Does Bare Fruit & Nut Bar contain dairy or gluten?

No, the specific ingredients listed (almonds, cashews, tapioca syrup, sugar, honey, dried cranberries, glycerol, sunflower oil, sea salt, safflower oil, vanilla extract, tocopherols) contain no dairy or gluten ingredients.

Is Bare Fruit & Nut Bar good for weight loss?

It is high in calories and sugar relative to its size. While the fats are healthy, the caloric density means it should be portion-controlled strictly if you are trying to lose weight.

Where can I buy Bare Fruit & Nut Bar?

Bare products are generally available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger, as well as online through Amazon and the official Bare Snacks website.

Is Bare Fruit & Nut Bar safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids, but parents should be aware of the high sugar content. Additionally, because the bar is made entirely of nuts and dried fruit, it can be a choking hazard for very young children.

Is Bare Fruit & Nut Bar Gluten Free?

Yes, the Bare Fruit & Nut Bar is gluten-free. Based on the ingredient list provided, there are no gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye used in the recipe. This makes it a safe snacking option for those avoiding gluten due to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, provided you are not allergic to the tree nuts listed.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look past the marketing claims and dive straight into the formulation. The Bare Fruit & Nut Bar relies on a simple, whole-food approach, which naturally steers it away from gluten sources. The primary structural ingredients are almonds and cashews. These tree nuts provide the bulk of the bar's texture and protein content. Being naturally gluten-free, nuts are a safe foundation, provided they haven't been processed on shared equipment with wheat products—a detail we'll touch on regarding certification.

For binding and sweetness, the bar utilizes tapioca syrup, honey, and sugar. Tapioca is derived from the cassava root and is a distinct gluten-free starch. Unlike oat syrup, which carries a high risk of cross-contamination with wheat during harvesting and milling, tapioca is processed in a dedicated environment, making it a reliable choice for gluten-free formulations. The inclusion of dried cranberries adds tartness and natural fruit sugars, which are inherently free of gluten.

Finally, the functional ingredients like glycerol (a humectant to retain moisture), sunflower oil, and tocopherols (Vitamin E as a preservative) are all synthetic-free and gluten-free. The absence of 'natural flavors'—a term that can sometimes hide gluten-based hydrolyzed vegetable protein—is a significant plus here. The formulation is transparent and clean.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, the Bare Fruit & Nut Bar is an energy-dense snack. The primary macronutrients come from the nuts, which are rich in healthy fats and protein. However, consumers should be mindful of the total sugar content, which comes from a combination of honey, sugar, and tapioca syrup. While these are natural sweeteners, they still spike blood glucose levels similarly to refined sugar. A single bar contains a significant portion of the daily recommended sugar intake, so it is best viewed as an occasional treat rather than a staple meal replacement.

Fat content is moderate and primarily derived from unsaturated sources like sunflower oil and the oils naturally present in almonds and cashews. These are heart-healthy fats, but the calorie count is high for the bar's size. For individuals on a strict calorie-controlled diet, this bar might fit as a pre- or post-workout energy boost, but it may be too calorie-dense for a casual snack if weight loss is the primary goal.