# Nature Valley Granola Bars, Trail Mix Dark Chocolate Cherry > 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:** 7.40 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nature-valley-granola-bars-trail-mix-dark-chocolate-cherry-740-oz - **Slug:** `nature-valley-granola-bars-trail-mix-dark-chocolate-cherry-740-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains multiple industrial ingredients (corn syrup, vegetable glycerin, emulsifiers, flavors), added sugars and processed chocolate chunks, fitting the NOVA ultra-processed category due to formulation and manufacturing. ## Review Nature Valley Granola Bars, Trail Mix Dark Chocolate Cherry, sit on supermarket shelving in the snack and cereal aisle — usually in the granola/energy bar bay near trail mixes, breakfast bars, and other on‑the‑go snacks. Packaged in a small box with individually wrapped bars, they are positioned as a portable, outdoorsy snack for hikers, commuters, and busy families. The product leans on Nature Valley’s rustic, active-lifestyle brand: imagery of trails and parks, messaging about whole grain oats, and a guarantee of quality that appeals to pragmatic shoppers who want a quick energy boost with a veneer of wholesomeness. Label claims include “made with 100% natural whole grain oats,” a note that the product is “naturally flavored,” and a transparency line about being partially produced with genetic engineering; it is not labeled organic. The package also promotes recycling and family-friendly marketing rather than child-targeted characters. In plain processing context, this is a manufactured snack made from rolled oats combined with added sugars, syrups, fats, flavorings, and chocolate inclusions — a processed bar formulated for consistency and shelf life. Sensory cues: each bar typically offers crunchy oat clusters bound by a sweet syrup, interspersed with chewy dried cherries and cranberries and studded with semisweet chocolate chunks; mouthfeel mixes crispness with chew. Ritual use is portable and habitual — tossed into a backpack, slipped into a lunchbox, or eaten between errands. On-store shelving it competes on convenience, flavor variety, and the “wholesome” language that comforts shoppers looking for a quick, familiar American snack. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1.0 - **Servings per container:** 6 - **Calories:** 150 - **Total fat:** 4g (5% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 1g (5% DV) - **Sodium:** 70mg (3% DV) - **Total carbs:** 25g (9% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 2g (7% DV) - **Total sugars:** 8g - **Added sugars:** 7g (14% DV) - **Protein:** 2g ## Ingredients Whole Grain Oats, Corn Syrup, Semisweet Chocolate Chunks (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor), Sugar, Almonds, Rice Flour, Vegetable Glycerin, Dried Cranberries, Canola Oil, Fructose, Dried Cherries, Corn Starch, Soy Lecithin, Salt, Barley Malt Extract, Baking Soda, Natural Flavor, Mixed Tocopherols Added to Retain Freshness. ## Flagged ingredients - **canola** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **soy lecithin** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier ## Context tags - **Occasions:** road-trip, back-to-school, post-workout - **Vibes:** convenient, wholesome, adventurous ## FAQ ### Is the Trail Mix Dark Chocolate Cherry healthy? Well, 'healthy' can mean different things to different people! In moderation, this bar can be a decent snack option, especially when compared to a candy bar. It offers whole grain oats and some protein from almonds, but it does have added sugars, so it's best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple. ### Is the Trail Mix Dark Chocolate Cherry vegan? Nope, this one isn’t vegan. It contains semisweet chocolate chunks, which typically include dairy products. So if you're strictly avoiding animal products, you might want to look for a different snack. ### Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, the Trail Mix Dark Chocolate Cherry is not gluten-free. It contains whole grain oats, which can sometimes be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing. If you're sensitive to gluten, I'd recommend checking out other brands that specifically cater to that need. ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain canola oil, which is a type of seed oil. While seed oils can be a bit controversial, they are often included in processed foods for their mild flavor and ability to help maintain texture. Moderation is key, and for many, they’re not a dealbreaker. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, no artificial sweeteners here! The sweetness comes from added sugars and the natural flavors of dried cherries and cranberries. It’s a nice touch for those who prefer to avoid the fake stuff. ### Is it high in sugar? Not exactly, but it’s not low either. Each bar has 8 grams of total sugars, with 7 grams of that being added sugars. For a snack, it’s on the higher side, so if you're watching your sugar intake, just keep that in mind. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for something with less sugar or more protein, consider snack bars made with whole ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits without added sugars. Brands like RXBAR or Larabar offer options that are a bit more straightforward in terms of ingredients. ### Can kids eat the Trail Mix Dark Chocolate Cherry? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy this bar as a fun snack, especially if they have a sweet tooth. Just be mindful of the sugar content, and maybe pair it with some fruit or yogurt to balance it out. ### Is it good for weight loss? It can fit into a weight loss plan if enjoyed in moderation! It’s relatively low in calories (150 per bar), but the added sugars can add up if you’re not careful. It’s best to think of it as a treat rather than a meal replacement. ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, the Trail Mix Dark Chocolate Cherry is considered ultra-processed. It contains multiple ingredients, including sweeteners and oils, which are typically not found in homemade snacks. But hey, sometimes convenience wins, and it can still be part of a balanced diet! ## Related products - [Pearl Milling Company Butter Rich Syrup](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pearl-milling-company-butter-rich-syrup-24-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pearl-milling-company-butter-rich-syrup-24-oz - [One Degree Organic Gluten Free Granola, Honey Hemp](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/one-degree-organic-foods-gluten-free-granola-honey-hemp-organic-11-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/one-degree-organic-foods-gluten-free-granola-honey-hemp-organic-11-oz - [Cheerios Protein Cereal Bar Berry 5 Ct](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/cheerios-protein-cereal-bar-berry-5-ct-635-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/cheerios-protein-cereal-bar-berry-5-ct-635-oz - [General Mills Reeses Puffs Cereal](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/reeses-puffs-general-mills-reeses-puffs-cereal-1970-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/reeses-puffs-general-mills-reeses-puffs-cereal-1970-oz - [General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch Strawberry](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/cinnamon-toast-crunch-general-mills-strawberry-12-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/cinnamon-toast-crunch-general-mills-strawberry-12-oz - [Motts Filled Bar Blueberry 5 Ct](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/motts-motts-filled-bar-blueberry-5-ct-655-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/motts-motts-filled-bar-blueberry-5-ct-655-oz - [Log Cabin Original Pancake Syrup, 12 fl oz.](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/log-cabin-original-pancake-syrup-12-fl-oz-12-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/log-cabin-original-pancake-syrup-12-fl-oz-12-oz - [Protein One 90 Calorie Protein Bar, Strawberry Cream](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/protein-one-90-calorie-protein-bar-strawberry-cream-480-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/protein-one-90-calorie-protein-bar-strawberry-cream-480-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. Full API access and search: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/skill.md