Is Nut bar Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a product is safe for a gluten-free diet, we look for the absence of wheat, barley, rye, and often oats (due to cross-contamination). In the case of Nut bar, the primary structure comes from peanuts and almonds. These are naturally gluten-free legumes and tree nuts, providing the bulk of the texture and flavor without any gluten risk.

The binding agents and sweeteners are also safe. Ingredients like cane sugar, tapioca starch, and honey are gluten-free. Tapioca starch specifically is a common gluten-free thickener derived from cassava root. The inclusion of soy protein isolate and soy lecithin adds protein and emulsification; soy is naturally free of gluten.

However, the allergen warning is significant. The label states it contains soy, peanuts, and almonds, and may contain milk, eggs, sesame, and tree nuts like walnuts and cashews. This indicates a high risk of cross-contact in the manufacturing facility. While the ingredients themselves are gluten-free, those with Celiac disease who also have severe dairy or nut allergies should exercise extreme caution.

Nutritional Value

Nutritionally, the Nut bar is an energy-dense food. The primary macronutrients are fats from peanuts, almonds, and palm oil, and carbohydrates from cane sugar and honey. The sugar content is likely high, as sugar is listed early in the ingredients, which can cause blood sugar spikes despite the presence of chicory root fiber (a prebiotic fiber that aids digestion).

For those tracking caloric intake, this bar likely falls into the 200-250 calorie range per serving. It fits well into a high-energy diet, such as for athletes needing quick fuel, but may not be ideal for low-carb or low-sugar diets. The soy protein isolate does offer a protein boost, making it more satiating than a candy bar, but the fat-to-protein ratio is still skewed toward fats.