Sunday, November 14, 2010

The Inside Scoop On Nutri-Grain Superfruit Fusion Bars

Michael Pollan explained in his book, The Omnivore's Dilemma, that "The more anxious we are about eating, the more vulnerable we are to the seduction of the marketer and the expert's advice".

Basically, as more and more information comes out about food, health, and nutrition, and more conflicting evidence is thrown around on the television, the internet, magazines, etc., we have become overwhelmed and anxious about food. This has caused us to lose the ability to make decisions for ourselves, thus we feel it's easier to assume what we read must be true, and we are willing to spend the money if a company says something is "healthy".

Here is a great example:







Bottom Line

- Nutri-Grain bars are a healthier snack, compared to many snacks available.

- Nutri-Grain bars do provide 8 grams of whole grains per serving, which likely adds some antioxidant power to the bars.

- The pomegranate and cherries in this bar are simply for flavoring, not for health, despite what the marketers want us to believe.

- Any bar with more than five separate sources of added sugar is probably not the best bar to count on for antioxidants.

- Eat a pomegranate soon. They are available in a grocery store near you! And, they are a true superfood/superfruit. Check out this video about how pomegranates (REAL ONES!) may help prevent breast cancer.



- The best way to get antioxidants is from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, not a snack bar that has had them added (although, as I said in my video, Nutri-Grain bars do have some whole grains) Scientists haven't even figured out all of the phytonutrients in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which may be working with the different antioxidants to help them provide their vast array of benefits in our bodies. Therefore, their benefits simply can't be mimicked in a fortified food or supplement.


QUESTION: Have you tried these Nutri-Grain bars? What's your favorite way to get your antioxidants?

19 comments :

  1. Another great video. Thanks for letting us know about all these crazy "mis labels" out there. This is sort of my issue with the food industry in general. Instead of making your food filled with sugar and then declaring it healthy, why not USE actual pomegranate and cherries (which will be sweet enough anyway- they are fruits) and then you can REALLY be healthy?

    I don't eat Nutrigrain bars anyway because there is something in all bars (seriously) that makes me feel sick- never could figure out what it is but I figure it's not a huge loss to my life anyways haha.

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  2. I do not eat Nutrigrain bars. Thanks for the information. I eat a lot of fruits. Love your blog by the way. Good stuff.

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  3. I used to eat Nutrigrain bars religiously in college - they were my breakfast of choice.

    I haven't had one in years but I am excited because I have a pomengranate on my counter. I would much rather get my antioxidants from a real fruit!

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  4. I do agree that those Nutrigrain bars are a little misleading. There is no way they have enough antioxidants in them to write home about! :)

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  5. No, I have never tried Nutrigrain bars. I try to eat bars only once in a while and eat as many fresh fruits and veggies as often as possible.

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  6. that is a great quote, thanks for sharing! i definitely need to read that book and soon!

    i haven't had a nutrigrain bar in YEARS. my favourite way to get my antioxidants is through chocolate, wine, and coffee, although i try to get most of them through vegetables. :)

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  7. I haven't tried them and won't. They don't even sell them where I shop, so I guess I don't have to worry about it. =)

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  8. I mentioned on my blog last week that while I have the power to make my own protein bars...sometimes I buy them in the store when I need a treat or convenience foods. The trick is finding the best of the processed foods because marketers (like me!) are incredibly clever people. ;0)

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  9. My kids like Nutrigrain bars, but we haven't tried these. I have explained to them that these bars are high in sugar, not really healthy choices. We compromise and buy these to choose as a dessert sometimes.

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  10. Great post! You are so informative :)) I have not tried the passion fruit bars, but now I really want to give them a whirl! I love eating berries, fresh blueberries are my favorite.

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  11. I couldn't agree more. Plus the super antioxidant rich foods are the most delicious...why not eat the real deal?!

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  12. I prefer my antioxidants from fruits and veggies because of the added benefit of fiber and really just the whole combo or package of the produce...and then there is always dark chocolate! I have never seen these before, but it is all about the marketing and getting people to be good little consumers who don't ask questions.

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  13. I'm not a fan of Nutrigrain bars (I find them very sweet) but my kids like them and I figure they're more healthy than most bars out there. I haven't seen this particular "flavour" yet but my kids are pretty die hard apple flavour fans. :) Thanks for another great video. I really enjoy them!

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  14. Blueberries and pomegranates are a couple of my favorite ways to get antioxidants. Thanks for the low down on those bars... I'd much rather prefer to eat homemade bars any day.

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  15. I used to eat Nutri-grain bars for breakfast quite a bit in high school. I know now they are probably not the best choice in the world but they sure tasted good at the time.
    I love getting my antioxidants through fresh fruits and veggies. I had my first pomegranate of the season yesterday and nothing beats that! yum!

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  16. I've never been a fan of these so called bars-I don't find them filling/satisfying when I'm really(and I mean REALLY) hungry!My ideal snack is a bowl of yogurt topped with some fruit(I also get my fill of antioxidants) or a bowl of boiled lentils(garbanzo/whole mung,etc) with salsa and some 'chaat masala' sprinkled on top :)
    BTW-my gran would make a decoction of the pomegranate skin and it worked like magic for all kinds of tummy upsets(but it tasted 'ugh')!!

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  17. Nice site, nice and easy on the eyes and great content too.

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  18. I have not tried those bars. I like to have green smoothies with kale,apples and berries for some antioxidant boost!

    Stop by my blog I am having a giveaway for free cheese!

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  19. when i was little i used to eat nutrigrain bars ALL the time! apple was my favorite haha it had the most apple pie and delicious like middle. i haven't had one in YEARS!

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