Healthful ingredients
Flax seed offers many health benefits. Studies have shown flax seed is associated with a reduction in total cholesterol, including LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. Besides the beneficial effects on heart health, it also has been discovered that the omega-3 fat and high fiber in flax may play a role in the fight against diabetes. Flax is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber; 1 oz. of flax provides 32 percent of the USDA's recommended daily intake of fiber. This beneficial seed is even a key player in the fight against cancer, particularly breast and colon cancer, because of its high levels of lignans and alpha linolenic acid. Experts recommend a daily intake of at least 1,600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, but only a small percentage of the U.S. population meets at least half the daily requirement.

Ground flax seed is added successfully to baked products at 300 mg to 400 mg per serving and provides an excellent source of omega-3. Unsaturated fats in flax, however, can be subject to rancidity, and a “fishy” flavor might occur at levels above 400 mg per serving. “We have found that the flax seed is easier to process in extruded products, such as bars, and that heavier flavors, such as chocolate, have superior flavor masking abilities, which allow higher levels of flax to be used,” Blaszczyk says.

“Oatmeal can also be used in cookies and bars to augment the heart-healthy, cholesterol-lowering effects of omega-3s from flax seed, and it has a very positive image with the public. Our whole grain cereal bars contain the equivalent of a bowl of instant oatmeal, perfect for people on the run. The oatmeal assists in prolonging the bar's shelf life by helping to keep the product moist,” notes John DePaolis, general manager, Country Choice Organic, Eden Prairie, Minn. It's also important to remember that at the end of the day, just because a product is made with healthful ingredients doesn't mean that it will fly off the store shelves unless it tastes great, DePaolis adds.