In today’s world, identifying whether a product like Nature Valley granola bars are genuinely vegan can be a daunting task.
Unless you’re an expert in the mysteries of food ingredients, most nutrition labels might as well be in another language for all you can understand them.
However, this article aims to shed light on the truth and support you, our young and passionate reader, in your commendable vegan lifestyle.
Are Nature Valley Bars Vegan?
No, Nature Valley Bars are not vegan. Nature Valley does have a few granola bars that could possibly be vegan but we can’t confirm that. The reason is that these bars contain refined sugar, which is often, though not always, processed with a bone char filter, meaning that the sugar would not be vegan.
The process of filtering sugar through bone char is fading in favor of more vegan-friendly methods. And some vegans don’t even consider bone char filtering a deal breaker. We opt for a more cautious approach, though, and don’t call anything that could include sugar processed with bone char vegan.
Are Nature Valley Bars Cruelty-Free?
No. Nature Valley bars are not cruelty-free. Aside from the varieties that include dairy, a notoriously cruel industry, many ingredients in Nature Valley bars are tested on animals. That’s because Nature Valley bars are riddled with GMO, including the sugar, cannoli oil, and soy lecithin.
GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are tested on animals, you see. Nothing that is tested on animals can be considered cruelty-free.
What Are Nature Valley Bars Made Of?
Let’s explore the ingredients of the Nature Valley Oats ‘N Honey crunchy granola bar:
- Whole grain oats
- Sugar
- Canola and/or sunflower oil
- Rice flour
- Honey
- Salt
- Brown sugar syrup
- Baking soda
- Soy lecithin
- Natural flavor
Whole Grain Oats
Whole grain oats are grains that retain all parts of the seed. They are plant based and vegan. Oats provide the primary structure and texture to the Nature Valley granola bars.
Sugar
Sugar can be derived from various sources, including sugarcane or sugar beets. While it’s plant based, the refining process sometimes uses bone char, which is not vegan. However, without specific information, it’s hard to determine its vegan status in this product.
Canola Oil and/or Sunflower Oil
Both oils are plant derived and play a role in giving the bars their texture and moisture. They are vegan friendly, but canola oil is overwhelmingly GMO.
Rice Flour
Derived from ground rice, this ingredient is vegan and provides additional structure to the bars.
Honey
Honey is produced by bees and is not considered vegan. It adds sweetness to the bars.
Salt
Salt is a mineral and is vegan. It enhances the flavor of the bars.
Brown Sugar Syrup
This is a sweet syrup derived from sugar. Like regular sugar, its vegan status can be questionable if bone char is used in its processing.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a leavening agent that is vegan. It helps the bars rise during baking.
Soy Lecithin
Derived from soybeans, soy lecithin is vegan. It acts as an emulsifier, ensuring the ingredients mix well. However, soybeans are a common GMO crop, meaning the soy lecithin in Nature Valley bars is also GMO.
Natural Flavor
Natural flavors can be derived from plant or animal sources. Without specific details, it’s challenging to determine its vegan status.
Nature Valley Varieties
I mentioned above that some Nature Valley bars might be vegan if the sugar isn’t processed with bone char, or if you’re not a very strict vegan. Here are some of the Nature Valley granola bars you might take a chance on (just remember they’re all GMO):
Are Nature Valley Roasted Almond Bars Vegan?
Possibly. The only potentially non-vegan ingredient in these granola bars is sugar that might be processed with bone char. They do, however, contain GMO ingredients.
Are Nature Valley Maple Brown Sugar Bars Vegan?
Possibly. The only potentially non-vegan ingredient in these granola bars is sugar that might be processed with bone char. They do, however, contain GMO ingredients.
Are Nature Valley Cinnamon Bars Vegan?
Possibly. The only potentially non-vegan ingredient in these granola bars is sugar that might be processed with bone char. They do, however, contain GMO ingredients.
Are Nature Valley Trail Mix Fruit & Nut Bars Vegan?
Possibly. The only potentially non-vegan ingredient in these granola bars is sugar that might be processed with bone char. They do, however, contain GMO ingredients.
Vegan Alternatives to Nature Valley Bars
If you’re looking for vegan-friendly food, there are plenty of alternatives to Nature Valley Bars:
- Vegan granola bars: Many brands offer vegan granola bars. Try GoMacro MacroBar, Made Good Mixed Berry Organic Granola Bars, and Organic Real Food Bars Turmeric Lemon Orange.
- Homemade nut bars: Using ingredients like maple syrup instead of honey, you can make your own homemade nut bars. Try this recipe from the Beaming Baker.
Conclusion
While Nature Valley Bars are a delicious snack, they are not entirely vegan due to the inclusion of refined sugar and animal products such as honey or milk.
Fortunately, the market offers numerous vegan-friendly snacks that are both tasty and kind to our planet and its inhabitants.
For those deeply committed to a vegan lifestyle, it’s essential to read ingredient lists carefully and seek out alternative brands when necessary.