Nature Valley bars contain inflammatory canola oil, corn syrup, and soy lecithin. This DIY version eliminates seed oils entirely, replacing canola oil with coconut oil, corn syrup with honey, and artificial additives with real food ingredients for a healthier, preservative-free granola bar.
Based on: Fruit & Nut Trail Mix Chewy Granola Bars
· Makes 30 bars
· Serving: 1 bar (35g)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Fruit & Nut Trail Mix Chewy Granola Bars from Nature Valley often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
The original Fruit & Nut Trail Mix Chewy Granola Bars may also contain artificial dyes. Check it on DyeFreeCheck to find out.
Ingredients
Organic Rolled Oats
400g (about 4 cups) · Bob's Red Mill Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
Primary base ingredient providing fiber, complex carbs, and chewy texture
Organic Raw Almonds
120g (about 1 cup chopped) · Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Raw Almonds
Provides healthy fats, protein, and satisfying crunch
Organic Peanuts
80g (about 3/4 cup chopped) · Planters Organic Peanuts (unsalted)
Adds protein, healthy fats, and classic trail mix flavor
Organic Raisins
90g (about 3/4 cup) · Made in Nature Organic Raisins
Natural sweetness and chewy texture without added sugars
Organic Cranberries
60g (about 1/2 cup) · Eden Foods Organic Dried Cranberries (no sugar added)
Tartness to balance sweetness, antioxidants, and color contrast
Raw Organic Honey
180g (about 1/2 cup) · Nature Nate's 100% Pure Raw Unfiltered Honey
Primary binding agent and natural sweetener replacing corn syrup
Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile
Instructions
Step 1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. The lower temperature prevents burning the nuts and dried fruit while allowing the bars to set properly.
Step 2. Roughly chop almonds and peanuts into 1/4-inch pieces using a sharp knife or food processor with pulse function - avoid making them too fine as larger pieces provide better texture contrast. In a large mixing bowl, combine 400g oats, chopped nuts, 90g raisins, 60g cranberries, 15g rice flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Toss thoroughly to distribute evenly - this prevents clumping when wet ingredients are added.
Step 3. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, warm 180g honey and 45g coconut oil until just melted and combined (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 30g coconut sugar until dissolved, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The mixture should be warm but not hot enough to cook the oats - let cool for 2-3 minutes if necessary.
Step 4. Pour the warm honey mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon or spatula until every oat and piece of fruit is coated. The mixture should hold together when squeezed in your hand - if too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons more melted honey. Work quickly as the mixture will stiffen as it cools.
Step 5. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking pan and press down firmly using the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands (lightly dampened to prevent sticking). Press especially well at the edges and corners - inadequate pressing is the main reason homemade granola bars fall apart. The surface should be compact and even.
Step 6. Bake for 18-22 minutes until edges are lightly golden but center still appears slightly soft - they will continue firming as they cool. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better for clean cuts). Use the parchment overhang to lift the entire block out, then cut into 30 bars using a sharp knife with a sawing motion.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, wrap individual bars and freeze for up to 3 months. Unlike commercial bars, these contain no preservatives so consume within recommended timeframe.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.23
Cost per serving (store-bought)$0.85
Savings73%
Significant upfront investment in organic ingredients pays off quickly with bulk buying. Higher per-serving cost reflects premium organic quality and elimination of inflammatory oils and preservatives found in commercial versions.