Is Dark Chocolate, Peanut & Almond Chewy Granola Bar Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I often see products that appear vegan at first glance but contain hidden animal-derived additives. In the case of this granola bar, the verdict is clear: it contains milk. Specifically, the ingredient list includes milk as a standalone item, likely added to enhance the texture or flavor profile of the chocolate elements.

Furthermore, the dark chocolate chunks warrant scrutiny. While dark chocolate is often dairy-free, many commercial varieties include soy lecithin (an emulsifier that is plant-derived) and natural flavor. The term 'natural flavor' can be ambiguous; however, in this specific product, the explicit inclusion of milk makes the 'natural flavor' component less of a concern regarding vegan status, though it is still an ingredient of interest.

There are also other non-vegan flags to consider regarding processing. The presence of barley malt extract indicates the use of an enzyme that is often processed using animal-derived enzymes, though this is less of a strict vegan violation than the milk itself. Finally, the inclusion of whole grain wheat and oats raises the issue of cross-contamination. Oats are frequently processed on equipment that handles dairy or animal products, making this bar risky for strict vegans even if the milk were removed.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this bar is a calorie-dense energy source, primarily derived from fats (peanuts, almonds, palm kernel oil, canola oil) and carbohydrates (corn syrup, sugar, fructose). The high concentration of added sugars—corn syrup, sugar, and fructose—means this bar will spike blood glucose levels rapidly, which is ideal for a quick energy boost during a workout but less ideal for a daily snack if you are monitoring sugar intake.

The protein content is moderate thanks to the peanuts and almonds, but the saturated fat from palm kernel oil is a consideration for heart health. If you are looking for a low-calorie weight-loss snack, this bar is likely too high in sugar and fat. However, for an active individual needing quick fuel, it fits well within a high-energy diet.