Nature Valley

Our green leaf rating for the Nature Valley Dark Chocolate & Nut Fruit & Nut Bars is a disappointing 1/5. This product is a poor choice for those seeking cleaner, healthier food options.

The Nature Valley Dark Chocolate & Nut Fruit & Nut Bars are not organic and contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This immediately raises concerns about potential health and environmental impacts.

More worrying is the high content of added sugars. Both sugar and fructose are present, contributing to the overall sweetness of the bar. However, the use of corn syrup is particularly concerning. This type of sweetener is widely recognized as a harmful ingredient, associated with health issues such as obesity and diabetes.

The bars also contain several potentially harmful additives. The presence of ‘Natural Flavor’ and ‘Flavor’ is vague and could hide a variety of artificial chemicals. Soy lecithin is another additive that raises concerns. While it’s used as an emulsifier in many processed foods, it can cause adverse reactions in some people.

The inclusion of canola oil is another significant drawback. Despite being a common ingredient in many processed foods, canola oil has been linked to inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

With these factors in mind, the Nature Valley Dark Chocolate & Nut Fruit & Nut Bars fall far short of our standards for clean, healthy food. The high levels of added sugars, the use of harmful additives, and the inclusion of GMOs make this a product to avoid.

This product exemplifies the importance of reading ingredient lists and understanding what goes into the food we consume. It’s a stark reminder that not all products marketed as ‘natural’ or ‘healthy’ live up to these claims.

We strongly recommend avoiding the Nature Valley Dark Chocolate & Nut Fruit & Nut Bars. There are far better options available for those seeking cleaner, healthier food choices.