Buy organic or natural snack bars regularly
Why This is Green
Snack bars and cereal bars are convenient, there’s no denying that. They can also be a healthier alternative to other treats, but not always. Conventional packaged snack bars tend to contain high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, plus pesticide residue and genetically modified ingredients. None of that sounds very appetizing, even if you’re on the go.
An organic snack bar, on the other hand, isn’t permitted to contain any of that, and any fruit used in the bar will also be organically grown. A “natural” or “all-natural” bar will probably not contain the artificial ingredients (colors, flavors, preservatives), but no one is third party certifying that to be true. Also it will likely still contain genetically modified soy or corn derivatives or oils, plus conventionally grown then dried fruit. Read the labels and choose organic if it’s an option for the biggest health and environmental impact.
Learn More
How To
When shopping, always read ingredient lists. Snack bars have an extraordinary number of unregulated nature/natural claims on the packaging when the ingredient list reveals clearly that the products are not what they claim. This can be frustrating and challenging, but soon it becomes second nature.
Natural foods markets sometimes sell private-label options that can be more affordable. Bulk versions help cut down on packaging.
Don’t forget about taste! The flavor of some of these bars will send you running for a truly natural convenience food: an apple. Or: make your own snack bars. It's easy.
