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Nature Valley
Nature Valley
from Wikipedia
Nature Valley
Two Oats 'n Honey Nature Valley bars
Product typeGranola bars
OwnerGeneral Mills
CountryUnited States
Introduced1973; 53 years ago (1973)
TaglineWe are better outside
Websitewww.naturevalley.com

Nature Valley is an American brand of snack bars owned by General Mills.

They produce a variety of cereal bars and granola bars. Common bars include: 'Oats and Honey', 'Fruit and Nut', and 'Peanut'. Their selection can be categorized as crunchy bars, protein bars, fruit and nut bars, and various nut bars.[1]

History

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Nature Valley first launched with a granola cereal, but after realizing that their product could not be eaten outside and on the go, they introduced its granola bar in 1973. [2] The brand later introduced more types of granola bars such as: crunchy, chewy, clusters, nut, yogurt coated and protein packed.[3]

References

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from Grokipedia
Nature Valley is an American brand of granola bars and snack foods owned by General Mills, best known for introducing what it claims was the world's first granola bar in 1975. The brand focuses on products made with real ingredients like whole grain oats, nuts, and nut butters, without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and draws inspiration from nature to promote an active, outdoor lifestyle. Since its launch, Nature Valley has expanded its product line to include a variety of crunchy bars, protein bars, nut bars, , and savory snack options, such as and White Cheddar flavors introduced in 2023. Innovations like the Protein Crunch Bars in 2021, featuring 10 grams of protein with a creamy-crunchy texture, and the Sustained in 2020, packed with nut butters and seeds, highlight the brand's commitment to convenient, nutritious on-the-go snacks. In addition to product development, Nature Valley emphasizes , aiming for 100% recyclable by 2025, with 93% of its reported as recyclable as of 2024, and supports environmental initiatives tied to its nature-inspired . The brand remains a leader in the snack bar category, available nationwide and through foodservice channels, continuing to evolve with preferences for wholesome, flavorful options.

Overview

Brand Profile

Nature Valley was established in as a initiative, initially launching with a granola designed to evoke wholesome, -inspired eating experiences. The brand quickly recognized the limitations of loose for active consumers, leading to the development of a more portable format that aligned with outdoor lifestyles. The core mission of Nature Valley centers on connecting consumers with through nutritious, on-the-go snacks that fuel active pursuits, encapsulated in its iconic "We Are Better Outside" and branding elements featuring imagery of , , and scenic adventures. In , the brand introduced what it claims was the world's first bar by adapting its original oven-baked oat mixture—previously used for the —into compact, portable bars, though the invention of the commercial bar is attributed to Stanley Mason in the early ; this provided a convenient option for enthusiasts. Today, Nature Valley's product philosophy emphasizes simplicity and wholesomeness, committing to no artificial flavors or colors from artificial sources, and no while prioritizing whole grains like oats alongside real nuts and fruits to deliver sustained energy without compromising on natural taste. This approach reinforces the brand's identity as a reliable companion for outdoor activities, fostering a deeper appreciation for among its audience.

Ownership and Market Position

Nature Valley has been fully owned by since its inception in 1973, when the company launched the brand with the introduction of its first crunchy bar, marking as the pioneer in commercializing bars on a large scale. As part of ' diverse portfolio, Nature Valley is integrated alongside other health-oriented brands like and , contributing to the company's emphasis on nutritious, whole-grain-based snacks. Manufacturing of Nature Valley products primarily occurs in United States facilities, with additional production in international sites such as those in to support global operations. Distribution is handled through extensive retail channels, including , convenience stores, and online platforms, enabling widespread accessibility in and beyond. In the United States, Nature Valley holds a dominant market position as the leading bar brand, generating approximately $666 million in sales for its bars in 2024 and commanding a of 27% to 30% across recent quarters. The brand's products are available in over 80 countries worldwide, with adaptations such as localized flavors to align with regional preferences, exemplified by tailored offerings in markets like . Nature Valley significantly bolsters ' snacks division, which accounted for about 23% of the company's total revenue in recent fiscal years, with the brand's contributions helping drive the segment's growth amid a broader U.S. bar market valued at $11 billion to $13 billion in 2024.

History

Founding and Early Development

In the early 1970s, amid a burgeoning interest in and -oriented foods driven by the counterculture movement and growing consumer demand for wholesome alternatives to processed breakfast options, began researching -based products. This era saw emerge as a symbol of back-to-basics , with homemade versions gaining popularity among health enthusiasts seeking simple, whole-grain snacks. aimed to capitalize on these trends by developing ready-to-eat cereals that emphasized ingredients without additives or preservatives. The Nature Valley brand was launched in 1973 with its inaugural product: Nature Valley Granola , General Mills' first 100% natural ready-to-eat made primarily from . Marketed as versatile for breakfast, snacking, or even as a topping for or , the quickly gained traction by aligning with the decade's emphasis on unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods. However, observations of consumers eating the loose clusters as an on-the-go snack revealed a limitation: the product's messiness and lack of portability in outdoor settings. To address this, researchers innovated in 1975 by adapting the recipe into the world's first commercial bar, simply cutting the oven-baked mixture—bound with —into portable, crunchy portions. This breakthrough, prototyped by an unnamed product developer who refined the bar-cutting technique to achieve a distinctive crisp texture, solved the portability issue while maintaining the natural appeal of the original . Early market reception was positive, positioning Nature Valley as a pioneer in the snack bar category despite competition from homemade recipes and emerging rivals like Quaker Oats, though refinements to the bar's inherent crumbliness became an ongoing focus to enhance consumer convenience.

Expansion and Product Evolution

In the 1980s, Nature Valley broadened its portfolio beyond the original crunchy bars by introducing flavored and textured variations to appeal to diverse consumer preferences. Chewy Bars debuted in 1984, offering a softer alternative, while Boppers, bite-sized treats filled with , launched in 1985 and became popular among children with flavors like crisp and fudge chip. Clusters, compact versions in , oats and , and , followed in the mid-1980s, providing portable snack options. These innovations helped solidify the brand's position in the growing snack category. By the 1990s, Nature Valley continued product diversification with additional flavor profiles and formats, while beginning to enter international markets to capitalize on global demand for convenient, whole-grain snacks. The brand expanded availability to regions including and , establishing manufacturing facilities such as in to support distribution. This period marked steady growth, with flavored varieties like fruit and nut blends enhancing the lineup and contributing to the brand's presence in over 80 countries by the . The 2000s and early 2010s saw Nature Valley respond to rising fitness and wellness trends by launching protein-enriched products and softer textures. A key milestone came in 2005 with the debut of Sweet & Salty Nut bars, combining roasted nuts, oats, and a salted or coating for a savory-sweet balance that quickly became a . Protein bars, featuring 10 grams of protein from natural sources like roasted and soy, were introduced in 2012 to target active consumers. Soft-Baked Oatmeal Squares followed in 2013, available in flavors such as and cinnamon brown sugar, providing a moist, oatmeal-based option with . bars arrived in 2019, offering light, crispy layers coated in or chocolate, further diversifying the portfolio. In the and beyond, Nature Valley emphasized and inclusivity amid evolving consumer demands. The brand pledged 100% recyclable packaging by 2025 but, as of fiscal 2024, reported 93% of packaging recyclable or reusable company-wide, with a revised goal of 100% by 2030; a milestone was achieved in 2021 with the launch of store drop-off recyclable wrappers for Crunchy bars, made from certified by How2Recycle to reduce environmental impact without patenting the technology for industry-wide adoption. Responding to needs for allergen-free options, Nature Valley introduced Lunch Box Chewy Granola Bars in summer 2024, produced in a dedicated peanut-free facility with flavors like double and s'mores, ensuring safety for those with allergies while maintaining 8 grams of whole grains per serving. In early 2025, the brand expanded into snacks with YoBark, a bark product available nationwide. These developments reflect ongoing adaptation to health-conscious and eco-friendly trends.

Products

Granola Bars

Nature Valley's granola bars originated in 1975 as the brand's first foray into portable snacks, building on its initial 1973 granola cereal launch with a simple formulation centered on oats, , and natural binders. The flagship crunchy variety, such as Oats 'n and Peanut Butter, features rolled oats combined with nuts, seeds, and for a textured, baked crunch, emphasizing minimal processing to retain natural flavors and nutrients. These core bars avoid artificial flavors, colors, or , with the original recipe evolving slightly over decades to incorporate consistent sourcing while maintaining the dual-bar format for balanced portioning. A typical serving of two crunchy granola bars, weighing about 42 grams, delivers 190 calories, derived primarily from 29 grams of total carbohydrates—including 2 grams of dietary fiber—and 11 grams of total sugars from honey and natural sources. Each serving provides 22 grams of whole grains, aligning with dietary guidelines recommending at least 48 grams daily, and includes modest amounts of protein (around 3 grams) and healthy fats from ingredients like canola oil or nuts. This profile supports the bars' role as a source of sustained energy, with fiber and natural sugars promoting steady release rather than spikes, though sodium levels hover at 140 milligrams per serving (6% daily value). Variations like the Sweet & Salty line adjust this base by adding nut butters or chocolate coatings; these feature a single bar format with about 160 calories per 35-gram bar while retaining the whole grain emphasis. As of 2025, the crunchy granola bar lineup includes approximately 10 varieties, blending fruit-infused options like with nut-based profiles such as or , alongside bestsellers like the enduring Oats 'n introduced in 1975. These developments reflect ongoing innovation in flavor profiles, such as the addition of or to the crunchy category, while preserving the core oat-honey foundation across formulations. Packaging for granola bars consists of portable dual-bar pouches, designed for on-the-go convenience, with each wrapper enclosing two 21-gram bars to encourage mindful snacking. Since 2021, these have transitioned to 100% recyclable polyethylene-based film, certified for store drop-off , as part of a broader commitment to fully across the line by 2025. Targeted at active consumers seeking convenient , the bars promote sustained through their blend of s, natural fibers, and sugars from , making them suitable for hikes, workouts, or daily routines without relying on added stimulants.

Additional Snacks and Lines

In addition to its core bars, Nature Valley has expanded its portfolio with protein-focused products designed for active consumers and fitness enthusiasts. The brand's protein bars, first introduced in 2012, offer chewy varieties packed with 10 grams of protein per bar, featuring flavors such as Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate and Peanut, Almond & Dark Chocolate. These bars combine whole grain oats, roasted nuts, and seeds with a coating, providing a convenient for post-workout recovery. Recent innovations include Protein Crunch Bars launched in 2021 and Creamy Protein bars introduced in 2024. The lineup also includes granola cereals, which trace back to the brand's origins in 1973 before evolving into bars, and have been maintained as a versatile option for or toppings. Varieties like Oats 'n Honey Crunchy and Oats & Honey Protein deliver clusters with added protein in some formulations, suitable for mixing into or eating standalone. Soft-baked bars, launched in 2013 as Oatmeal Squares in Peanut Butter and Cinnamon Brown Sugar flavors, now encompass options like Blueberry Oat and Almond Oat, emphasizing a softer texture with real fruits, nuts, and seeds for morning energy; newer Soft Baked Sweet & Salty variants were added in 2024. Wafer bars, introduced in 2019, provide a crispy alternative with flavors including Peanut Butter Chocolate, Strawberry, and Honey Vanilla, layered with wafers and creamy fillings. Specialty items further diversify the offerings, such as Fruit & Nut chewy bars that incorporate real cranberries, raisins, almonds, and alongside oats for an on-the-go trail-inspired snack. In 2023, Nature Valley entered the savory category with Nut Crunch bars in flavors like , White Cheddar, and Smoky BBQ, offering low-sugar (2g per bar) options with nuts and seeds for a crunchy, flavorful twist. Limited-edition seasonal products, like Spice crunchy bars, feature real pumpkin and spices to capture fall flavors, available temporarily to align with consumer trends. In 2025, Nature Valley revived Peanut Butter Boppers, a product discontinued since 1989, for a limited run with Stranger Things-themed packaging as a collaboration tied to the show's final season. Sustained , launched in 2020, provide nut butter- and seed-packed options for prolonged energy. Across these lines, Nature Valley emphasizes ingredient innovations centered on real fruits, nuts, and whole grains, avoiding artificial colors and flavors in many products to appeal to health-conscious buyers. Allergen considerations include peanut-free options, such as certain bars made in dedicated facilities, though most varieties contain nuts and soy. These extensions have bolstered the brand's market in the snack bar category.

Marketing and Advertising

Advertising Campaigns

Nature Valley's advertising campaigns have historically emphasized the brand's connection to ingredients and outdoor lifestyles, beginning with its launch in the 1970s. Early efforts in the 1970s and 1980s featured print and television advertisements that showcased the original bars as wholesome, portable snacks ideal for family adventures in nature. For instance, a 1976 television commercial highlighted the bars' crunchy texture and oat-based composition, positioning them as a convenient energy source for outdoor activities like and picnicking. By the 1980s, campaigns introduced product variants such as chewy bars and options, with ads depicting active families enjoying snacks amid scenic environments to underscore health benefits and appeal. Into the 1990s, television spots continued this theme, promoting oat and varieties through narratives of everyday outdoor enjoyment, reinforcing the brand's image as a family-oriented, nature-inspired choice. The 2000s and 2010s marked a shift toward innovative digital integrations and product-specific promotions, blending traditional media with experiential . In , Nature Valley launched the Trail View virtual hike series, a web-based platform offering 360-degree interactive tours of over 300 miles of trails in Yellowstone, , and National Parks, developed at a cost of approximately $1 million. This campaign, inspired by technology, subtly tied the brand to park conservation without direct product pitches, aiming to build loyalty through shared environmental values. Concurrently, the introduction of Sweet & Salty Nut bars in was supported by advertisements that portrayed the indulgent yet natural flavor balance during outdoor pursuits, such as hikes where the bars provided a "perfect combination" of sweet granola and salty nuts. These efforts emphasized momentary indulgence amid nature's serenity, evolving the brand's messaging from basic wholesomeness to balanced enjoyment. In the 2020s, Nature Valley's campaigns embraced digital and platforms to engage younger audiences through interactive challenges and audio-driven storytelling. integrations, such as the #ReTokForNature initiative launched in 2022, encouraged focused on sustainable outdoor activities, partnering with creators to promote family engagement and eco-friendly snacking. Similarly, the Trailblazer Challenge on in 2025 motivated participants to log 520 minutes of for prizes, including product bundles, fostering community around trail exploration. The 2020 "Call of the Crunch" audio campaign introduced a distinctive five-note motif accompanied by and ambient sounds, featured in 15-second broadcast and social ads to evoke outdoor joy and inspire visits, aligning with the brand's ongoing park preservation efforts. Media strategies in recent years have increasingly incorporated influencer partnerships to amplify and precision . Collaborations with fitness influencers on and , involving over 26 creators in 2024 campaigns, showcased bars integrated into active lifestyles, generating estimated reach through authentic endorsements. on fitness apps like further extended this approach, delivering personalized promotions to users during trail activities to enhance relevance and engagement. Nature Valley's advertising investments reflect its market prominence, with U.S. spending exceeding $83 million across national digital, print, and television in 2023, contributing to sustained growth in the granola bar category. These outdoor-themed campaigns have notably boosted brand recall, with emotional storytelling linked to a 13.5% lift in equity among Gen Z consumers from Q2 to Q3 2023, solidifying the brand's position as a leader in natural snacking.

Sponsorships and Partnerships

Nature Valley has maintained a long-term commitment to U.S. through its Preserve the Parks initiative, launched in 2012 alongside the View campaign, in the early , which funds trail restoration and maintenance projects across various sites. By , the program had donated more than $1.3 million, with an additional $500,000 pledged that year to support preservation efforts. In 2018, Nature Valley expanded this work via a formal with the National Foundation (NPF), committing up to $3 million over three years to enhance trail access and protect natural resources, supplemented by a consumer-driven donation of $0.10 per qualifying box of Oats 'n Honey granola bars, capped at $750,000. This collaboration culminated in 2021 with the restoration of access to over 10,000 miles of trails, including projects in parks like and , and an additional $3 million pledge to sustain ongoing conservation. Overall, Nature Valley has contributed more than $4 million directly to the NPF for these preservation efforts, alongside separate support exceeding $4 million to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) over a decade-long focused on advocacy and awareness. In the realm of sports events, Nature Valley served as the title sponsor for the Nature Valley Grand Prix, a prominent race in , from 2006 through 2013 to promote active outdoor lifestyles. The event, later renamed the North Star Grand Prix following the end of the sponsorship, highlighted and in . Beyond , Nature Valley has supported broader outdoor activities through ties to organizations facilitating and trail experiences, including partnerships with preservation groups that enable programs for avid hikers and youth , such as those with Wilderness Inquiry reaching over 32,000 young participants. Nature Valley's philanthropic efforts emphasize conservation through collaborations with nonprofits like the NPF and NPCA, where donations fund trail repairs, invasive species removal, and boardwalk construction to promote equitable access to nature. These initiatives align with broader goals of raising awareness about park needs and supporting movements like Find Your Park, integrating consumer participation to amplify impact. For instance, the 2018 NPF partnership included promotional elements to drive urgency around park protection during the National Park Service's centennial. In the 2020s, Nature Valley has forged alliances with regional outdoor entities, including sponsorships with the Vail Valley Foundation for athletics and education in the Rockies, Vail Resorts to enhance guest experiences, and Jackson Hole initiatives for human-powered adventures and sustainability. These partnerships extend the brand's focus on experiential outdoor engagement, complementing earlier conservation work without venturing into co-branded consumer products or digital simulations. While specific visitation metrics tied directly to these efforts remain general, the trail restorations have demonstrably improved physical access to parks, benefiting millions of annual visitors by addressing maintenance backlogs.

Controversies

In 2012, two California consumers filed a class-action against in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of , alleging that Nature Valley granola bars were deceptively marketed as "100% natural" despite containing processed ingredients such as and , which contradicted the product's wholesome imagery and packaging. The suit claimed these ingredients rendered the "natural" claims misleading under laws, seeking injunctive relief and damages. The case resulted in a settlement where agreed to cease using "100% natural" labeling for Nature Valley products containing the disputed ingredients, without admitting wrongdoing, and made minor adjustments to packaging disclosures to avoid future claims. This outcome highlighted early regulatory scrutiny on ambiguous "natural" terminology in food marketing. In 2016, three nonprofit organizations—Beyond Pesticides, the Center for Food Safety, and the Ecology Center—initiated a lawsuit against in D.C. , asserting that Nature Valley products labeled "Made with 100% Natural Whole Grain Oats" failed to disclose trace residues of , a synthetic , in the oats. The plaintiffs argued this omission violated statutes by misleading buyers about the product's purity. A parallel federal class-action suit filed in 2016 in alleged similar misleading claims due to traces, but in July 2017, a U.S. District Court judge dismissed the case, ruling that the label did not reasonably imply the absence of trace pesticides and that courts should defer to the FDA on "natural" definitions. defended the decision as validation of their labeling practices, citing the prevalence of trace agricultural residues. The 2016 nonprofit suit settled in August 2018, with agreeing to remove the "100% Natural Whole Grain Oats" claim from Nature Valley packaging and implement clearer disclosures about ingredients, without monetary payment. This resolution prompted broader label revisions across the product line. Post-2017, the FDA's ongoing review of the term "natural" in food labeling—initiated in response to citizen petitions and litigation trends—led General Mills to shift Nature Valley marketing toward phrases like "made with real ingredients," avoiding absolute "natural" assertions to align with regulatory guidance. As of 2025, these changes have influenced stricter compliance in international markets, where regulations such as the EU's stricter definitions of "natural" and organic claims require enhanced transparency in ingredient sourcing and disclosures. This evolution has reduced litigation risks while maintaining consumer trust in the brand's wholesome positioning.

Product Recalls and Issues

In June 2016, initiated a voluntary nationwide recall of four flavors of Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bars (Honey, Peanut & Almond with Pumpkin Seeds; Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate; Blueberry Nut; and Coconut Almond) and Nature Valley Simple Nut Bars (Almond, Cashew & Sea Salt), affecting products distributed to retailers across the . The recall stemmed from potential contamination in sunflower kernels supplied by third-party vendor SunOpta, which had itself recalled ingredients due to possible bacterial presence at its Midwestern facility. No illnesses were reported, but the action was taken out of caution to protect consumers. In 2017, Nature Valley faced public backlash over the crumbly texture of its crunchy granola bars, which often resulted in significant messiness and reduced portability, sparking widespread consumer complaints and media attention. The controversy highlighted the bars' loose oat clusters, leading General Mills to adjust the recipe in subsequent years to achieve a softer texture while retaining the signature crunch. Company representatives acknowledged the issue but emphasized that the crumbs were an inherent part of the product's whole-grain composition, with fans appreciating the authenticity. Throughout the 2010s, Nature Valley encountered isolated incidents of allergen mislabeling, including a 2010 production error where properly labeled Granola Thins were packaged in boxes intended for other flavors, potentially exposing consumers to undeclared . In 2012, a similar issue occurred when Sweet & Salty Nut Granola Bars were mistakenly inserted into variety boxes, again risking unintended exposure for those with nut allergies. These events prompted limited recalls and underscored challenges in packaging accuracy at manufacturing facilities. Additionally, during 2020-2022, experienced broad disruptions, including thousands of monthly material shortages that impacted ingredient sourcing for nut-based products like Nature Valley bars, exacerbated by the and global logistics constraints. In response to these incidents, followed established recall protocols, coordinating with the to notify retailers and consumers, while instructing affected parties to return products for full refunds or exchanges at point of purchase. The company provided compensation through retailer reimbursements and direct consumer support via its channels, and conducted audits of third-party suppliers, such as SunOpta in the case, to identify and remediate contamination risks. Post-event facility inspections and supplier verifications were implemented to prevent recurrence. By 2025, these challenges contributed to strengthened quality controls across ' operations, including rigorous third-party auditing for suppliers and enhanced testing protocols for pathogens like and allergens in nut-inclusive products such as Nature Valley bars, as part of the company's ongoing commitment to standards.

References

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