Date Bars

by Sweet Lady Jane

Health Grade: C – Fair

Category: Snacks

These Date Bars have a lot of whole grains and natural fibers, which is good for health. However, they also include ingredients like brown sugar, molasses, and pastry flour that raise concerns for blood sugar and gut health. The mole sauce component adds mild cancer and gut irritation risks, bringing down the overall safety rating.

• Dried dates – beneficial · A whole fruit providing natural sugars and fiber, helping digestion and offering energy.
• Butter (pasteurized cream [milk], natural flavoring) – safe · Provides fat and richness; safe but watch saturated fat intake.
• Brown sugar (pure cane sugar, molasses) – controversial · Adds sweetness but has high glycemic impact; molasses adds some minerals but overall raises blood sugar.
• Pastry flour (wheat flour, enriched with: niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid) – controversial · Refined wheat flour can cause blood sugar spikes despite vitamin enrichment.
• Oats – beneficial · Whole grain oats provide fiber and nutrients that help stabilize blood sugar and support gut health.
• Sugar – controversial · Pure sugar causes quick blood sugar rises and potential inflammation.
• Lemon juice – safe · Adds flavor and antioxidants, safe and beneficial in small amounts.
• Water – safe · Neutral ingredient necessary for hydration.
• Baking soda – safe · Leavening agent, safe when used appropriately.

Includes whole grains like oats and whole wheat, which are fiber-rich and support gut health.

Contains dried dates, a natural fruit sugar and fiber source.

No artificial colors or preservatives added.

Contains refined flour (pastry flour) that can rapidly spike blood sugar.

Added sugars like brown sugar and plain sugar increase blood sugar and inflammation risk.

Mole sauce inclusion is associated with moderate cancer and gut irritation risks.

Grade D reflects concerns over sugar content and gut irritation potential.