Is Simply Nutty Bars, Dark Chocolate, Nuts and Sea Salt Bars Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims to the molecular composition of the food. The ingredient list for the Simply Nutty Bars, Dark Chocolate, Nuts and Sea Salt variety is surprisingly clean, which is excellent news for anyone with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The primary binders and fillers here are derived from nuts, honey, and pea protein, none of which contain gluten.

Let's look at the specific components. The base consists of Peanuts, Almonds, and Walnuts. These are naturally gluten-free whole foods. The sweetness comes from Honey and the Dark chocolate. While dark chocolate is generally safe, it is important to note that the specific brand used here includes soy lecithin. While soy lecithin is gluten-free, it is an allergen for some. The texture comes from Pea protein crisp rice and Pea protein isolate. This is a brilliant substitution for traditional rice crispies, which can sometimes be processed on shared equipment with wheat. By using pea protein and brown rice flour, the manufacturer minimizes the risk of cross-contamination significantly.

The only potential flag for strict allergen avoiders is the Expeller pressed canola oil. While canola oil is gluten-free, it is often highly processed. However, in the context of a snack bar, it is used in small amounts to prevent sticking. There are no artificial preservatives or high-fructose corn syrup listed, which keeps the ingredient profile relatively whole-food based.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these bars are energy-dense. A single bar packs a significant caloric punch primarily from fats and sugars. The fat content is high, but it is largely derived from the nuts (walnuts and almonds), which provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and Omega-3s. This is the 'good' kind of fat, though it still contributes to the total calorie count.

The sugar content is the next item to watch. With honey and sugar in the dark chocolate, these bars are sweet. While it is unrefined sugar, it still spikes blood glucose levels. However, the inclusion of pea protein and nut protein helps buffer this spike by slowing down digestion. If you are on a low-carb diet like Keto, the sugar might be too high, but the fat content fits well. If you are looking for a post-workout snack, the protein content is actually quite respectable thanks to the pea protein crisp rice.