Energy bars come in a variety of flavors and brands. On some energy bars, peanuts are listed at the top of the ingredients label. Other varieties are produced with allergy sufferers in mind and are made with no peanuts. If you're trying to avoid peanuts, you need to carefully read the ingredients list on the energy bar label or research a product before shopping.
Energy Bars
As the name implies, energy bars are designed to give you a quick burst of energy by providing a high-protein, high-carbohydrate or mixed protein-carb snack in a convenient package. They're popular among athletes who need an energy boost and dieters who like the automatic portion control. In many energy bars, peanuts provide a source of protein as well as added taste. They may be better for you than a candy bar, according to Consumer Reports, but energy bars can also contain a significant number of calories.
Product Labels
The easiest way to find out if there are peanuts in an energy bar or any other food product is to carefully check the ingredients listed on the product label. The Food and Drug Administration requires manufacturers to list all ingredients in their products "in order of predominance." In other words, the ingredient at the top of the list is the one that occurs in the greatest amount in the food. If you're trying to limit your intake of peanuts, read through the list to get an indication of how many peanuts the product contains.
Allergen Warnings
The FDA says there are more than 160 foods that can cause allergic reactions in people with food allergies, but eight are responsible for 90 percent of allergic reactions and require special labeling. Since peanuts are among those foods, the law requires labels to note if any of the protein in the food is derived from peanuts. You may see peanuts listed in parentheses after another ingredient or find a notation that reads, "contains peanuts." If the product is not made with peanuts but there's a chance of "cross-contact" during manufacturing, you may see a warning that reads "may contain peanuts" or was "produced in a facility that also uses peanuts."
Allergen-Free Products
If you want to be certain you're not getting peanuts in your energy bars, look for products that are marked peanut-free. Try searching online for peanut-free or allergen-free energy bars. Before heading to the store, you also can check the websites of energy bar manufacturers for ingredient and product information. When in doubt, check with the manufacturer directly and ask about your concerns. In addition, there are peanut allergy support groups that may help you find energy bars that are safe for allergy sufferers.
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