I’ve noticed a white/grey film on the chocolate coating
Q: I’ve noticed a white/grey film on the chocolate coating on some of my Hammer Whey Protein Bars and Chocolate-Peanut Vegan Protein Bars, and occasionally on the chocolate-containing flavors of Hammer Bars. What causes this and are they okay to consume?
A: The appearance that you see on the chocolate coating of the protein bars, as well as on the chocolate-containing flavors of Hammer Bars, is due to the natural composition of the chocolate coating and the likelihood that it was shipped in warm weather and/or sitting in a warm delivery truck.
This effect is called “blooming” and it’s when the oils separate and then harden. There are chemical emulsifiers that prevent this, but since the blooming effect is completely harmless—and also because we don’t want to put unnecessary chemicals in the product—we opted to not use emulsifiers. The bars are 100% acceptable for consumption.
Why does the taste of Hammer Bars sometimes vary?
Unlike mass-produced energy bars that contain refined ingredients, Hammer Bars are made in small batches, using only natural, wholesome, 100% organic ingredients. Fluctuations in growing conditions and different harvest times can cause mild variations in the flavor, oil content, and sweetness quotient of the cashews, almonds, and dates used in Hammer Bars. As a result, the taste, texture, and amount of oil coating the bar may be slightly different from batch to batch. Please be assured that we conduct a thorough quality control check on EVERY shipment of Hammer Bars received. The taste, texture, and overall quality MUST meet our stringent standards before we approve the sale of Hammer Bars to you.
Fiber content on the Apple Cinnamon Hammer Bar
Q: It appears that the fiber content on the Apple Cinnamon Hammer Bar decreased. Is this due to a new formulation?
A: You are correct that the fiber content decreased a bit on the Apple Oatmeal Hammer Bar. This was not due to a change in the formula, though. Instead, it was due to a new FDA classification of one of the ingredients in the bar, the tapioca syrup. At one time it was classified as a prebiotic fiber syrup, which is defined as “a nondigestible food ingredient that promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines.” The FDA no longer allows it to be classified as a prebiotic or as a fiber, but instead just a carbohydrate source, and that’s why you see a slight decrease in the fiber content on the Oatmeal Apple Hammer Bar.