Are you ever in the grocery store, fixing to make a healthy snack choice and come across those tasty Nature Valley bars?
It looks like the perfect compromise between staying on track with your health goals while satisfying that sweet craving.
Sure, it says it’s made from ‘natural ingredients’ but is Nature Valley really as healthy as they say?
We’ve got the answer for you!
Keep reading to find out if Nature Valley is truly nutritious or just another marketing ploy.
What Are In Nature Valley’s Ingredients
Let’s take a look at couple of Nature Valley bars ingredients:
Nature Valley Peanut Butter Granola Bar
Made with whole grain oats, sugar, canola oil, peanut butter (made with peanuts and salt), rice flour, brown sugar syrup, salt, baking soda and soy lecithin.
All of these ingredients come together to create a crunchy peanut butter granola bar with a light sweetness from the combination of brown sugar syrup and sugar.
The addition of canola oil helps to bind the oats together for a great texture.
Nature Valley Fruit & Nut Granola Bar
Made up of whole grain oats, corn syrup, semisweet chocolate chunks (made with sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, soy lecithin and natural flavor), roasted peanuts, raisins, rice flour, sugar vegetable glycerin, canola oil, fructose corn starch soy lecithin barley malt extract baking soda and natural flavor.
This combination creates an indulgent treat that combines sweet semisweet chocolate chunks with the nutty flavor of roasted peanuts and tangy raisins for a truly exciting taste experience.
The whole grain oats are bound together by the help of canola oil while the vegetable glycerin ensures that the bar retains its shape.
Does Nature Valley Contain A Lot Of Sugar?
Nature Valley bars do contain sugar, however the amount of sugar in each bar varies depending on the flavor.
Most Nature Valley bars contain between 7 and 10 grams of sugar per serving.
While this is not a negligible amount of sugar, it is still relatively low compared to many other snack bars on the market.
In addition, Nature Valley bars are made with natural ingredients such as whole grain oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruit that provide nutritional value.
As such, these snack bars can make a sensible choice for those looking for an occasional sweet treat without consuming too much added sugar.
How Much Protein Is In Nature Valley Bars?
Nature Valley bars provide a great way to get a good amount of protein in your diet without consuming large amounts of calories.
Each Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bar contains around 10g of protein from sources such as peanuts, soy crisps, and whey protein concentrate.
It also contains only 190 calories per bar and has 6g of fiber.
The bar is packed with real ingredients like peanut butter and dark chocolate chips.
These bars are Kosher Certified and are free from artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and high fructose corn syrup.
The bars have a chewy texture that makes them easy to eat on the go or for a quick snack in between meals.
Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bars can help you maintain energy levels without feeling weighed down by excess calories or carbs.
They are an ideal choice for those looking for a healthy snack or meal replacement option with a good source of protein.
Is Nature Valley Healthy?
Nature Valley Bars are not necessarily unhealthy but could be considered an unhealthy snack in some cases.
While Nature Valley Bars contain natural ingredients such as oats, wheat and honey, they are high in sugar and saturated fats, and also contain a variety of preservatives.
Additionally, many of their flavors contain chocolate or other sugary substances that increase their caloric content significantly.
This can make them an unhealthy snack choice for those trying to maintain a balanced diet or control their weight.
The granola bars also lack nutritional value, as they do not provide necessary vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium and calcium that can be found in more wholesome snacks such as nuts and fruits.
Furthermore, many of the flavors contain refined grains which have been stripped of most of their nutrition during processing.
Overall, while Nature Valley Bars can provide some energy in a convenient package, consuming them regularly can lead to weight gain and contribute to poorer health if not balanced with other nutritious snacks on a regular basis.
What Is The Healthiest Nature Valley Bar?
Nature Valley XL Protein Bar
The Nature Valley XL Protein bar is one of the healthiest bars that Nature Valley has to offer.
It packs a powerful punch of protein with 15 grams, as well as being gluten-free and made with no artificial flavors, colors or high fructose corn syrup.
The bar contains whole grain oats, roasted peanuts, soy protein isolate, chicory root extract and semi-sweet chocolate chips for added flavor.
The vegetable oils used are palm kernel, palm, canola and peanut, providing an additional source of healthy fats.
Sugars such as fructose, sugar and corn syrup are also part of the recipe for sweetness.
It is further enhanced by peanut butter for richness and cocoa for natural antioxidant benefits.
Finally it is rounded out with vegetable glycerin, rice starch and soy lecithin adding texture and creaminess along with salt and natural flavorings to complete the experience.
Do Nature Valley Bars Have Any Benefits?
Nature Valley bars have plenty of benefits.
They are made from wholesome ingredients, like oats, whole wheat, and nut butters.
This makes them a nutritious snack option with plenty of fiber, protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates to fuel your body.
Additionally, Nature Valley bars are free from artificial preservatives, flavors and colors so you know you’re getting only the good stuff when you reach for one.
The bars also come in a variety of flavors and sizes so there’s sure to be something to please everyone.
They make an ideal on-the-go snack to keep hunger at bay and can be easily taken along when traveling or heading out for a hike or long walk.
Furthermore, they are very affordable which makes them an attractive alternative to other snack options.
Overall, Nature Valley bars offer great nutritional value as well as convenience and affordability which makes them an appealing choice for people looking for a healthier snack option.
Can You Lose Weight While Eating Nature Valley Bars?
The answer is yes, but it’s important to note that these bars are not a particularly healthy choice for weight loss.
They contain high-calorie ingredients like sugar and canola oil, often with nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate.
Eating Nature Valley bars in large portions or without controlling calorie intake may make it difficult to lose weight; a diet high in sugar and other unhealthy ingredients usually leads to weight gain instead of loss.
To successfully lose weight while eating Nature Valley bars, it’s essential to control the portion size and be mindful of the calories consumed.
Balancing Nature Valley bars with lower-calorie foods will help create a calorie deficit for sustained weight loss.
Additionally, adding exercise into your routine can further increase your chances of success.
Can Vegans Eat Nature Valley?
Yes, vegans can eat Nature Valley bars! Many flavors of their Fruit & Nut and Crunchy Granola Bars are vegan-friendly so you can enjoy a delicious snack without having to worry about animal products.
Just be sure to avoid the flavors with honey or milk which aren’t vegan.
What Are Some Healthier Options?
RXBAR
RXBAR is a healthy snack bar due to its natural ingredients.
The bars are made with a blend of wholesome ingredients such as dates, egg whites, cashews, almonds, chocolate, cocoa, mint, natural flavors and sea salt.
These ingredients are not only natural but also packed with nutrients.
Dates provide energy-giving carbohydrates and vital vitamins and minerals.
Egg whites contain quality protein that helps build muscle mass and promote health.
Cashews are rich in essential minerals such as copper and magnesium which help balance hormones, boost immunity and reduce cholesterol levels.
Almonds are high in fiber which aids in digestion and aids in weight loss. Chocolate is full of antioxidants that help protect against cell damage from free radicals.
Cocoa is packed with iron for energy production and is beneficial for cognitive health.
Mint has antiviral benefits that can help fight off colds or other illnesses while the natural flavors add an extra layer of sweetness without any added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Finally, the addition of sea salt adds flavor while also providing important minerals like calcium and potassium to keep the body properly hydrated and energized throughout the day.
RXBAR’s combination of all-natural ingredients provides an ideal mix of nutrition to keep you feeling full longer while also providing important vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy.
GoMacro MacroBar
GoMacro MacroBar is a healthy snack bar because it is made from only organic ingredients.
The protein blend contains sprouted brown rice protein and pea protein, both of which are high in essential amino acids and provide long-lasting energy.
Additionally, the chocolate chips are made with organic coconut sugar and cocoa, instead of refined sugars, making them a better choice for those who want to limit their consumption of processed foods.
The bar is also gluten-free and non-GMO, so it meets the dietary needs of many consumers.
Furthermore, the bar contains almonds, which are an excellent source of healthy fats, as well as antioxidants that can help protect against disease.
Lastly, the bar is low in sodium, providing a much healthier alternative to other snack bars on the market.
All together, GoMacro MacroBar provides a nutritious snack option that can help support overall health and wellness.
What Is The Healthiest Snack You Can Eat?
The healthiest snack people should eat is one that is low in calories and high in nutrients.
This could include foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, dairy products, lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes.
Fruits and vegetables are especially beneficial as they are a great source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and other essential nutrients.
Whole grains provide complex carbohydrates along with protein and fiber to help keep blood sugar levels steady while providing sustained energy.
Nuts and seeds provide healthy fats that can help increase satiety while providing essential fatty acids to support heart health.
Dairy products like Greek yogurt can provide helpful probiotics for gut health as well as calcium and potassium for better bone health.
Conclusion
Nature Valley is a great source of natural and nutritious ingredients that provide sustained energy and important vitamins and minerals.
Other snack bars like GoMacro MacroBar are also healthy options that can be easily incorporated into a balanced diet.
Ultimately, opting for snacks that are low in calories and high in nutrients is the best way to ensure you’re eating a healthy snack.