Is Organic Chocolate Chip Rice Crispy Squares Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating a product like this, we look past the marketing claims and analyze the chemistry of the ingredients. For the most part, this bar passes the test, but there is one controversial ingredient.

The base of the square is comprised of crisp brown rice and pure gluten free oats. These are whole grains and are unequivocally vegan. However, oats are frequently processed on shared equipment with wheat, so while the ingredients don't list wheat, cross-contamination is a risk for those with severe celiac disease, though it doesn't affect the vegan status.

The sweetness and binding agents come from cane sugar, agave nectar, and raisins. This is where the investigation gets interesting. Strict vegans often avoid cane sugar because it is sometimes filtered and bleached using bone char (charred animal bones) to achieve a white color. While organic sugar is less likely to use bone char due to strict organic certification rules, the processing methods can vary by manufacturer. Without a specific "Certified Vegan" seal, we cannot guarantee the sugar wasn't processed with animal products.

Finally, the product includes a blend of vegetable extracts (spinach, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, beets, shiitake mushrooms). This is a clever way to add micronutrients without altering the flavor profile significantly. These are all plant-derived and perfectly vegan.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these squares are designed as a convenient snack rather than a meal replacement. The primary macronutrients are carbohydrates from the oats and rice, and fats from the sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is a heart-healthy unsaturated fat, which is a positive attribute compared to the hydrogenated oils found in many conventional snack bars.

The sugar content is the main nutritional flag. Between the cane sugar, agave nectar, and raisins, the glycemic load can be significant. While the organic certification ensures the sugar isn't genetically modified, it does not lower the calorie count. If you are monitoring your sugar intake or looking for a low-carb option, this product likely does not fit those dietary limits.