Is High fiber chewy oats & chocolate bars Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first thing I look at when analyzing a product like High fiber chewy oats & chocolate bars is the granola blend. The ingredient list explicitly lists whole rolled oats and wheat flakes. While oats are naturally gluten-free, they are frequently contaminated with wheat during harvesting and processing. However, in this case, the manufacturer has intentionally added wheat flakes, which is a direct source of gluten (specifically the protein glutenin and gliadin).

The second major red flag is the presence of dried malt extract (listed as dried malt, corn syrup solids) within the crisp rice component. Malt is almost always derived from barley, a gluten-containing grain. It is used to add flavor and sweetness but is strictly off-limits for a gluten-free diet. Finally, the presence of maltodextrin in the main ingredient list is often derived from corn in the US, but if derived from wheat, it must be labeled. Given the other wheat ingredients, the risk of gluten presence is high across the board.

Nutritional Value

Despite the gluten issues, it is worth looking at the nutritional profile of these bars. They are marketed as 'High fiber,' and indeed, they utilize ingredients like chicory root inulin and fructooligosaccharides to boost fiber content, which is beneficial for digestion. However, the sugar content is significant, coming from corn syrup, sugar, and honey. The fat content is moderate, primarily from canola oil and the oils in the chocolate coating. While they provide a quick energy boost, the combination of high sugar and processed grains makes them more of a treat than a health food. For those strictly monitoring blood sugar or calorie intake, the sugar load here is substantial.