Nature Valley

Our review of Nature Valley’s Maple Brown Sugar Crunchy Granola Bars results in a 2/5 green leaf rating. This product falls short of our clean food criteria, primarily due to its use of non-organic and GMO ingredients.

The granola bars are not organic and contain GMO ingredients, which doesn’t align with our clean food philosophy. The use of these components detracts from the overall quality of the product. The presence of added sugars, in the form of brown sugar and regular sugar, further diminish the product’s nutritional value. These sugars are unnecessary and contribute to an unhealthier food option.

Moreover, the product contains several potentially harmful additives. These include natural flavor, flavor, and soy lecithin. The term ‘natural flavor’ is often a cover for a multitude of unspecified ingredients, which can be harmful. Soy lecithin is an additive used to prolong shelf life and improve texture, but its consumption is controversial due to potential health risks.

The inclusion of canola oil, a harmful oil, is another downside. Despite being low in saturated fat, canola oil is often heavily processed and may contain trans fats, which are harmful to heart health.

Overall, while Nature Valley’s Maple Brown Sugar Crunchy Granola Bars may be a convenient snack option, they lack in clean ingredients. The product’s use of non-organic and GMO ingredients, added sugars, potentially harmful additives, and harmful oils does not meet our criteria for a cleaner food option. There is significant room for improvement to make this product healthier and cleaner. The company could consider using organic and non-GMO ingredients, eliminating added sugars, and replacing harmful additives and oils with healthier alternatives. As it stands, the product earns a green leaf rating of 2/5.