Bear Naked

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Bear Naked Hazelnut Almond Dark Chocolate Chunk granola falls short of the cleaner food options many health-conscious consumers seek. This product is not organic and contains several ingredients that detract from its overall healthfulness.

The granola’s ingredients list includes whole grain oats, semisweet chocolate, brown sugar, brown rice syrup, hazelnuts, whole oat flour, crisp rice, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sea salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and rosemary extract for freshness. While the inclusion of whole grains, nuts, and seeds may offer some nutritional benefits, the presence of multiple forms of added sugars and soy lecithin raises concerns.

The product’s use of brown sugar and sugar in the chocolate and crisp rice contributes to its lower score. More concerning is the inclusion of cane sugar and brown rice syrup, which are considered more harmful types of added sugars. These ingredients contribute to the product’s calorie content and may affect blood sugar levels, which is particularly worrisome for those monitoring their sugar intake.

Soy lecithin is used as an emulsifier in many processed foods, including this granola. Despite its prevalence, it is flagged as a potentially harmful additive, leading to further deductions from the product’s score. This additive often raises questions regarding its necessity and potential health implications.

The Bear Naked Hazelnut Almond Dark Chocolate Chunk granola’s score reflects its position as a product that does not align with the principles of clean eating. Although it may contain wholesome elements like whole grains and nuts, the negatives associated with its non-organic status, added sugars, and additives overshadow these positives. Consumers looking for cleaner, healthier food options might consider alternatives that eschew these ingredients in favor of more natural, less processed components.