Is Fudge Dipped Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bar Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first place I look when determining if a product is safe is the allergen statement and the specific composition of the 'crisp rice' or granola clusters. In the case of the Fudge Dipped Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bar, the verdict is clear: it contains gluten.

The primary culprit is found in the Crisp Rice ingredient. The label explicitly lists wheat flour and barley malt. Wheat flour is a direct source of gluten, and barley malt is derived from barley, another prohibited grain on the gluten-free spectrum. Even though the main grain listed is whole grain rolled oats, which are naturally gluten-free, oats are frequently subject to cross-contamination during processing. However, in this product, the gluten ingredients are intentional additives, not just environmental contaminants.

Furthermore, the granola mix itself contains soy flour. While soy is gluten-free, the presence of wheat in the crisp rice makes the entire product unsafe. The manufacturer even notes in the allergy information that the product contains wheat, which is the ultimate confirmation that this bar does not meet gluten-free standards.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this bar is energy-dense, primarily due to its sugar and fat content. A single bar typically contains between 130 and 150 calories, with a significant portion coming from added sugars like corn syrup, sugar, and dextrose.

The fat content is moderate but includes palm and palm kernel oils. While these provide the chewy texture and fudge coating, they are saturated fats often used in processed snacks. The protein content is relatively low, hovering around 2 grams per bar, meaning it won't keep you full for long compared to higher-protein alternatives. If you are managing your sugar intake or looking for a substantial meal replacement, this bar is more of a treat than a health food.