# Nature Valley Soft-Baked Oatmeal Squares, Peanut Butter > 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:** 7.44 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nature-valley-soft-baked-oatmeal-squares-peanut-butter-744-oz - **Slug:** `nature-valley-soft-baked-oatmeal-squares-peanut-butter-744-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains multiple industrial ingredients and additives (vegetable glycerin, palm and palm kernel oils, soy lecithin, tapioca syrup, natural flavor) and is manufactured into a ready-to-eat convenience product, which meets criteria for ultra-processed foods (NOVA 4). ## Review Nature Valley Soft-Baked Oatmeal Squares, Peanut Butter is a shelf-stable snack bar you’ll find in the grocery snack aisle alongside granola and breakfast bars, often on eye-level shelves or endcaps near lunchbox items and peanut butter spreads. It suits quick shopping trips for after-school snacks, road-trip pit stops, and pantry-stable grab-and-go mornings. The Nature Valley brand trades on outdoorsy, all-American imagery and appeals to busy families and commuters who want a perceived balance of wholesome whole grains and indulgent flavor; marketing leans into simplicity and nature cues even as the packaging emphasizes convenience. The label highlights "Whole Grain Oats" and the presence of peanuts and honey, but there’s no organic seal and the product also carries typical processed-food claims like "soft-baked" and "made with real peanut butter." In everyday terms this is a packaged, highly processed snack made from milled oats, added sugars, syrups, refined oils and functional additives. Sensory-wise the squares are soft and slightly chewy rather than crunchy, with a sweet peanut-forward taste, hints of molasses and honey, and a moist, cake-like crumb; they come in a boxed package containing individually wrapped squares for single-serve portability. Rituals around this product include slipping a square into a child’s lunchbox, pairing one with coffee for a mid-morning break, or stacking a couple in a travel bag for a highway snack. Texture, sweetness and convenience are the selling points that make it a go-to impulse or planned snack in American grocery culture. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 - **Servings per container:** 6 - **Calories:** 160 - **Total fat:** 7g (9% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 1.5g (8% DV) - **Sodium:** 140mg (6% DV) - **Total carbs:** 22g (8% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 3g (11% DV) - **Total sugars:** 9g - **Added sugars:** 9g (18% DV) - **Protein:** 3g ## Ingredients Whole Grain Oats, Sugar, Whole Wheat Flour, Canola Oil, Peanut Flour, Tapioca Syrup, Peanut Butter (Peanuts, Salt), Palm and Palm Kernel Oils, Vegetable Glycerin, Honey, Chicory Root Extract, Molasses, Salt, Nonfat Dry Milk, Whey, Baking Soda, Peanut Oil, Soy Lecithin, Egg White, Natural Flavor. ## Flagged ingredients - **canola oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **peanut 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, nostalgic, indulgent ## FAQ ### Is the peanut butter oatmeal square healthy? Well, that depends on your definition of healthy! With 160 calories and 3g of protein per square, it can be a decent snack option, especially if you’re looking for something to tide you over between meals. Just keep in mind it has added sugars (9g) and isn’t packed with fiber or protein, so it might not be the best choice if you're aiming for a health-food powerhouse. ### Are the peanut butter oatmeal squares vegan? Nope, these squares are not vegan. They contain nonfat dry milk and egg whites, which are no-gos for a plant-based diet. If you're looking for a vegan snack, you might want to check out other options that skip the dairy and eggs. ### Are these oatmeal squares gluten-free? Unfortunately, they are not gluten-free. The whole wheat flour in the ingredients list means they contain gluten, so if you're avoiding gluten for dietary reasons, you'll want to look elsewhere. There are plenty of gluten-free snacks out there, so don’t fret! ### Do the peanut butter oatmeal squares contain seed oils? Yes, they do contain canola oil and palm oil, which are considered seed oils. While these oils can be controversial, they help keep the squares moist and improve texture. It’s all about balance — if you enjoy these squares, just keep an eye on overall consumption of seed oils in your diet. ### Are there any artificial sweeteners in these oatmeal squares? Nope, no artificial sweeteners here! The sweetness comes from sugar, honey, and tapioca syrup, which means you're getting a more natural flavor profile. If you prefer your snacks without that artificial taste, you’re in the clear with these. ### Is it high in sugar? It's not exactly a sugar bomb, but it does have 9g of added sugars per square. This means it’s on the higher side for a snack, especially if you’re trying to cut back on sweets. If you’re watching your sugar intake, maybe pair it with something more protein-packed to balance it out! ### What are some healthier alternatives to these oatmeal squares? If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, you might want to try homemade oatmeal bars with whole ingredients or look for snacks with higher fiber and protein content. Brands that focus on whole foods or offer nut-based bars could be a great way to go. Just remember, it’s all about what fits your lifestyle best! ### Can kids eat the peanut butter oatmeal squares? Absolutely! These squares can be a tasty treat for kids, especially if they enjoy peanut butter. Just keep in mind the sugar content and consider pairing them with a piece of fruit or yogurt for a more balanced snack! ### Are the oatmeal squares good for weight loss? They can fit into a weight loss plan, but moderation is key! With 160 calories and 9g of sugar, they’re more of a treat than a meal replacement. If you enjoy them, just factor them into your daily calorie intake and pair them with nutrient-dense foods to stay on track. ### Are these oatmeal squares considered ultra-processed? Yes, they fall into the ultra-processed category, mainly due to the presence of ingredients like palm oil and added sugars. While they’re not the same as, say, a candy bar, they’ve definitely gone through some processing. 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