Are Fig Bars Healthy (Nutrition Pros and Cons)? (2024)

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by Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutritionon

Mar 10, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

In this blog post, I’ll review the question of whether Fig Bars are healthy or not. Find out this product’s nutrition pros and cons and some better options you can consider.

Are Fig Bars Healthy (Nutrition Pros and Cons)? (1)

Table of Contents

Fig Bar Facts

Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are snack bars marketed as an excellent choice for active families who want wholesome snack food that is both convenient and nutritional.

In 2010, Dave Marson and his son Sam Marson founded Nature’s Bakery in Reno, Nevada. In 2020, KIND, a Mars family of companies, purchased the Nature’s Bakery brand. Today, Nature’s Bakery produces Fig Bars, a few other snack bar options, and a line of gluten-free fig bars.

Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are available in various flavors and contain ingredients like whole wheat flour, cane sugar, fig paste, natural flavor, and whole grain oats.

The bars are plant-based, non-GMO, nut-free, and contain no high fructose corn syrup. However, they have 14g to 16g of added sugar, and the gluten-free Fig Bars have 11g to 12g of added sugar.

The bars are available in the following flavors:

Regular:

  • Apple Cinnamon
  • Pumpkin Spice
  • Strawberry
  • Original Fig
  • Peach Apricot

Regular or gluten-free:

  • Blueberry
  • Raspberry

Gluten-free only:

  • Pomegranate

Each of these flavor variations has different ingredient combinations.

According to the nutrition label, each serving of the regular Fig Bar contains 200 calories, 3g of protein, 3g to 4g of fiber, and no high-fructose corn syrup.

The Gluten-Free Fig Bars contain 200-210 calories, 2 g of protein, 3 g of fiber, and no high-fructose corn syrup.

Fig Bar Ingredients

Nature’s Baker Fig Bars ingredients include brown rice syrup, cane sugar, fig paste, sea salt, citric acid, whole grain oats, and natural flavor.

The regular bars contain whole wheat flour, while the gluten-free options contain a gluten-free five-grain blend of amaranth, quinoa, millet, sorghum, and teff.

Different flavors have variations in their ingredient lists and some differences in nutritional profiles. The bars contain added sugars like cane sugar, brown rice syrup, and fig paste for added flavor and sweetness.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the ingredients in Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars and what they might mean for your health.

Natural Flavors

When it comes to the term “natural flavor,” there is a lot of conflicting information about what that term means in food labeling. Because there is no actual definition for that term, food manufacturing companies can use it to describe nearly any food product, additive, or ingredient.

It’s worth noting that some so-called “natural flavors” are produced using artificial derivatives and processes, such as enzyme-assisted extraction. These types of processing may use high heat and solvents to extract the flavor.

Unless the food manufacturing company reveals its production methods for “natural flavor,” it’s difficult to know whether they have any nutritional value or are considered healthy.

Whole Wheat Flour

Are Fig Bars Healthy (Nutrition Pros and Cons)? (2)

Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars contain whole wheat flour as a main ingredient. This flour is a fine powder created from milling wheat.

Whole wheat flour contains parts of the natural kernel, including bran, endosperm, and germ. This type of flour typically has a shorter shelf life than white flour because of the oil and germ contents in the bran.

Wheat is a known allergen, and people sensitive to wheat and gluten should avoid these foods. People who have celiac disease are at risk of developing several severe health conditions, including malnourishment, chronic anemia, osteoporosis, and the potential for developing certain types of cancer.

Nature’s Bakery offers a line of gluten-free fig bars for people with gluten intolerance or allergy to whole grains like wheat.

Canola Oil

Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars contain canola oil, a seed oil. Research shows that seed oils like canola can cause chronic inflammation. These oils are highly processed, and most are hydrogenated to extend the oil’s shelf life.

Hydrogenation increases trans fat levels, which may raise bad cholesterol (LDL) and cause health problems. Along with the hydrogenation process, some food manufacturers extract the seed oil using toxic solvents and high temperatures. These processes may contaminate the final product.

Cane Sugar

Granulated sugar can be made from sugar beets and sugar cane, but cane sugar is exclusively made from sugar cane. Although less processed than granulated sugar, cane sugar is still processed.

Eating cane sugar in moderation has some health benefits, like providing energy and antioxidants. However, consuming cane sugar can create several potentially harmful effects on a person’s health, including heart disease, weight gain, diabetes, dental cavities, and much more.

Fig Paste

Fig paste is a fruit puree made with figs to enhance a product’s flavor or sweetness. Since the figs are processed, their nutritional content may be affected negatively.

The company’s website doesn’t specify whether the fig paste used is additive and preservative-free or if it contains artificial sweeteners or added sugars.

Gluten-Free Flour Blend

The gluten-free flour blend in the gluten-free variations of Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars combines the nutritional powerhouses of amaranth, quinoa, millet, sorghum, and teff. These grains are gluten-free and contain essential nutrients.

Nutrition Pros

Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are a convenient snack for people on a plant-based diet or who want a grab-and-go nutritious snack.

There is a gluten-free version, and all products are free of nuts, non-GMO, and dairy-free. The gluten-free options contain five grains with potential health benefits. I have personally enjoyed the gluten-free version and think it’s a healthy snack option every once in awhile.

There is no high-fructose corn syrup in any of the variations, and each bar has 3g to 4g of fiber. The ingredients list is also free from artificial flavors.

Nutrition Cons

Although Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are convenient, they are not organic and contain anywhere between 11g to 16g of added sugar and some potentially unhealthy ingredients.

If you’re avoiding sugar or seed oils in your diet, it is best to avoid this snack bar and try to stick with just natural ingredients or homemade fig newtons using fresh figs and a food processor (this gluten-free recipe using almond flour looks great).

The regular, not gluten-free, bars are made with whole wheat flour, a known allergen, and all bars contain canola oil with associated health risks.

Nutrition FAQs

Are Fig Bars healthy for kids?

Nature’s Bakery products are nut-free, and they promote their snacks as safe to take to school. However, the regular bars contain wheat, an allergen and unsuitable for kids who are sensitive or allergic to gluten.

Nature’s Baker Fig Bars also contain added sugar and seed oil – both ingredients health-conscious parents may want to avoid for their kids or only allow in moderation. Fresh fruit or carrot sticks make excellent snacks for kids.See my full list of the best gluten-free and dairy-free snacks.

Do Fig Bars have preservatives?

No, Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars do not contain any unnatural preservatives. However, citric acid is a natural preservative; the bars contain this ingredient.

Are Fig Bars organic?

No, Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are not organic. They are non-GMO.

Try These Healthy Snack Options

9+ Best Gluten-Free Packaged Snacks for Travel (2024)
65+ Easy Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Snack Ideas
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars
Double Chocolate Almond Butter Energy Balls (No-Bake)

Conclusions

Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars contain some healthy food ingredients and are more nutritious than most regular candy bars. The gluten-free variations contain a blend of five grains with significant health properties.

However, these bars have between 11g and 16g of added sugar, which can be more sugar than some regular candy bar brands. Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars also contain canola oil which is an industrial seed oil and not considered part of a clean eating approach.

More Snack Bar Reviews You Might Like

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.

Note: this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations related to your individual situation.

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. We are participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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Are Fig Bars Healthy (Nutrition Pros and Cons)? (2024)

FAQs

Are Fig Bars Healthy (Nutrition Pros and Cons)? ›

They are also fairly healthy. Figs are well known for having fiber, which helps with digestion, as well as protein and several vitamins and minerals. This means there are quite a few health benefits of fig bars like fig Newtons

Newtons
Newtons are a Nabisco-trademarked version of a cookie filled with sweet fruit paste. "Fig Newtons" are the most popular variety (fig rolls filled with fig paste). They are produced by an extrusion process.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Newtons_(cookie)
.

Why do fig bars have so much sugar? ›

Granulated sugar and brown sugar are typically in fig bars and they do more than just sweeten the cookies. Sugar adds structure to the dough. So, it plays a necessary part in the recipe.

Are fig bars good for blood pressure? ›

Rich in potassium, figs restore balance and help lower blood pressure.

What is the nutritional value of a fig bar? ›

1 oz of fig bar (Natures Bakery) contains 100 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 74% carbs, 22% fat, and 4% protein. This has a relatively high calorie density, with 357 Calories per 100g.

Are fig bars high in carbs? ›

Nature's Bakery Original Fig Bar (1 bar) contains 19g total carbs, 17g net carbs, 2.5g fat, 2g protein, and 100 calories.

Are fig bars a healthy snack? ›

Fig bars are a great source of fiber and other essential nutrients, making them a perfect snack for anyone looking to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. They are also suitable for those with specific dietary requirements, including vegetarians and vegans.

Who should not eat figs? ›

Allergies. People who are sensitive to mulberry, natural rubber latex, or weeping fig might have allergic reactions to fig. Surgery: Fig might lower blood sugar levels. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery.

Can you eat too many fig bars? ›

Digestive symptoms

Since figs have a high fiber content, eating too many figs — especially dried figs — can cause diarrhea.

Are figs good or bad for cholesterol? ›

Figs are packed with all the good things: Fiber to support healthy digestion, relieve constipation and improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. Essential nutrients like copper, potassium, manganese, magnesium and vitamin K.

Which fig is healthiest? ›

Calimyrna figs are not only delicious but also nutritious. They are rich in vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and iron, providing ample energy. Additionally, they are easy to digest and a good source of natural fibre.

Are figs good or bad for you? ›

Figs are rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants and provide fiber and smaller amounts of a variety of minerals. They may also support digestive, gut, and menstrual health, improve inflammatory conditions, aid weight management, and offer cancer protection.

What is inside a fig bar? ›

The fig roll or fig bar is a biscuit or cookie consisting of a rolled cake or pastry filled with fig paste.

Are fig bars bad for constipation? ›

If you were convinced figs would make it into a gastroenterologist's favorite snacks list, you were right on the money. Why? According to Dr. Berookim, they contain an enzyme called ficain that helps ease constipation, and these snack bars are filled with 'em.

Can fig bars upset your stomach? ›

Figs may cause digestive upset or diarrhea due to their anti-constipation effects. They may also interfere with blood thinners, and some people may be allergic to them.

Can diabetics eat fig bars? ›

The figs in these bars are a natural source of dietary fibers, which assist in digestion and maintaining a healthy weight. They also help manage blood sugar levels, proving critical for individuals attempting to manage diabetes.

Is the sugar in figs healthy? ›

Natural Sugar and Fiber in Dried Figs

This is naturally occurring sugar, aka not added sugar. And while yes, sugar is sugar, naturally occurring sugar comes with a host of other beneficial nutrients as we alluded to above. For example, each serving of dried figs also comes with 4g fiber.

Does fig increase sugar level? ›

Dry figs also contain chlorogenic acid, a compound which has been studied to show an improvement in glucose metabolism in type II diabetics. If eaten as part of a well balanced diet, a serving of dry figs can be enjoyed without causing a rapid increase in your blood sugar.

Does fig jam have a lot of sugar? ›

Naturally Occurring Sugars: The 2 grams of naturally occurring sugars per serving in fig jam provide a source of quick energy. These natural sugars, along with dietary fiber, can help prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar levels when consumed as part of a balanced meal or snack.

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