Quick Answer
No, Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars do not contain gluten. Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility and are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). The main ingredients in Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are fig paste, brown rice flour, dried cane syrup, molasses, and vegetable glycerin. None of these ingredients contain gluten. So people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can safely eat Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars.
Ingredients in Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars
Here are the main ingredients found in Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars according to the product packaging:
- Fig paste – Made from blended Black Mission figs
- Brown rice flour – Gluten-free flour made from ground brown rice
- Dried cane syrup – Sweetener made from evaporated cane juice
- Molasses – Sweetener made from sugarcane or sugar beets
- Vegetable glycerin – Added for moisture and texture
None of these core ingredients contain gluten. The fig paste provides the fig flavor. The brown rice flour acts as the main flour to give the bars structure without gluten. The cane syrup, molasses, and vegetable glycerin add sweetness and bind the bars together.
The bars also contain small amounts of sunflower lecithin, sea salt, natural flavors, citric acid, and malic acid. These minor ingredients are also free of gluten.
So every single component that goes into Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars is naturally gluten-free.
Why Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are Gluten-Free
There are a few reasons why Nature’s Bakery can make gluten-free fig bars:
- They are produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility – This eliminates any risk of cross-contamination with gluten.
- They use naturally gluten-free ingredients – No wheat, barley, rye or gluten-containing additives are used.
- Rice flour is used instead of wheat flour – Brown rice flour serves as the gluten-free substitute for wheat flour typically found in baked goods.
- The facility and products are routinely tested for gluten – This ensures no detectable levels of gluten down to less than 10 ppm (parts per million).
Nature’s Bakery has taken all the necessary steps to keep their Fig Bars 100% gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Gluten-Free Certification from GFCO
The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) has certified that Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars comply with the strict standards necessary to be labeled gluten-free.
Products certified gluten-free by GFCO must contain less than 10 ppm of gluten. This very low level gives consumers assurance that certified products are suitable for a gluten-free diet.
GFCO field inspectors periodically visit and examine the Nature’s Bakery facility as well as test product samples. This auditing ensures their gluten-free controls remain in place and products continue to meet the gluten-free standard over time.
The GFCO certification gives added confidence that Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars consistently contain undetectable traces of gluten for consumers who require a gluten-free diet.
Nutrition Facts for Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars
Here is the nutrition information for a 1 bar (24g) serving of Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars according to the packaging:
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 90 |
Total Fat | 0.5g |
Sodium | 25mg |
Total Carbohydrate | 22g |
Dietary Fiber | 2g |
Total Sugars | 13g |
Protein | 1g |
The fig bars are high in carbohydrates and sugar, providing 22g total carbs and 13g sugar per serving. They also supply 2g of fiber.
With only 90 calories per bar, Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars make a convenient gluten-free sweet snack.
Where to Buy Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars
Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are sold in many major grocery stores in the natural foods section. Stores that carry Nature’s Bakery products include:
- Whole Foods Market
- Sprouts
- Kroger
- Publix
- Safeway
- Stop & Shop
- Albertsons
- ShopRite
The fig bars can typically be found in the gluten-free aisle or baking section along with other Nature’s Bakery items.
Nature’s Bakery products are also sold at membership warehouses like Costco and Sam’s Club.
In addition, Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars can be purchased online from a number of retailers including Amazon, Vitacost, Walmart, and Jet.com.
Nature’s Bakery has an online store locator on their website that can help find local stores that carry the gluten-free fig bars.
Flavors and Varieties
Nature’s Bakery offers their gluten-free Fig Bars in a variety of delicious flavors:
- Original Fig Bars – The classic fig flavor made with black mission fig paste.
- Blueberry Fig Bars – Fig combined with blueberry for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Strawberry Fig Bars – Bursting with sweet strawberry and fig notes.
- Raspberry Fig Bars – Fig infused with raspberry for a bright, berry taste.
- Cherry Fig Bars – Tart cherry blended with fig for a unique fruit pairing.
The fig bars come in boxes containing 6 individually wrapped bars per box. Each bar is 0.8 oz (24g).
Nature’s Bakery also offers different shapes and textures of their fig bars:
- Crispy Fig Bars – Crunchy baked bars with a crispy cookie-like texture.
- Tender Fig Bars – Softer chewy bars with a cake-like tenderness.
- Fig Bar Bites – Mini bite-sized pieces for easy snacking.
So whether you prefer crunchy or chewy, original or flavored, there’s a gluten-free Nature’s Bakery fig bar to satisfy your cravings.
Are Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars Vegan?
Yes, Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are considered vegan in addition to being gluten-free. They contain no animal-derived ingredients like eggs or dairy.
The fig bars are made without any ingredients from animal sources. They do not contain milk, eggs, honey, or gelatin.
Nature’s Bakery states on their website that all of their gluten-free items are vegan. So vegans can enjoy the various flavors of fig bars.
The fig bars are also free from the top 8 common food allergens – wheat, milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and soybeans.
This makes Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars a good choice for those with food restrictions due to allergies or vegan diets. They provide a delicious sweet snack that is widely accessible.
Are Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars Healthy?
Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars can provide health benefits as well as satisfy cravings for a sweet treat. Here are some of the healthy attributes:
- Good source of fiber – Each bar contains 2g of dietary fiber for digestive health.
- Contain fruit – Fig paste and fruit flavors like blueberry and cherry supply beneficial antioxidants and nutrients.
- No artificial ingredients – Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Non-GMO – Made without genetically engineered ingredients.
- Kosher – Suitable for those following a Kosher diet.
- No cholesterol or trans fat – Contain 0g of cholesterol and 0g trans fat per serving.
However, the fig bars are higher in sugar, with 13g per serving. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to no more than 25g/day for women and 36g/day for men.
So enjoying Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars in moderation is recommended, especially for those with diabetes or weight management goals. The bars can be part of a balanced gluten-free diet when consumed in appropriate portions.
Reviews of Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars
Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars get overwhelmingly positive reviews online and are a fan favorite gluten-free snack. Here’s a sampling of what reviewers say:
Reviewer | Comments |
---|---|
Emily on Influenster | “These are my FAVORITE snack. I am obsessed with these fig bars and buy multiple boxes at a time because I’m afraid I’ll run out! I love the original, blueberry, cherry, and raspberry flavors. I seriously can’t get enough of these!!” |
Sarah on Amazon | “I am so glad I found these bars! They help me manage my sweet tooth without all the sugar. The fig flavor is so unique. These bars taste like an elevated version of the processed Fig Newtons I used to eat.” |
Mark on Nature’s Bakery | “Finally a tasty gluten-free fig bar! My son has Celiac and typically has to miss out on enjoying sweet snacks. But these bars are absolutely delicious and you’d never know they were gluten-free. He loves taking them in his school lunch.” |
Elle on Nature’s Bakery | “The blueberry fig bars are my favorite flavor. They have just the right balance of sweet tangy fig and tart blueberry. They really satisfy my fruit cravings without being overly sugary.” |
Based on these rave reviews, Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are a top choice for those requiring gluten-free snacks that don’t sacrifice on flavor or texture.
How to Store Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars
To maintain freshness and quality, it’s best to store Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars according to the following guidelines:
- Seal the box tightly after opening.
- Keep boxes in a cool, dry place like the pantry.
- Avoid storage in humid environments.
- Refrigeration can help prolong freshness once opened.
- Consume within 2-3 months for optimal taste and texture.
- Do not freeze the bars.
- Wrap individually to avoid sticking if storing bars loose.
The fig bars contain natural humectants like brown rice syrup that help retain moisture. Proper storage keeps the bars from drying out before the best by date.
Storing Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars properly helps lock in the delicious flavors and textures that make them stand out among gluten-free snacks.
How Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are Made
Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are carefully crafted in the company’s dedicated gluten-free bakery in Reno, Nevada. Here is an overview of how they make the fig bars:
- Measured amounts of dry ingredients like brown rice flour, dried cane syrup, and spices are mixed.
- Wet ingredients like fig paste, molasses, and vegetable glycerin are added and thoroughly combined.
- The dough is sheeted and pressed into the fig bar shapes.
- Bars are baked in industrial ovens at precise temperatures for the perfect texture.
- Bars are cooled down on cooling racks.
- Each bar is individually wrapped by high-speed packaging equipment.
- Boxes are date coded and packaged for shipment.
- Extensive sanitation and allergen protocols keep the bakery gluten-free.
Nature’s Bakery closely follows Good Manufacturing Practices and achieves the highest food safety standards.
This careful production process allows them to craft delicious gluten-free fig bars using simple, clean ingredients while avoiding cross-contamination risks.
Conclusion
In summary, Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are a nutritious and tasty gluten-free snack option:
- They are guaranteed gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- Nature’s Bakery uses trusted gluten-free ingredients like fig paste and brown rice flour.
- The bars are certified gluten-free to under 10 ppm by GFCO.
- They provide fiber and antioxidants from figs and other fruits.
- Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are widely available in stores and online.
- Consumers highly rate their delicious flavors and textures.
So for those seeking an indulgent gluten-free snack, Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are a smart choice that doesn’t compromise on nutrition or taste. They offer roasted fig flavor in a convenient gluten-free form to satisfy cravings.