Choosing to embrace a vegan lifestyle is a noble pursuit, but it can be challenging to identify whether a product is truly vegan.
This difficulty often arises from manufacturers skillfully hiding the nature and origin of their ingredients.
This article aims to alleviate such confusion, shedding light on the truth to support you in maintaining your commitment to a vegan lifestyle.
Are Kind Bars Vegan?
The straightforward answer is no, Kind Bars are not entirely vegan. Certain ingredients specifically make them not entirely plant based.
These include honey clusters, which are found in many Kind nut bars vegan enthusiasts might have hoped to enjoy.
Similarly, milk powder, which is often present in some classic Kind bars flavors like dark chocolate mocha or dark chocolate peanut butter, also disqualifies them from being entirely vegan friendly.
Are Kind Bars Cruelty-Free?
While not all Kind Bars are vegan, they are generally considered to be cruelty-free. This means that, to the best of our knowledge, the production of Kind Bars does not involve direct harm or mistreatment of animals.
The key ingredients like almond butter, dark chocolate nuts, and various whole fruit bar flavors are sourced without causing harm to animals.
However, bear in mind that although Kind Bars can be classified as cruelty-free, some vegans might still choose to avoid them due to the presence of animal-derived ingredients, such as honey and milk powder.
What Are Kind Bars Made Of?
Kind Bars are a popular choice among consumers who are looking for a healthy and convenient snack option. Packed with a variety of nutritious ingredients, these bars are designed to fuel your body with essential nutrients while satisfying your hunger. Let’s delve into the common ingredients you might find in a Kind Bar:
- Almonds
- Honey
- Glucose syrup
- Chicory root fiber
- Soy protein isolate
- Palm kernel oil
- Sugar
- Peanuts
- Cocoa powder
Almonds
Almonds are a type of tree nut that are native to Iran and surrounding countries but are now grown in many parts of the world. They play a vital role in providing Kind Bars with a rich source of protein and healthy fats. Almonds are vegan friendly.
Honey
Honey is a sweet, viscous food substance made by honey bees and some other related insects. It provides a natural sweetening to the bars. However, because it is derived from insects, honey is not considered vegan.
Glucose syrup
Glucose syrup is a sweetening liquid that is made from the hydrolysis of starch. It offers a sweet taste and helps bind the bars together. This ingredient is derived from plants and is therefore vegan.
Chicory root fiber
Chicory root fiber is derived from the root of the chicory plant. It acts as a source of dietary fiber in Kind Bars and is vegan friendly.
Soy protein isolate
Soy protein isolate is a highly refined or purified form of soy protein with a minimum protein content of 90% on a moisture-free basis. It is used to boost the protein content of the bars. It is derived from soybeans, a plant-based source, making it vegan.
Palm kernel oil
Palm kernel oil is obtained from the kernel of the palm fruit. It is used to give Kind Bars their texture and moisture. Although it is plant based and technically vegan, some vegans choose to avoid it due to environmental concerns associated with palm oil production.
Sugar
Sugar in Kind Bars is used to sweeten the product. While sugar is derived from plant sources and should be vegan, some sugar is processed using bone char, which is not vegan. It’s unclear if the sugar in Kind Bars is processed this way.
Peanuts
Peanuts are legumes grown in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. They contribute to the protein content and taste of Kind Bars. Peanuts are vegan friendly.
Cocoa powder
Cocoa powder is derived from the cocoa bean, and it gives a chocolate flavor to some variants of Kind Bars. It is plant based and, hence, vegan.
Vegan Alternatives to Kind Bars
For those who adhere strictly to a vegan lifestyle, finding alternatives to Kind Bars that align with your dietary choices can seem challenging. Fortunately, many brands now offer delicious and nutrient-dense vegan bars. Here’s a list of vegan alternatives that you could consider:
- Fruit and Nut Bars: These types of bars, like Larabar Original Fruit & Nut Bars, are typically vegan friendly and use a variety of fruits, nuts, and seeds to create a nutritious and filling snack.
- Protein Bars: Some brands, such as Vega Protein Bars and Clif Builder’s Protein Bars, use plant-based proteins to create high-protein snack bars that are entirely vegan.
- Whole Food Bars: Brands like That’s It Fruit Bars and GoMacro MacroBars offer bars made from whole food ingredients with minimal processing, providing a nutrient-dense, vegan-friendly option.
- Granola Bars: Many granola bars are vegan friendly and make for a delicious, convenient snack. Look for Made Good or Nature’s Bakery. Trader Joe’s also has at least one vegan granola bar, if not more.
Remember to always check the product labels to ensure the vegan authenticity of these products.
Conclusion
Navigating the realm of vegan food can be challenging due to the hidden nature and origins of ingredients in many products. While Kind Bars are not entirely vegan due to ingredients like honey and milk powder, they are generally considered cruelty-free.
The good news is there are plenty of vegan alternatives to Kind Bars on the market. Always remember to carefully check ingredient lists and make informed choices that align with your commitment to a vegan lifestyle.