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The Best Healthy Granola Bars of 2024
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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.
Our Top Picks For Healthy Granola Bars
View all ContentsThe Best Healthy Granola Bars
Best Overall
Following a gluten-free diet has never been this delectable, thanks to CLIF KID ZBAR Healthy Granola Bars. Made from whole grain, the soft-baked treats are a great source of fiber. Completely organic and Non-GMO, and USDA certified, these bars will satisfy all your sweet tooth cravings. Each granola bar contains a balance of fiber, protein, and healthy fats to give you the energy to keep whizzing and zipping throughout the day. It has no artificial flavors, preservatives, or high fructose corn syrups, making it a holistically healthy choice.
The serving size of one bar is around 36 grams, with 150 calories per serving. This is our overall best pick due to its rich flavor, high fiber, and protein content, and preservative-free bars it offers to its consumers.
Pros
- Made from whole grains
- USDA-certified and non-GMO compliant
- Rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats
- Free of high fructose corn syrups
Cons
- A hard texture
Most Allergy-Friendly
If you are looking for a gluten and nut-free option with organic oat flakes and brown rice crisps, MadeGood is the bar that you need to add to your daily arsenal. High in fiber and iron, they’re packed with heart-healthy unsaturated fats, proteins, vitamins, and necessary minerals so that you can be at peace regarding your family’s health. Perfect for lunch boxes, these square-shaped vegan mini bars are excellent grab-and-go treats. You’ll be sure to have a flavor that everyone will like, as these bars come in a variety of flavors such as strawberry, cinnamon, chocolate, and cookie & creme.
No need to be scared of having an allergic reaction either! These treats are baked in an allergen-free facility, that assures freedom from the top eight most common allergens. Plus, they are non-GMO certified.
Pros
- Rich in iron and fiber
- Entirely nut and gluten-free, vegan snacks
- Available in multiple flavors
Cons
- Not the tastiest option
- Small portion size
Best Gluten-Free Option
The Munk Pack granola bars are the best option for those of us that have gluten intolerance. These bars contain absolutely no grains, instead, the main ingredients are tasty almond butter and sweet chocolate chips. These bars are not only sweet but also have a soft and chewy texture that is highly praised. Go ahead and grab these gluten-free snacks while you can!
Not only are the bars free of gluten, but they also pack a punch with their nutrition content. There is no need to be afraid of overeating these tasty bars, as they contain only 1 gram of sugar and 2 grams of carbs. This low-calorie snack has just 140 calories and is ideal for fueling your healthy lifestyle. Plant-based, non-GMO certified, it is soy-free and has no artificial preservatives or flavors.Pros
- Features almond butter cocoa chips
- No added preservatives or flavors
- Completely gluten-free
Cons
- The portion is tiny compared to the price
- Lack of flavor variety
Sweetest Granola Bar
Are you seeking tasty yet healthy snacking options? If so, the Yes Bar Healthy Granola Bar is your go-to product. This bar is rated as our most delectable option for a reason, as its flavor profile is out of this world thanks to its all-star ingredients. Featuring premium-quality food elements, it contains organic Vermont maple syrup, French sea salt, and a super combination of nuts, such as cashews and almonds that are sweetened with authentic coconut nectar— talk about yummy wholesome ingredients!
As an additional plus, all of these ingredients are GMO-free and have a low-glycemic index. Each bar includes 20 grams of nuts and 5 grams of protein, aiding in refueling your energy after an intensive workout. These plant-based cookies contain zero refined sugars and are gluten, dairy, egg, corn, grain, and peanut-free, making them suitable for anyone with food sensitivities.
Pros
- Features GMO-free ingredients
- Free of dairy products
- Taste incredibly delicious
Cons
- High in fats
Most Flavor Variety
Nobody likes eating the same thing day after day! This makes healthy eating boring and can cause many of us to stray away back into the snack aisle. If you find yourself in this predicament, you should check out the 88 Acres bars. These healthy granola bars are the best option for when you want a quick and easy snack without sacrificing your tastebuds in the progress. Our team’s favorite is the blueberry lemon flavor! Or, if you are a chocolate lover you should check out their bars that are made with dense cocoa powder.
These granola bars are certified gluten-free, non-GMO project verified, and completely vegan. If you want dairy, eggs, soy, and sesame-free bars, this is your go-to product. Each bar has a serving size of 45 grams with 200 calories per serving.
Pros
- Packed with iron and calcium
- Free of eggs, soy, and sesame
- Available in multiple flavors
Cons
- Packaging complaints have been reported
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.
People Also Asked
Can I lose weight by eating healthy granola bars?
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.
