Is Made Good Mornings Cinnamon Bun Flavor Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing the label of the Made Good Mornings Cinnamon Bun Flavor, the primary ingredient is PURE GLUTEN FREE OATS. This is the crux of the issue. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they are almost always processed in facilities that also handle wheat, barley, and rye. This leads to significant cross-contamination risks. However, Made Good uses a certified gluten-free oat supply, meaning they test their oats to ensure they fall below the 20ppm threshold required for a gluten-free label in the US and Canada.

Looking at the rest of the ingredients, the sweeteners like DATE PASTE, BROWN RICE SYRUP, and INVERT CANE SYRUP are naturally gluten-free. The texture comes from TAPIOCA STARCH and VEGETABLE GLYCERIN, both safe for a gluten-free diet. The nutritional boost comes from GROUND CHIA SEEDS and a proprietary blend of VEGETABLE EXTRACTS (SPINACH, BROCCOLI, CARROTS, TOMATOES, BEETS, SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS). These are excellent for adding vitamins but do not impact the gluten status. Finally, the VANILLA DRIZZLE uses cocoa butter and tapioca starch, which are safe. Therefore, strictly based on the ingredients list, the product is gluten-free.

The only caveat remains the oats. If you have Celiac Disease or a severe gluten allergy, you must consult your doctor. Most people with gluten sensitivity tolerate certified gluten-free oats well, but a small percentage of celiacs react to the protein avenin found in oats.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, the Made Good Mornings Cinnamon Bun Flavor is positioned as a healthier alternative to traditional granola bars. It is relatively low in calories compared to dense granola, usually sitting around 130-140 calories per bar. The fat content is modest, derived primarily from SUNFLOWER OIL and COCOA BUTTER, rather than palm oil or heavy saturated fats.

The sugar content is the area to watch. With ingredients like DATE PASTE, CANE SUGAR, and INVERT CANE SYRUP, the bar contains roughly 8-10 grams of sugar. While this is lower than a candy bar, it is still a significant amount for a small breakfast item. However, the inclusion of vegetable extracts is a unique selling point, offering a serving of vegetables without the taste, which is a great way to sneak in micronutrients like Vitamin A and C. It fits well into a balanced diet as a convenient snack, but for strict weight loss plans, the sugar content might be a factor to consider.