Is this strawberry walks into a bar... CEREAL BARS Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look past the marketing buzzwords to the raw data on the label. The verdict here is straightforward: this bar contains gluten. The primary culprit is Organic Wheat Flour, which serves as the structural base for the bar. Wheat flour is one of the most common sources of gluten, a protein that causes adverse reactions in those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

It doesn't stop there. The ingredient list also includes Organic Wheat Bran and, critically, Organic Wheat Gluten. Manufacturers often add isolated wheat gluten to cereal bars to improve the 'chew' and texture, ensuring the bar holds together without crumbling. While these are 'clean' ingredients in the sense that they are organic, they are strictly off-limits for a gluten-free diet.

There is also a secondary concern regarding Oat Flour and Organic Oats. While oats are naturally gluten-free, they are frequently processed in facilities that also handle wheat. Unless the oats are certified gluten-free (and this label does not explicitly claim that certification), there is a risk of cross-contamination. Therefore, this bar fails the test on two fronts: direct inclusion of wheat and potential oat cross-contamination.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this bar attempts to balance indulgence with fortification. It contains Organic Non-Fat Dry Milk and Organic Soy Lecithin, contributing to its protein and fat content. The fat source is Organic Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, which is a monounsaturated fat, generally considered a better option than palm oil or hydrogenated oils often found in cheaper bars.

However, the sugar content is significant. The bar utilizes a combination of Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Invert Cane Syrup, and Organic Honey. While these are natural sweeteners rather than high-fructose corn syrup, the total sugar load is high. This will likely cause a spike in blood sugar followed by a crash, which isn't ideal for sustained energy. The inclusion of a Vitamin B Blend is a nice touch to boost micronutrient intake, but it doesn't offset the high caloric density derived largely from sugars and flour.