Kind Bars

Rated at 2/5 green leaves, the ‘Kind Bars Cranberry Almond’ falls short in offering a clean food option for health-conscious consumers. This product does not qualify as organic and includes genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, which detracts from its clean food status. Additionally, the presence of added sugars, specifically sugar and glucose syrup, raises concerns regarding its nutritional profile. Soy lecithin, an additive used in this product, is another ingredient that raises questions about the overall healthfulness of the bar.

The ‘Kind Bars Cranberry Almond’ begins with a base of almonds and cranberries, which are generally considered nutritious. However, the inclusion of chicory root fiber, while a source of dietary fiber, is overshadowed by the negative impact of the other less desirable ingredients. The use of rice flour is benign, but its nutritional contribution is minimal compared to whole grains.

The absence of organic certification means that the ingredients may have been exposed to pesticides and other chemicals commonly used in conventional farming. This exposure potentially reduces the health benefits that consumers seek from cleaner food choices. The utilization of GMO ingredients is another critical factor that diminishes the product’s clean food credentials, as many consumers prefer non-GMO foods for their perceived health and environmental benefits.

Furthermore, the addition of sugars, namely sugar and glucose syrup, contributes to the product’s caloric content without providing significant nutritional value. These sugars are often criticized for their role in various health issues, including obesity and diabetes. Soy lecithin, although widely used as an emulsifier in food products, is sourced from soy, which is often genetically modified and thus aligns with the GMO concerns previously mentioned.

The ‘Kind Bars Cranberry Almond’ has room for improvement to meet the standards of those seeking cleaner and healthier snack options. By replacing or eliminating the criticized ingredients and committing to organic and non-GMO standards, the product could better align with the expectations of health-conscious consumers and potentially earn a higher green leaf rating.