Trying to figure out if Fiber One Bars are vegan can be difficult.
Makers of granola and protein bars often hide their ingredients behind vague terms such as “natural flavors,” and even if they do provide a full list of ingredients, it can be hard to tell if those ingredients are vegan.
To ensure that you are only eating food that aligns with your vegan diet and lifestyle, I’ve looked into the ingredients and production processes of Fiber One Bars.
Here’s what I found out.
Are Fiber One Bars Vegan?
No. Fiber One Bars are not vegan.
Fiber One is a line of products manufactured by General Mills. The line includes breakfast cereals, granola bars, protein bars, and other snacks.
Fiber One Bars are one of Fiber One’s most popular varieties. Sadly, they are unsuitable for vegans. This product contains whey protein isolate—a milk derivative—and refined sugar.
A dairy product like whey is always a no-go for vegans.
Sugar is technically vegan, but most refined sugars are processed using animal bone char. Bone char is a black, porous material made from the bones of cattle. Unless the sugar is specifically labeled “raw,” “organic,” or “unrefined,” it’s likely not vegan.
So, if you’re looking for vegan protein bars, Fiber One Bars are not the right choice for you.
Fortunately, there are many other snack bar options on the market that are both vegan and delicious.
Are Fiber One Bars Cruelty-Free?
No. Fiber One Bars are not cruelty-free.
Fiber One Bars are not tested on animals at any point in their production. However, some varieties contain artificial colors, which are routinely tested on animals to ensure their safety for human consumption.
Animal testing is an outdated and inhumane practice that causes immense suffering. The practice leaves innocent animals disfigured, maimed, or dead. Surely there are other methods to test the safety of food additives.
Fortunately, many companies have stopped using animals in their product testing and are looking for humane alternative testing methods.
What Are Fiber One Bars Made Of?
Here are the ingredients of Fiber One Bars Chocolate Caramel & Pretzel:
- Chicory root extract
- Soy protein isolate
- Erythritol
- Wheat flour
- Puffed durum wheat
- Palm kernel and palm oil
- Corn syrup
- Whey protein isolate
- Vegetable glycerin
- Rice flour
- Whole grain oats
- Canola oil
- Rice starch
- Dutch cocoa (processed with alkali)
- Whole grain barley flakes
- Whole wheat flour
- Maltodextrin
- Soy lecithin
- Soluble corn fiber
- Salt
- Sugar
- Natural flavor
- Barley malt extract
- Cellulose gum
- Baking soda
- Yeast
- Stevia leaf extract
- Color (Yellow 5 & 6 lake, Blue 2 lake, and other color added)
- Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) is added to retain freshness.
Let’s break down each ingredient of Fiber One Chocolate Caramel & Pretzel Bar:
Chicory root extract
Chicory root extract is a prebiotic fiber. Prebiotic fibers are non-digestible carbohydrates that act as food for gut bacteria. Chicory root extract is vegan.
Soy protein isolate
Soy protein isolate is a plant protein powder made from soybeans. It is a highly concentrated form of protein and is often used in supplements and protein bars. Soy protein isolate is vegan.
Erythritol
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol. Sugar alcohols are carbohydrates that are slowly absorbed and metabolized by the body and used as artificial sweeteners. Erythritol is vegan.
Wheat flour
Wheat flour is a type of flour made from wheat grains. It is often used in baking. Wheat flour is vegan.
Puffed durum wheat
Puffed durum wheat is a type of wheat that has been puffed or expanded. It is often used in cereals and snacks. Puffed durum wheat is vegan.
Palm kernel and palm oil
Palm kernel and palm oil are oils that are derived from the fruit of the palm tree. They are often used in snacks and baked goods. Palm kernel oil and palm oil are vegan.
Corn syrup
Corn syrup is a type of sugar made from cornstarch. It is often used in processed foods as a sweetener. Corn syrup is vegan.
Whey protein isolate
Whey protein isolate is a milk derivative. It is a type of protein that is often used in supplements and energy bars. Whey protein isolate is not vegan.
Vegetable glycerin
Vegetable glycerin is a type of alcohol made from vegetables. It is often used in food and cosmetics as a sweetener or moisturizer. Vegetable glycerin is vegan.
Rice flour
Rice flour is a type of flour made from rice grains. It is often used in baking. Rice flour is vegan.
Whole grain oats
Whole grain oats are oats that have not been processed or refined. They are a type of whole grain. Whole grain oats are vegan.
Canola oil
Canola oil is a type of vegetable oil. It is often used in cooking and baking. Canola oil is vegan.
Rice starch
Rice starch is a type of carbohydrate made from rice grains. It is often used as a thickener or stabilizer in food. Rice starch is vegan.
Dutch cocoa (processed with alkali)
Dutch cocoa is a type of cocoa that has been treated with an alkali solution. This process makes the cocoa less bitter. Dutch cocoa is vegan.
Whole grain barley flakes
Whole grain barley flakes are a type of whole grain. They are often used in cereals and snacks. Whole grain barley flakes are vegan.
Whole wheat flour
Whole wheat flour is a type of flour made from whole wheat grains. It is often used in baking. Whole wheat flour is vegan.
Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is a type of carbohydrate made from starch. It is often used as a thickener or stabilizer in food. Maltodextrin is vegan.
Soy lecithin
Soy lecithin is a type of fat made from soybeans. It is often used as an emulsifier in food. Soy lecithin is vegan.
Soluble corn fiber
Soluble corn fiber is a type of fiber that is made from cornstarch. It is often used as a thickener or stabilizer in food. Soluble corn fiber is vegan.
Salt
Salt is a mineral composed of sodium and chloride. It is often used to add flavor or as a preservative. Salt is vegan.
Sugar
Sugar is a type of carbohydrate that is made from sugarcane or sugar beets. It is used to sweeten food. Sugar is technically vegan, but most sugar brands in the US process sugar with bone char.
Unless the sugar is specifically labeled as “organic,” “raw,” or “unrefined,” it is likely processed with animal bone char.
Natural flavor
Natural flavor is a term used to describe flavors that are derived from natural sources. Natural flavors can be derived from both animals and plants. The natural flavors of candies and other sweet products are often vegan.
Barley malt extract
Barley malt extract is a type of extract that is made from barley. It is often used as a sweetener or flavoring agent in food. Barley malt extract is vegan.
Cellulose gum
Cellulose gum is a type of fiber that is made from cellulose. It is often used as a thickener or stabilizer in food. Cellulose gum is vegan.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a type of salt that is made from sodium bicarbonate. It is often used as a leavening agent in baking. Baking soda is vegan.
Yeast
Yeast is a type of fungus that is used to leaven bread and ferment beer. Yeast is vegan friendly.
Stevia leaf extract
Stevia leaf extract is a type of sweetener that is made from the stevia plant. It is often used as a sugar substitute. Stevia leaf extract is vegan friendly.
Color (Yellow 5 & 6 lake, Blue 2 lake, and other color added)
Food colorings are often made from animals or synthetic sources. In today’s market, artificial colors are made from petroleum, making them vegan friendly though not cruelty-free.
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) added to retain freshness
Vitamin E is a type of nutrient that is found in many foods. It is often added to food to help preserve freshness. Vitamin E is vegan friendly.
Why Aren’t Fiber One Bars Vegan?
Fiber One Bars are not vegan because they contain some ingredients that are unsuitable for vegans, including refined sugar and whey protein isolate, a milk derivative. Dairy products are of course a no-no for vegans and refined sugar is often processed with bone char.
So, if you follow a vegan diet, Fiber One Bars are not the right snack choice for you.
Are Fiber One Caramel Nut Protein Bars Vegan?
No. Fiber One Caramel Nut Bars contain whey protein concentrate, milk protein isolate, and invert sugar.
Caramel Nut Bars are not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Fiber One Coconut Almond Protein Bars Vegan?
No. Fiber One Coconut Almond Bars contain whey protein concentrate and refined sugar.
Coconut Almond Bars are not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Fiber One Chocolate Peanut Butter Chewy Bars Vegan?
No. Fiber One Chocolate Peanut Butter Chewy Bars contain whey protein concentrate and sugar.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Chewy Bars are not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Fiber One Oats & Chocolate Chewy Bars Vegan?
No. Fiber One Oats & Chocolate Chewy Bars are not vegan. This snack bar made from chocolate liquor and oat fiber contains sugar and milk powder.
This snack bar is not safe for vegan consumption.
Are Fiber One Peanut Butter Protein Bars Vegan?
No. Fiber One’s Peanut Butter Protein Bars contain whey protein and milk powder.
This peanut butter protein bar is not safe for vegan consumption.
Vegan Alternatives to Fiber One Bars
If you’re in the mood for a chocolate, peanut butter, or other flavored snack bar, there are plenty of tasty, certified vegan products out there made from a variety of plant-based ingredients. Here are some of my favorites:
- Annie’s Gluten-Free Chewy Granola Bars, Double Chocolate Chip
- Madegood Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
- Larabar Bluberry Muffin Bar
- ALOHA Plant Based Protein Bars, Chocolate Fudge Brownie
- No Cow High Protein Bars Sticky Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Whatever your snack preference, there’s definitely a vegan alternative to Fiber One Bars that will satisfy your hunger with healthy ingredients.
Final Words
So, there you have it! Fiber One Bars are not suitable for vegans. However, there are plenty of delicious healthy snack alternatives that will satisfy your hunger without compromising your ethics.
So go ahead and enjoy delicious, vegan protein bars without any guilt! But as always, check the ingredient list before you buy to make sure that it meets your dietary needs and preferences.