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A granola bar is a snack bar that’s made from oats and can contain honey, nuts, dried fruits, or other grains. The ingredients are typically pressed together into a bar shape and baked. They’re a convenient and portable snack and are relatively healthier compared to other snack options like potato chips or cookies.
We compiled a list of the best healthy granola bars, looking at flavors, ingredient content, and ingredient quality. The CLIF KID ZBAR Healthy Granola Bar takes our best overall spot because of its flavor variety, high-fiber content, and lack of artificial flavoring.
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The Best Healthy Granola Bar Buying Guide
Nutritious granola bars are tasty, and compact pick-me-up treats, especially if you are a super busy office worker looking for quick and healthy energy boosts or want to give healthy snacks to your kids when they are at school. Although most companies tout their granola bars as a healthy alternative, not all of them are, which is why it can be tricky to pick an option that is both healthy and tasty. With this guide, we'll walk you through all you need to know about healthy granola bars to make an informed choice.
Things to Look for in a Healthy Granola Bar
Ingredients
Consider your specific needs while shopping for granola bars. Always look out for your allergies and avoid bars that include allergens, like nuts, soy, or dairy. Also, whether or not your child has dietary limitations, an allergy-friendly bar is preferable for school-age children since most are obliged to carry allergy-friendly lunches for school.
Also, hunt for bars with organic and non-GMO ingredients. Try to avoid bars with added preservatives, artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors. Never forget to go through the ingredient list to understand what you are buying.
Fiber
Though most granola bars advertise their product as high in fiber and low in protein, the truth is quite contrasting. Many of the bars are unusually high in carbs but incredibly low in dietary fiber. If you come across such a product, avoid it. Dietary fiber not only keeps you full for the long haul, but it is also a nutrient that is not consumed on a daily basis. Thus, pick a bar with at least 3 grams of fiber to make up for the daily fiber requirement of 25 to 34 grams.
Protein
It's unfortunate but not surprising that many granola bars lack a vital protein supplement. Most bars are made from oats, which are high in carbs but low in protein. People who need more protein-rich foods as their dietary requirement ought to choose bars incorporating natural protein sources, like seeds and nuts. Go for bars with at least 2 grams of protein.
Carbs and sugars
As we know, most bars are made from oats and sugars coupled with dry fruits or dark chocolate, which is the main reason why they are so heavy on sugar and carbs. To counter this, opt for a bar with whole grains, less processed sugar, and more fiber to ease digestion. Adding to that, a healthy granola bar should have 8-10 grams or even less for each serving.
The danger of flavor
While a bit of chocolate in your granola bar is still workable, don't overdo it —especially when the market is brimming with better and more nutritious alternatives. Components such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruits can practically raise the nutritious value as well as the flavor of your bar, eliminating the need for artificial flavoring.
Benefits of Healthy Granola Bars
Here are some of the evident benefits of healthy granola bars.
Reduce cholesterol
The soluble fiber in granola bars can help lower the bad cholesterol that may be circulating in your vessels and, in turn, endangering your cardiovascular health. Granola bars can aid with this by assisting your body in getting rid of LDL, hence keeping your heart healthy.
Energy booster
Granola bars are a great source of in-between-meals to keep hunger at bay by serving instant energy boosters. It tends to keep you full and, thus, energetic throughout the day without having to worry about your health.
Prevents anemia
Anemia occurs when the body's red blood cells are deficient in iron. It causes weariness, persistent weakness, poor energy, and other problems. Many granola bars are rich in iron, thus helping your body combat such symptoms.
Top Picks
Best Overall:
Clif Kid Zbar Healthy Granola Bar
Most Allergy-Friendly:
Made Good Healthy Granola Bar
Best Gluten-Free Option:
Munk Pack Healthy Granola Bar
No, granola bars are not the most suitable option to lose weight. Though healthy, they are energy boosters and may even cause weight gain if snacked on too frequently. Also, these bars should not be used as meal replacements, as they are simply supplements to keep your energy up throughout the day.
How many healthy granola bars can I eat in a day?
Limit your granola bar consumption to no more than two per day. These bars are not complete meals and cannot replace the main meal's essential macronutrients your body needs. Granola bars are tiny treats or snacks, not whole meals. It may deliver a brief burst of energy but does not supply essential vitamins and minerals.
Are granola bars good to eat before a workout?
Yes! Granola bars are a great pre or post-workout snack, as they can quickly deliver your body nutrients it needs to push itself through a workout or recover from one. You should consider keeping a couple in your gym bag.
