Bear Naked

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the Bear Naked Maple Pecan granola struggles to meet the criteria for cleaner, healthier food options. The product is not certified organic, which detracts from its green leaf score, reflecting a preference for organic farming practices among health-conscious consumers. Although it does not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the granola suffers from the inclusion of multiple added sugars such as molasses, cane sugar, brown rice syrup, and tapioca syrup, which are less desirable for a clean diet.

Furthermore, the presence of potentially harmful additives, specifically labeled as “natural flavors,” raises questions about the transparency and purity of the ingredients. These flavors are often a composite of various substances that may not align with the goal of consuming whole and unprocessed foods. The use of expeller pressed canola oil is another point of contention. Despite being a common ingredient in many processed foods, canola oil is often heavily refined and may undergo chemical treatments, making it less favorable for those seeking cleaner food alternatives.

The Bear Naked Maple Pecan granola also features a variety of whole grains such as whole grain oats and oat bran, as well as ground flax seeds, which are known for their health benefits. However, the benefits of these ingredients are overshadowed by the product’s shortcomings in the areas of added sugars, non-organic ingredients, and potential additives.

For a product to be considered cleaner and healthier, it would benefit from eliminating or significantly reducing added sugars and replacing them with natural sweetness from fruits or other unrefined sources. Choosing organic ingredients would also enhance its standing. Replacing canola oil with a less processed alternative such as virgin coconut oil or organic, cold-pressed oils could improve the product’s healthfulness. Transparency in flavoring ingredients would further align the granola with the values of consumers seeking clean food options.