By Accounts Wilddate June 14, 2024

Snack bars have revolutionised the snacking world over the last decade. These easy-to-carry, on-the-go snacks are a convenient option for busy individuals to satisfy hunger between meals. But when it comes to selecting a snack bar that’s both tasty and nutritious, being mindful of the ingredients is important. While some ingredients can elevate the flavour and offer health benefits, others might do more harm than good. 

Let’s dive into the top ingredients to avoid in a snack bar, so you can make the best choices for your health and taste buds without stressing over nutritional labels.

1. Artificial Sweeteners: The Sneaky Sugar Substitutes

Artificial sweeteners seem like a good way to cut down on sugar, but they can be more harmful than you think. Look out for aspartame, saccharin and sucralose that are often used as sweeteners in snack bars. These sneaky substitutes can leave a bitter aftertaste. Some studies also suggest that these are linked to various health concerns including headaches, migraines and other larger neurological effects. Instead, choose snack bars with natural sweeteners like wild honey, maple syrup, dates or natural sugars for a sweeter (and safer) snacking experience, just like Wild Date does. All Wild Date products are made of wild honey, dates or natural sugars so you don’t have to compromise on health and taste. 

2. Hydrogenated Oils: The Trans Fat Troublemakers

Hydrogenated oils, also known as trans fats, are a big no-no when it comes to snack bars. Think of them as artery-cloggers that can raise bad cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Look for snack bars made with healthier fat sources like nuts, seeds, or coconut oil for a more heart-friendly treat. To avoid hydrogenated oils and any kind of trans fats, indulge in Wild Date snacks that use only nut butter like almonds and cashews. These are naturally stone ground in small batches and added to the products for a creamier taste and softer texture.

3. Artificial Colours and Flavours

Bright colours and artificial flavours may make snacks look appetising and attractive, but they can wreak havoc on your health. These additives are often derived from chemicals that offer zero nutritional value and can, in fact, contribute to allergies or sensitivities. Choose snack bars that use natural ingredients for a healthier and tastier snacking experience. Wild Date snack bars proudly declare ‘no artificial colours and flavours’ in their products, making them a wholesome choice for everyday snacking.

4. High Fructose Corn Syrup

The sugary scam doesn’t end here! High fructose corn syrup is another common sweetener found in processed foods, including snack bars. This sweet ingredient has been linked to diabetes, high cholesterol and other metabolic issues. Avoid it at all costs and keep an eye out for (Wild Date) snack bars that use natural sweeteners like wild honey, dates or fruit purees instead of this unhealthy ingredient. By making the switch, you can enjoy a sweeter snack without the health risks.

5. Preservatives and Additives: The Shelf Life Extenders

There is no doubt that snacks need preservatives and additives to stay on the shelf longer. These are added to snack bars in abundance to enhance texture and give them a lifespan of nearly a year. While these ingredients might keep your snack bar fresh for longer, they can also introduce unnecessary chemicals into your body that are extremely harmful. Choose snack bars with no added preservatives and stick to options with wholesome, recognisable ingredients. 

6. Soy Protein Isolate: The Not-So-Healthy Protein Source

Soy protein isolate is a highly processed form of soy protein often used to boost the protein content of snack bars. However, this protein source is hard to digest and may contain GMOs that are extremely harmful. Look for snack bars that use whole food sources of protein like nuts, seeds, or pea protein for a cleaner and natural protein boost. This is why Wild Date snack bars are packed with nuts and seeds that are slow-roasted to maximise health benefits and taste.

7. Excessive Added Sugar

While a touch of sweetness can enhance the flavour of a snack bar, excessive added sugar can turn a healthy treat into a sugary saboteur. Watch out for snack bars with high sugar content from sources like dextrose or maltodextrin that can be as harmful as aspartame, saccharin and sucralose. Choose options that are naturally sweetened with fruits or a touch of honey, just like Wild Date snacks, for a healthier snacking experience.

By being mindful of these ingredients in a snack bar, you can make smarter choices when selecting your next grab-and-go treat. Remember, snacking should be fun, delicious and nutritious and not stressful. So choose snack bars that align with your health and taste p