Does Mid-day Squares contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, Mid-day Squares contain Nonfat Dry Milk. They are, however, certified gluten-free as they do not use wheat, barley, or rye ingredients.

Is Mid-day Squares good for weight loss?

They are high in calories and healthy fats, making them excellent for satiety and preventing energy crashes, but they should be eaten in moderation due to the sugar content if weight loss is the primary goal.

Where can I buy Mid-day Squares?

Mid-day Squares are available at major retailers like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and can be purchased directly from their official website or Amazon.

Is Mid-day Squares safe for kids?

Yes, the ingredients are whole-food based. However, because they are calorie-dense, they may be too filling for small children, and the caffeine content in the dark chocolate is negligible.

Is Mid-day Squares Kosher?

Yes, Mid-day Squares are kosher. Based on a detailed analysis of their whole-food ingredient list, including dried egg powder and dairy, there are no non-kosher animal derivatives or forbidden additives present. This verdict confirms that the product aligns with kosher dietary laws, provided the specific manufacturing facility adheres to standard kosher supervision.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food like Mid-day Squares is kosher, we look at the source of every ingredient. The primary concern in bars containing protein and chocolate is usually the dairy status and the source of binding agents. Mid-day Squares utilize Dried Whole Egg Powder as a key binder and protein source. In the kosher food industry, dried eggs are almost exclusively sourced from kosher-certified poultry, making them inherently kosher-friendly, unlike gelatin which often comes from non-kosher sources.

The bar also contains Nonfat Dry Milk and Honey. Dairy products require kosher certification to ensure they haven't been processed on equipment used for meat, but milk itself is kosher. Honey is always kosher, as it is produced by bees. The extensive list of vegetable-based ingredients—such as Kale, Flax Seed, and various fruit powders like Papaya and Orange—pose no kosher issues. The fats used, including Flax Seed Oil and Olive Oil, are plant-derived and acceptable.

Finally, the chocolate coating is a critical component. The presence of Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Butter is generally positive. Dark chocolate is dairy-free, but strict kosher observers must check for certification because some chocolate is processed on shared equipment with milk. However, looking at the ingredient list alone, there are no obvious red flags like wine or non-kosher flavorings. The combination of these ingredients suggests a product that is fundamentally kosher in composition.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Mid-day Squares are designed as a functional meal replacement rather than a low-calorie snack. A single square typically contains a significant amount of calories, often ranging between 200 to 250 calories, derived from a mix of healthy fats and carbohydrates. The inclusion of Peanut Butter and Cashew Butter provides substantial monounsaturated fats, which are excellent for satiety and heart health.

Sugar content is an area to monitor. The bars are sweetened with Maple Syrup, Honey, and Cane Sugar. While these are natural sweeteners compared to high-fructose corn syrup, they still contribute to the total sugar count, likely placing it around 15-20g per serving. This fits within a balanced diet if consumed as a meal replacement, but it may be too high for a simple snack if you are strictly monitoring sugar intake.

On the protein front, the bar utilizes Rice Protein alongside the dairy and egg sources, offering a complete amino acid profile. This makes it an excellent option for vegetarians (ovo-lacto) looking for sustained energy. The presence of Olive Oil and Pumpkin Seed Oil adds anti-inflammatory properties, making the fat profile of this bar superior to many competitors that use palm oil or hydrogenated fats.