Millville Blueberry Bars Nutrition Facts & More
Key Facts for Health-Conscious Consumers
Millville Blueberry Fruit & Grain Bars offer a convenient snack option for those seeking a quick bite. These soft-baked cereal bars combine the sweetness of blueberries with whole grains in individually wrapped portions. Each 37-gram Millville Blueberry Fruit & Grain Bar contains 120-130 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of approximately 20% fat, 74% carbohydrates, and 6% protein.
The bars come in boxes of 8, making them suitable for on-the-go breakfasts or midday snacks. Millville, a brand available at ALDI stores, offers these blueberry bars alongside other flavors like strawberry and apple cinnamon. While they provide a fruit-filled taste, it's important to note their nutritional content when incorporating them into a balanced diet.
Nutritional Overview
Millville Blueberry Fruit & Grain Cereal Bars contain 130-140 calories per bar. Each bar weighs approximately 37 grams.
The macronutrient breakdown is as follows:
Carbohydrates: 25g (72-74% of calories)
Fat: 2.5-3g (19-20% of calories)
Protein: 2-3g (6-9% of calories)
These bars are primarily carbohydrate-based, with a moderate fat content and relatively low protein.
Key ingredients include whole wheat flour, whole grain rolled oats, and blueberry puree concentrate. The bars also contain high fructose corn syrup and various additives.
Nutritional highlights:
Whole grains from wheat and oats
Fruit-based filling
Low in saturated fat
Potential concerns:
Added sugars from corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup
Artificial colors (Red 40, Blue 1)
Relatively low protein content
The exact nutritional value may vary slightly between different sources. Always check the product packaging for the most up-to-date and accurate nutrition information.
Macronutrient Content
Millville blueberry bars provide a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The bars' macronutrient profile is primarily composed of carbohydrates, with smaller amounts of fats and proteins.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates make up the largest portion of Millville blueberry bars' macronutrient content, accounting for 74-78% of total calories. A single bar contains approximately 24-27 grams of carbohydrates.
The carbohydrates in these bars come from various sources:
Sugars: Contribute to the sweet taste
Fiber: Aids in digestion
Starch: Provides energy
Added sugars and fructose from fruit fillings are present. The exact sugar content may vary slightly between different product versions.
Fiber content is typically around 1-2 grams per bar. This helps with satiety and digestive health.
Net carbs, calculated by subtracting fiber from total carbohydrates, are slightly lower than the total carb count.
Proteins
Proteins make up a smaller portion of the macronutrient content in Millville blueberry bars, accounting for 3-6% of total calories. Each bar contains approximately 1-2 grams of protein.
The protein content comes from ingredients such as:
Wheat flour
Other grain-based components
While not a significant source of protein, these bars do provide some amino acids. The protein content contributes to the bar's overall nutritional profile and helps with feelings of fullness.
Fats
Fats account for 16-21% of the total calories in Millville blueberry bars. A single bar contains about 2-3 grams of fat.
The fat content is distributed among:
Saturated fat: Typically less than 1 gram
Trans fat: Usually 0 grams
Unsaturated fats: Including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats
Fat sources in these bars may include vegetable oils and naturally occurring fats from grain ingredients. The moderate fat content helps provide flavor and texture to the bars.
While not a high-fat food, the fats present contribute to the overall calorie content and help with nutrient absorption.
Vitamins and Minerals
Millville blueberry bars contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to a balanced diet. These nutrients play crucial roles in supporting overall health and bodily functions.
Essential Vitamins
Vitamin A is present in Millville blueberry bars, contributing to eye health and immune function. The bars also contain B-complex vitamins, including niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, and vitamin B6. These B vitamins are important for energy metabolism and nervous system health.
Vitamin B12 may be included in the fortification mix, supporting red blood cell formation and neurological function. While not explicitly mentioned in the search results, many cereal products are fortified with vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption and bone health.
Mineral Content
Calcium is a notable mineral in Millville blueberry bars, providing about 15% of the Daily Value per serving. This mineral is essential for strong bones and teeth. Iron is also present, supporting oxygen transport in the blood.
Zinc oxide is added to the bars, contributing to immune function and wound healing. Potassium, likely from ingredients like blueberries, supports heart and muscle function. The exact amounts of these minerals may vary, but they contribute to the overall nutritional profile of the bars.
Ingredients Breakdown
Millville blueberry bars contain a mix of grains, fruits, sweeteners, and additives. These ingredients work together to create the bar's texture, flavor, and shelf stability.
Main Ingredients
The base of Millville blueberry bars consists of wheat flour and whole wheat flour. These provide structure and fiber. Blueberry puree and apple puree add fruit flavor and natural sweetness. The purees contribute to the bar's moisture and soft texture.
Wheat flour serves as the primary ingredient, giving the bars their characteristic chewy consistency. Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and boosts the nutritional value with extra fiber and minerals.
The fruit purees are concentrated forms of blueberries and apples. They deliver natural fruit flavors and some vitamins, though the processing reduces their nutritional impact compared to whole fruits.
Sweeteners and Syrups
Millville blueberry bars contain several sweeteners. Honey adds natural sweetness and helps retain moisture. Corn syrup provides sweetness and improves texture. Fructose and invert sugar increase sweetness without adding bulk.
Maltodextrin, a starch-derived powder, acts as a bulking agent and provides a smooth mouthfeel. Molasses contributes a rich flavor and dark color.
These sweeteners work together to create the desired level of sweetness while also affecting the bars' texture and shelf life. The combination of different sugars helps prevent crystallization, keeping the bars soft.
Leavening Agents
Leavening agents help the bars rise slightly during baking, creating a lighter texture. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) reacts with acidic ingredients to produce carbon dioxide bubbles.
Sodium acid pyrophosphate works alongside baking soda as a leavening acid. It activates the baking soda, ensuring a consistent rise throughout the baking process.
Corn starch may be included to help absorb moisture and prevent the bars from becoming too dense. It also helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the mixture.
Preservatives and Stabilizers
Several ingredients in Millville blueberry bars extend shelf life and maintain texture. Xanthan gum and sodium alginate act as thickeners and stabilizers, preventing separation of ingredients.
Citric acid and malic acid provide tartness and act as preservatives. Potassium sorbate inhibits mold growth, extending the product's shelf life.
Sodium citrate helps control acidity, while calcium sulfate acts as a firming agent. These additives work together to maintain the bars' texture and prevent spoilage, ensuring they remain fresh on store shelves.
Allergy Information
Millville blueberry bars contain several common allergens that consumers should be aware of. The bars contain wheat, which may trigger reactions in those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Soy is another ingredient present in these cereal bars. Individuals with soy allergies should avoid consuming this product.
The bars also contain milk ingredients. Those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance may experience adverse reactions.
Eggs are used in the production of Millville blueberry bars. People with egg allergies should exercise caution and avoid this product.
The packaging likely includes a "Contains" statement listing these major allergens. Consumers with food allergies should carefully review this information before purchasing or consuming the bars.
Natural flavorings are used in the bars. These may potentially include other allergenic substances not explicitly listed in the ingredients.
Cross-contamination during manufacturing is possible. The facility may process other common allergens like tree nuts or peanuts on shared equipment.
Individuals with severe food allergies should consult their doctor before trying new products like these cereal bars. Reading labels carefully is essential for those managing food allergies or intolerances.
Dietary Considerations
Millville blueberry bars contain several ingredients that may impact dietary choices. These include wheat-based ingredients and certain additives that consumers should be aware of when considering these snacks.
Gluten Content
Millville blueberry bars are not gluten-free. They contain wheat flour, whole wheat flour, and wheat gluten as key ingredients. This makes them unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
For those following a gluten-free diet, these bars should be avoided. The presence of multiple wheat-derived ingredients means the gluten content is likely significant.
Additives
The bars contain several additives that may be of interest to health-conscious consumers. Natural flavors are used to enhance the blueberry taste. While generally considered safe, some individuals prefer to limit artificial or added flavors in their diet.
Color additives are also present, likely to give the bars a more appealing appearance. Mono and diglycerides serve as emulsifiers, helping to blend ingredients and maintain texture. These additives are common in processed foods but may be a concern for those seeking to minimize consumption of synthetic ingredients.
Some consumers prefer products with simpler ingredient lists. Those looking to avoid additives may want to explore alternative snack options with fewer processed components.
Packaging and Labeling
Millville Blueberry Fruit & Grain Bars come in a rectangular box containing individually wrapped bars. The packaging features a vibrant blue color scheme, reflecting the blueberry flavor inside.
The front of the box prominently displays the Millville brand name and product description. It also shows an appetizing image of the blueberry bar, often alongside fresh blueberries.
On the back or side panel, consumers can find the Nutrition Facts label. This label provides essential information about serving size, calorie content, and nutrient values per serving.
The serving size for Millville Blueberry Bars is typically listed as 1 bar (37 grams). The label clearly states the number of servings per container, usually 8 bars per box.
Ingredient lists are also included on the packaging, detailing all components used in the product's manufacture. This information is crucial for consumers with dietary restrictions or allergies.
The packaging may include additional marks such as kosher certification symbols or recycling information. These details help consumers make informed decisions about the product.
Manufacturer information, including the company name and contact details, is typically printed on the box. This allows customers to reach out with questions or feedback about the product.
Comparative Analysis
Millville Blueberry Bars offer a convenient snack option. These bars contain 120-140 calories per serving, depending on the specific product variant.
The macronutrient breakdown shows a carbohydrate-heavy profile. Carbs make up 74-78% of the total calories, with fat contributing 16-20% and protein accounting for 6%.
Nutritionally, Millville Blueberry Bars provide some beneficial elements. They contain 15% of the Daily Value for calcium and 25% for vitamin A.
However, these bars also include some potentially problematic ingredients:
High fructose corn syrup
Corn syrup
Artificial flavors
Artificial colors (Red 40, Blue 1)
When compared to whole fruits, Millville Blueberry Bars fall short in terms of fiber and natural nutrient content. They do offer convenience and a longer shelf life.
The bars' ingredient list reveals the use of both whole grains and enriched flours. Whole wheat flour and whole grain rolled oats are present, alongside enriched wheat flour.
For those monitoring their sugar intake, it's worth noting that various forms of sugar appear multiple times in the ingredient list. This suggests a significant sugar content in the product.
