Quick Answer
Yes, Nature Valley Oats and Honey granola bars are certified gluten-free. Nature Valley states that all of their Oats and Honey granola bars contain gluten-free oats and are processed in facilities that are gluten-free. They are a safe option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Ingredients in Nature Valley Oats and Honey
The main ingredients in Nature Valley Oats and Honey granola bars are:
– Whole grain oats – Oats are naturally gluten-free grains. The oats used in Nature Valley products are certified gluten-free.
– Honey – Honey is a natural sweetener made by bees that does not contain gluten.
– Rice flour – Rice flour is made from finely milled rice and does not contain gluten.
– Sugar – Refined sugar does not contain gluten.
– Canola oil – Derived from rapeseed, canola oil is gluten-free.
– Brown rice syrup – A gluten-free alternative to corn syrup made from brown rice.
– Salt – Table salt is gluten-free.
– Soy lecithin – An emulsifier derived from soybeans that is gluten-free.
– Natural flavor – Can be derived from various gluten-free sources.
So all the main ingredients in Nature Valley Oats and Honey bars are naturally gluten-free.
Are Oats Gluten-Free?
Oats are naturally gluten-free grains. However, some people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity react negatively to avenin, a protein found in oats. Additionally, oats are often cross-contaminated with wheat, barley, and rye during growing and processing. So regular oats can be problematic.
The oats used in certified gluten-free products like Nature Valley Oats and Honey bars are specially grown and processed to avoid cross-contamination with gluten grains. This ensures the oats stay pure and gluten-free from field to package.
Gluten-Free Certification
Nature Valley Oats and Honey granola bars are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). The GFCO is a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group, one of the leading organizations advocating for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
For a product to receive GFCO certification, it must contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten. This strict standard ensures foods are safe for the vast majority of those sensitive to gluten. Nature Valley bars are tested multiple times throughout the manufacturing process to verify their gluten levels remain under 10 ppm.
Manufacturing Process
Nature Valley takes several precautions during manufacturing to prevent cross-contamination of their gluten-free oats and bars:
– Gluten-free oats are transported in dedicated rail cars and storage containers.
– The gluten-free oats are milled in a dedicated gluten-free facility.
– All equipment and manufacturing lines are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before gluten-free production runs.
– Gluten-free foods are produced before any gluten-containing foods to prevent cross-contact.
– Extensive testing is conducted regularly to verify no gluten contamination.
These controls ensure no traces of gluten make it into the Nature Valley products certified gluten-free.
Are Nature Valley Facilities Gluten-Free?
In addition to strict precautions during manufacturing, Nature Valley produces their gluten-free foods in dedicated gluten-free facilities. Their oats are milled in a gluten-free facility. And their bars are produced in a separate facility that only handles gluten-free foods.
These facilities do not process any wheat, rye, barley or foods made with these gluten-containing grains. This prevents any cross-contamination from shared equipment or airborne particles. Nature Valley’s gluten-free facilities give consumers with celiac disease assurance the bars are pure and safe.
Testing for Gluten
Extensive testing is done regularly on Nature Valley products labeled gluten-free to verify they contain less than 10ppm of gluten:
– The gluten-free oats are tested when they arrive at the milling facility.
– The finished oat flour is tested before being shipped to the manufacturing facilities.
– Testing is conducted on the facilities and equipment prior to production runs.
– finished products are tested periodically during the production run.
– Final products undergo additional testing to confirm no gluten contamination.
This rigorous testing regimen ensures the Nature Valley gluten-free bars consistently meet the strict standards to be certified gluten-free. Consumers can be confident in the testing protocols in place.
Labeling
Nature Valley voluntarily labels their gluten-free products with the GFCO certification logo. This round blue logo says “Certified Gluten-Free” and informs consumers the items have been third-party tested to verify their gluten-free status.
The packaging also includes a “gluten-free” claim in the nutrition facts or information panel. And some varieties state “Made with Gluten-Free Oats” on the front of the wrapper. So it is easy for buyers to identify the Nature Valley gluten-free options.
Warnings
While Nature Valley Oats and Honey bars are gluten-free, the company produces some varieties that are not gluten-free. Products made with wheat, barley or rye will be clearly labeled. Consumers need to watch for the gluten-free designations to choose appropriate varieties.
The bars are also processed on shared equipment alongside products with milk and soy. So individuals with allergies to these foods should exercise caution. Nature Valley provides allergen information on their website and packaging.
Oats and Honey Gluten-Free Varieties
The following Nature Valley Oats and Honey flavors are certified gluten-free:
| Flavor | Details |
|---|---|
| Oats ‘n Honey | The original chewy granola bar with oats and honey |
| Oats ‘n Honey Protein | Higher protein option with 10g per serving |
| Oats ‘n Honey Crunchy | Granola bars with a crunchy texture |
| Oats ‘n Honey Healthy Grains | Made with whole grains like quinoa and amaranth |
| Oats ‘n Honey Granola | Larger, crunchier granola bars |
| Oats ‘n Honey Nut | Granola bars with almond pieces |
| Oats ‘n Honey Seed, Nut and Honey | Bars with sunflower seeds, almonds, and pecans |
Other Gluten-Free Nature Valley Products
In addition to the Oats and Honey line, Nature Valley produces other gluten-free granola bars and snacks:
– Nature Valley Crispy granola bars – Rice-based bars in flavors like Almond and Maple Brown Sugar
– Nature Valley Nut crispy granola thins – Thin, crunchy bars made with nuts and seeds
– Nature Valley Biscuits – Baked oat bites made with gluten-free oats
– Nature Valley Snack Mixes – Trail mix style blends of nuts, seeds, and gluten-free snacks
– Nature Valley Soft-Baked Oatmeal Squares – Chewy baked oatmeal snacks with fillings
– Nature Valley Protein Bars – Protein-rich bars made with gluten-free ingredients
Always check the packaging for the gluten-free certification logo or claims when buying these products. Nature Valley details which flavors are gluten-free on their website as well.
Availability
Nature Valley Oats and Honey gluten-free granola bars are widely available at most major grocery stores, retailers, and online:
– Grocery stores – Sold in the cereal/granola bar aisle at chains like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, Publix, etc.
– Convenience stores – Often stocked at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Wawa, Circle K, and truck stops
– Drug stores – Found at national pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, etc.
– Online – Listed on Amazon, Instacart, Nature Valley’s website, and other ecommerce sites for delivery
– Big box stores – Available at wholesale clubs such as Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesale
– Natural food stores – Carried at health food chains like Sprouts, Whole Foods, Earth Fare
The bars come in boxes with 5-10 individually wrapped bars per box. Larger bulk packs with 18-30 bars are also sold at big box retailers.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for a 1.2oz (34g) Nature Valley Oats ‘n Honey gluten-free granola bar:
| Amount | Calories |
|---|---|
| Total Fat 4g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat 0.5g | 3% |
| Trans Fat 0g | – |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 85mg | 4% |
| Total Carbohydrate 24g | 9% |
| – Dietary Fiber 2g | 7% |
| – Total Sugars 8g | – |
| Protein 2g | – |
The bars provide 130 calories per serving. They offer some protein and fiber, though are higher in carbohydrates and sugar due to the honey and whole grain oats. The bars make a quick breakfast or snack but should be consumed in moderation.
Cost
Nature Valley Oats and Honey gluten-free granola bars typically cost:
– $2.50-$4.00 per 5-pack box
– $3.50-$6.00 per 10-pack box
– $0.50-$0.80 per individual bar
Prices may be slightly higher for specialty flavors or bulk boxes. Nature Valley granola bars are competitively priced with similar gluten-free cereal bars from other brands. They regularly go on sale at grocery and online retailers as well. Signing up for Nature Valley’s email newsletter provides access to coupons and discounts.
Reviews
Nature Valley Oats and Honey bars get mostly positive reviews regarding their taste and gluten-free certification:
– Owners appreciate the crunchy texture and flavor from the toasted oats and touch of honey.
– Many say this classic flavor brings back childhood memories of eating these bars in their lunchbox.
– Those with celiac disease and gluten intolerances say they can enjoy these bars safely with no issues.
– Several reviews mention these bars are a pantry staple for their household – great to grab when needing a quick gluten-free snack.
– Some say this variety helped their kids or family members transition to gluten-free diets. The bars give them comfort food in a gluten-free form.
– A few criticisms are that the bars are high in sugar and get stuck in teeth. But most agree the positives outweigh these drawbacks.
Overall, the Oats and Honey bars remain a beloved gluten-free favorite thanks to their nostalgic taste and extensive gluten testing. Nature Valley receives praise for making these classic snacks safely available to gluten-free consumers.
Alternatives
Those looking for alternatives to Nature Valley Oats and Honey gluten-free bars may want to consider:
– KIND Bars – Several certified gluten-free varieties including Oats and Honey granola bars
– Larabar – Gluten-free fruit and nut bars sweetened with dates instead of refined sugar
– Pure Organic Bars – USDA organic bars with gluten-free ingredients
– Annie’s Homegrown – Gluten-free crunchy snack bars and soft-baked granola bars
– Enjoy Life Foods – Extensive line of allergy-friendly granola bars that are gluten-free and vegan
– Oatmega Bars – Chewy gluten-free granola bars made with gluten-free oats and omega-3 rich flaxseeds
– BHU Fit Vegan Protein Bars – Plant-based protein bars with gluten-free oats
Always check labels since even brands marketing as “natural” or “healthy” can contain gluten ingredients or cross-contamination risks. Sticking with certified gluten-free brands provides more assurance.
Conclusion
Nature Valley Oats and Honey granola bars offer a delicious gluten-free option for those who need to avoid gluten. The use of certified gluten-free oats, thorough testing protocols, and dedicated facilities provide reassurance these classic snacks are safe for people with celiac disease and gluten intolerances. While higher in sugar, the bars remain a nostalgic favorite thanks to their satisfying crunch and hint of honey. Nature Valley earns praise for making these childhood snack bars easily available in a gluten-free version.
