Ingredients in Other Unreal Varieties

While the coconut bar has a minimal ingredient list, other Unreal products have slight variations to achieve their unique flavors and textures. Here is a breakdown of what to expect in some of their other popular items:

Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems: In addition to the dark chocolate, these gems contain roasted peanuts, organic cane sugar, rice starch, organic tapioca syrup, gum acacia, and carnauba wax. Natural colorings are used instead of artificial ones, derived from sources like beet juice and spirulina extract.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: The ingredient list for these cups includes dark chocolate, peanuts, organic cane sugar, and organic palm oil. Similar to other Unreal products, they are typically vegan, gluten-free, and use fair trade ingredients.
Milk Chocolate Gems: This variety includes milk chocolate (made from organic chocolate liquor, organic milk powder, cane sugar, and other ingredients), organic cane sugar, organic tapioca syrup, and vegetable-based colorings. It's important to note these are not vegan due to the milk powder.

A Comparison: Unreal vs. Conventional Candies


Feature	Unreal Bars (e.g., Dark Chocolate Coconut)	Conventional Candy Bars (e.g., Mounds)
Sweeteners	Organic cassava syrup, organic cane sugar	High fructose corn syrup, refined sugar
Chocolate	Fair trade, simple dark or milk chocolate	Often uses lower-quality, non-fair trade chocolate with more additives
Colors	Vegetable and fruit extracts (beet juice, spirulina)	Artificial food dyes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5)
Preservatives	None	Artificial preservatives to extend shelf life
GMOs	Non-GMO certified	Often contains GMO ingredients
Sugar Alcohols	None	May contain sugar alcohols as a low-calorie sweetener
Fat Source	Cocoa butter, organic coconut oil	Hydrogenated oils, trans fats

The Role of Specific Natural Ingredients

To create their products, Unreal relies on a specific set of natural ingredients that fulfill the functions of artificial additives. For instance, instead of using artificial colorings, they derive vibrant hues from plant-based sources like beet juice (for red) and spirulina extract (for blue and green). Cassava syrup serves as a cleaner alternative to corn syrup, providing sweetness and texture without the same level of processing. Furthermore, ingredients like carnauba wax and gum acacia are used as natural glazing agents to provide a smooth, polished finish to their gems.

Unreal's emphasis on transparency and clean sourcing sets it apart in the confectionary industry. The company's ingredient philosophy prioritizes natural, high-quality, and ethically produced components, ensuring that consumers can enjoy their chocolate treats with confidence. For those seeking a sweet indulgence without the unnecessary additives and excessive sugar, Unreal bars offer a compelling alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor. For more information on their specific sourcing practices, you can visit the official Unreal snacks website.

Conclusion

In conclusion, what are the ingredients in Unreal bars? The answer lies in the brand's commitment to simplicity, transparency, and ethical sourcing. By replacing artificial flavors, colors, and excessive sugar with organic, naturally derived ingredients, Unreal has carved out a niche as a healthier, more mindful alternative to traditional candy. Whether it's the minimalist three-ingredient coconut bar or the naturally colored peanut gems, each product reflects the company's core values. This makes Unreal bars an excellent choice for health-conscious consumers who still want to satisfy their sweet cravings with a guilt-free treat.

Note: While Unreal bars are made with healthier ingredients compared to many conventional candies, they should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many Unreal products, such as the Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars, are certified vegan and do not contain any animal products. However, some varieties, like the Milk Chocolate Gems, contain milk powder and are therefore not vegan. Always check the specific product label.

Cassava syrup is a natural sweetener derived from the cassava root, used in some Unreal bars as a less-processed alternative to high fructose corn syrup. It provides sweetness and texture while allowing for a lower overall sugar content.

Unreal gets its vibrant colors from vegetable and fruit extracts instead of artificial dyes. For instance, beet juice is used for red hues and spirulina extract for blue and green, which are combined to create other colors.

Many Unreal bars, including the Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars, are certified gluten-free. However, production facilities also handle wheat, so individuals with severe gluten allergies should exercise caution and refer to the specific allergen information on the packaging.

Unreal achieves lower sugar content by using a balanced combination of ingredients and more wholesome sweeteners like organic cassava syrup instead of excessive refined sugar. The company also uses fair trade, high-quality chocolate, which requires less added sugar to taste delicious.

Unreal products are typically made without soy ingredients. However, they are made in facilities that may also process soy, meaning there is a risk of cross-contamination. For specific allergen details, always consult the product packaging or the official Unreal website.

Fair Trade certification for Unreal's chocolate means that the cocoa beans are sourced from farmers who are paid fair prices and work under ethical conditions. This ensures that the production process supports sustainable agriculture and workers' well-being.