🍫 HEART Exam: Mid-Day Squares (3 Gluten & Dairy Free Flavors!)
Today’s “food patients” on the exam table are three Mid-Day Squares from Jewel-Osco in Countryside, Illinois:
1️⃣ Chocolate Peanut Butta
2️⃣ Chocolate Cookie Dough
3️⃣ Chocolate Crunchy Peanut
These bars live in the refrigerated section, contain fiber + protein, and are gluten free, plant-based, non-GMO, and delightfully snacky.
Before we dive in — friendly reminder:
👩⚕️ I’m a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, but not your NP. This is all fun + education, not medical advice.
Let’s do their full checkup. 🩺
🩺 H = Health
Each square is around 160–170 calories, with 4–6g of fiber and 6g of protein, plus small amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium.
The bars contain peanuts/tree nuts and must be kept refrigerated (they say you can enjoy them up to 5 days on-the-go — I emailed the company for clarity because, hello track season!).
Fiber moment from my Peds GI days:
Grown-ups need ~20–25g of fiber/day
Kids need age + 5
Too much fiber too fast = gassy, miserable guts
Soluble fiber = oats, beans, bananas, nuts
Insoluble fiber = veggies, whole grains
Fun GI reading: gikids.org/constipation/fluid-and-fiber/
😋 E = Eating Experience
1) Chocolate Peanut Butta Bar
Smells like peanut butter immediately
Smooth chocolate, smooth PB, VERY Reese’s-adjacent
Sweet tooth approved
Honestly… tastes like a candy upgrade
2) Chocolate Cookie Dough Bar
Tastes exactly like raw cookie dough (but safe!)
Soft, doughy, chocolatey
Hard to eat just one
Pure joy in a refrigerated square
3) Chocolate Crunchy Peanut Bar
Crunchy like pantry-style crunchy peanut butter
Crunch in both the PB layer and chocolate layer
Less sweet than the Peanut Butta bar
My least favorite of the three — but still solid
🛒 A = Accessibility
Bought at Jewel-Osco for $1.50 each (sale!).
Regular price is typically higher depending on the store.
Found in refrigerated snacks, not the bar aisle.
Refrigeration notes:
The label says “keep refrigerated” but “enjoy up to 5 days on-the-go.”
As a parent at all-day track meets, I need to know whether these must stay cold or if my athlete can toss one in a backpack — so I’m seeking clarification from the brand.
❤️ R = Rhythm Rating
Chocolate Cookie Dough: ⭐ Tachycardia (love!!)
Chocolate Peanut Butta: ⭐ Tachycardia
Chocolate Crunchy Peanut: ⭐ Sinus (steady + would buy again)
📣 T = Tell Others & Tips
These are GREAT “candy bar alternatives” with actual fiber + protein.
Perfect for:
After-school snacks
Afternoon pick-me-ups
Kids who need more fiber
Parents who want a sweet treat with benefits
Quick energy during sports days
Store them in your fridge, and if the brand confirms the “5 days out of fridge” rule — I’ll update my blog!
💖 Safe • Happy • Healthy
www.glutenanddairyfreenp.com
