Nature Valley Oats N Honey Granola bar

Granola bars have become a staple breakfast and snack option in the United States, offering quick and convenient energy for busy days. With grocery store shelves overflowing with different brands and flavors, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. For this Friday Food Talk, I’ve decided to spotlight Nature Valley’s Honey Oats Granola Bar—a frequent favorite of my college-aged son, who relies on it for a quick bite between classes. Here’s what I discovered. 

The Good

• - Moderate in calories per serving 
  - Healthy balance of fat, total carbohydrates and sodium  
  - Contain zero trans fats 
  - Healthy balance of fiber (Whole grain-based product)  
  - Healthy balance of added sugars 

The Bad

However, this food is rated as a red dot because it seems to have the following unhealthy qualities that may have adverse health effects if consumed unconsciously! 

• High in added sugars: This product has 11 grams of added sugars per bar (23% of the daily value). Too much added sugar can lead to health problems, including high blood sugar, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, dental issues (cavities), increased triglycerides (Heart problems), obesity, and type 2 diabetes. 

• Contains flavoring: The product says natural flavoring. But there are no specifics.  

• Contains soy: Many commercial products use soy lecithin as an emulsifier to maintain their structure and increase their shelf life. Soy lecithin is generally considered safe, but it can cause allergic reactions in people with soy allergies. 

  
  

  
  

• Our Recommendations

• This product can occasionally be consumed as a quick energy snack. However, we suggest avoiding products with added sugars. For better health, try to find products naturally sweetened with fruits. Try our homemade, no-added-sugar millet flour energy balls for a healthier snack.  

  Check out our Food Coach if you want to rate any commercial product!