She Strengthens

Snacking Smarter: The Ultimate Guide to Healthy Granola Bars

Are you tired of sacrificing nutrition for convenience? Look no further! We’ve got the scoop on how to choose healthy granola bars that will fuel your body, not weigh you down.

The Problem with Granola Bars

Let’s face it: most granola bars are little more than glorified candy bars in disguise. Packed with added sugars, low in fiber and protein, and made with unrecognizable ingredients, they can do more harm than good. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate the world of healthy snacking.

What to Look for in a Healthy Granola Bar

According to registered dietitian Jillian Kubala, there are three key things to check before you chow down:

• Sugar content: Keep an eye out for added sugars, including natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup.
• Fiber and protein: Opt for bars with a balance of fiber and protein to keep you full and satisfied.
• Ingredient list: Choose bars with recognizable, whole-food ingredients and minimal added extras.

Carb Crash Course

To make informed choices, it’s essential to understand the different types of carbs:

• Sugars: Short-chain carbs found naturally in fruits and veggies.
• Starches: Long-chain carbs broken down into glucose in your digestive tract.
• Fibers: Non-digestible carbs that feed your gut bacteria.
• Added sugars: Refined sugars that cause blood sugar spikes and should be limited.

Healthy Granola Bar Options

We’ve rounded up 15 healthy granola bars that meet our criteria:

1. Kate’s Real Food Lemon Coconut Bivy Bars: Made with organic, non-GMO ingredients and no added sugars.
2. Larabar Protein Apple Cobbler Bars: Gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free, with zero added sugar.
3. Carrot Cake Phyter Bars: Packed with veggies and made with a short list of nutritious ingredients.
4. Health Warrior Apple Cinnamon Chia Bars: Vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and high in antioxidants.
5. Chocolate Coconut Primal Kitchen Protein Bars: Keto-friendly, high in protein, and low in added sugar.
6. Fruit + Nut + Seed Patterbars: No added sugar, made with nuts, dried fruit, and seeds.
7. Lemon Poppy Seed Core Bars: USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, with added probiotics.
8. Bulletproof Vanilla Shortbread Collagen Protein Bars: High in protein, made with grass-fed collagen, and low in carbs.
9. GoRaw Dark Chocolate Protein Bars: Made with sprouted watermelon seeds and plant-based protein.
10. Hemp, Sunflower, and Pumpkin Seed Thunderbird Bars: Whole-food ingredients, zero added sugar.
11. Peanut Butter RxBars: Simple, healthy ingredients, high in protein.
12. Autumn’s Gold Cinnamon Almond Granola Bars: Paleo-friendly, made with protein-rich almonds and sunflower seeds.
13. Purely Elizabeth Original Ancient Grains Granola Bars: Made with ancient grains, gluten-free, and low in calories.
14. Honey Roasted Nuts and Sea Salt KIND Bars: Healthy fats, protein, and fiber, with minimal added sugar.
15. Sheffa Savory Bar Everything: Vegan-friendly, made with quinoa, sunflower seeds, and chickpeas.

DIY Granola Bars

Want to take control of your snacking? Try making your own healthy granola bars with these recipes:

• Coconut cashew bars
• Paleo nut energy bars
• Gluten-free cherry chocolate oat granola bars

The Bottom Line

Healthy snacking doesn’t have to be complicated. By choosing granola bars with wholesome ingredients, minimal added sugar, and a balance of fiber and protein, you can fuel your body on-the-go. Happy snacking!