# Nature Valley Granola Bars, Crunchy Dark Chocolate > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Nature Valley - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Cereal & Breakfast - **Size:** 8.94 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nature-valley-granola-bars-crunchy-dark-chocolate-894-oz - **Slug:** `nature-valley-granola-bars-crunchy-dark-chocolate-894-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains multiple industrial ingredients (added sugars, vegetable oils, soy lecithin, natural flavorings) and is a formulated, shelf-stable snack product, consistent with an ultra-processed classification. ## Review Nature Valley Granola Bars, Crunchy Dark Chocolate are sold in the snack and breakfast aisle, usually stacked on eye-level shelves near cereal, oatmeal, and other granola or protein bars. You’ll often see them next to other Nature Valley varieties, nut bars, and trail mixes, appealing to shoppers looking for a portable breakfast or snack. These bars fit quick morning routines, lunchboxes, road trips, and trail hikes — any occasion that needs an easy hand-held energy boost. The brand positions itself as outdoorsy and practical, aimed at active adults and busy parents who want a perceived balance of taste and wholesome ingredients. Packaging highlights like “whole grain oats” and imagery of oats and dark chocolate create a health-halo; there is generally no organic certification on this SKU and marketing leans more to “natural” sounding claims (e.g., natural flavors) than explicit health promises. The product reads as a processed convenience snack: oats and chocolate are combined with added sugars, vegetable oils, emulsifiers, and flavorings in a factory setting to produce a shelf-stable bar. Sensory experience is crunchy and crumbly with intermittent dark chocolate pieces that add a slightly bitter-sweet snap; the bars come individually wrapped inside a branded cardboard box, supporting grab-and-go rituals — grab a bar with coffee in the morning, slip one into a kid’s lunch, or eat one on a short hike. Overall it carries a familiar American grocery-floor story: marketed as a semi-wholesome, convenient treat that bridges breakfast and snack occasions. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2 - **Servings per container:** 6 - **Calories:** 200 - **Total fat:** 8g (10% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 1.5g (8% DV) - **Sodium:** 135mg (6% DV) - **Total carbs:** 29g (11% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 3g (11% DV) - **Total sugars:** 12g - **Added sugars:** 12g (24% DV) - **Protein:** 3g ## Ingredients Whole Grain Oats, Sugar, Canola and/or Sunflower Oil, Dark Chocolate Pieces (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor, Salt), Rice Flour, Brown Sugar Syrup, Cocoa, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Baking Soda, Natural Flavor. ## Flagged ingredients - **canola oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **sunflower oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **soy lecithin** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, road-trip, movie-night - **Vibes:** convenient, wholesome, indulgent ## FAQ ### Is the Crunchy Dark Chocolate bar healthy? Well, that depends on your definition of healthy! These bars pack a decent amount of whole grain oats and some fiber, but they also have added sugars. If you're looking for a quick snack that satisfies your sweet tooth without being a full-on dessert, they can fit into a balanced diet. ### Is the Crunchy Dark Chocolate bar vegan? Nope, these bars aren’t vegan. They contain dark chocolate, which can have dairy components depending on the brand and formulation. If you’re strictly avoiding animal products, you might want to look for a dedicated vegan snack instead. ### Are Crunchy Dark Chocolate bars gluten-free? Not quite! These bars contain whole grain oats, which are typically gluten-free, but they can sometimes be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing. If you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, it's best to steer clear or look for certified gluten-free options. ### Do Crunchy Dark Chocolate bars contain seed oils? Yes, they do! The bars include canola and/or sunflower oil. While some folks prefer to avoid seed oils due to concerns over processing and omega-6 fatty acids, they are generally safe in moderation and help keep the bars nice and crunchy. ### Are there artificial sweeteners in Crunchy Dark Chocolate bars? Nope, you won’t find any artificial sweeteners here! The sweetness primarily comes from sugar and brown sugar syrup, which means you get that classic sweet flavor without the chemical taste that some people dislike. ### Is the Crunchy Dark Chocolate bar high in sugar? While it’s not off-the-charts sugary, it does have 12 grams of added sugars per serving. If you’re watching your sugar intake, just keep in mind that these bars are a treat rather than a health food, so moderation is key! ### What are some healthier alternatives to the Crunchy Dark Chocolate bar? If you're looking for something a bit lighter, consider homemade granola bars where you can control the ingredients and sugar levels. Alternatively, look for bars that are higher in protein and fiber, and lower in added sugars, like those made with nuts and seeds. ### Can kids eat Crunchy Dark Chocolate bars? Absolutely! These bars can be a fun snack for kids, especially with that tasty chocolate twist. Just be mindful of portion sizes and pair them with something nutritious, like a piece of fruit or yogurt, to create a balanced snack. ### Are Crunchy Dark Chocolate bars good for weight loss? They can be part of a weight loss plan if enjoyed in moderation. They provide some energy and satisfy cravings, but with their added sugars, they’re not the most filling option. Pairing them with protein or healthy fats can help make them more satisfying. ### Are Crunchy Dark Chocolate bars ultra-processed? While they are processed, they're not quite in the ultra-processed category. The ingredient list is relatively straightforward, but they do contain added sugars and oils, which means they’re not as minimally processed as some whole food snacks. Think of them as a convenient option rather than a whole food! ## Related products - [Madegood Org Granola Mini Strwbry](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/madegood-org-granola-mini-strwbry-425-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/madegood-org-granola-mini-strwbry-425-oz - [Kellogg's Nutri?Grain Cereal Bars, Raspberry](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nutri-grain-kelloggs-nutrigrain-cereal-bars-raspberry-1040-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nutri-grain-kelloggs-nutrigrain-cereal-bars-raspberry-1040-oz - [Quaker Old Fashioned Grits 24 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/quaker-old-fashioned-grits-24-oz-24-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/quaker-old-fashioned-grits-24-oz-24-oz - [Post Cereal Fruity Pebbles with Marshmallow](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/post-cereal-fruity-pebbles-with-marshmallow-11-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/post-cereal-fruity-pebbles-with-marshmallow-11-oz - [Post Shredded Wheat Cereal](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/post-shredded-wheat-cereal-15-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/post-shredded-wheat-cereal-15-oz - [Cheerios Protein Cereal Bar Peanut Butter Chocolate 5 Ct](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/cheerios-protein-cereal-bar-peanut-butter-chocolate-5-ct-635-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/cheerios-protein-cereal-bar-peanut-butter-chocolate-5-ct-635-oz - [Kellogg's Corn Flakes Cereal](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/corn-flakes-kelloggs-cereal-24-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/corn-flakes-kelloggs-cereal-24-oz - [Nature Valley Granola Bars, Crunchy Variety Pack](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nature-valley-granola-bars-crunchy-variety-pack-894-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nature-valley-granola-bars-crunchy-variety-pack-894-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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