Nature Valley

The Nature Valley Oats ‘n Honey Crunchy Granola Bars earn a disappointing 2 out of 5 green leaves rating on our clean food scale. The product is not organic, uses genetically modified (GMO) ingredients, and contains added sugars, harmful additives, and harmful oils which considerably degrade its health profile.

The granola bars are not organic, which means that the oats, honey, and other ingredients may have been grown or produced using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals. The inclusion of GMO ingredients further reduces the product’s healthfulness. Genetically modified organisms can have unpredictable effects on the health of the consumer and the environment.

Added sugars are another major concern with this product. Both brown sugar and regular sugar are listed among the ingredients. Consuming too much added sugar can lead to health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

The product also contains harmful additives such as natural flavor and soy lecithin. While these may enhance the taste and texture of the product, they can also have negative effects on health. Natural flavors can be misleading as they can be derived from a variety of sources, not all of which are necessarily ‘natural’. Soy lecithin is often used as an emulsifier, but it can cause adverse reactions in people with soy allergies.

Lastly, the use of canola oil, a harmful oil, is another red flag. While it may improve the product’s texture and extend its shelf life, it is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can lead to inflammation and other health problems when consumed in excess.

The Nature Valley Oats ‘n Honey Crunchy Granola Bars fall short of providing a clean and healthy food option. The product’s non-organic status, use of GMO ingredients, added sugars, harmful additives, and harmful oils significantly undermine its nutritional value. Therefore, it is not a recommended choice for those seeking cleaner food options.