Title: 15 Unforgettable, Nutritious Granola Bar Recipes
Wrapped treats, the Swiss Army knife of portable eats, tackle hunger on the go. Sadly, not all bars are created equal. Filled with more sugar than a pumpkin spice latte and lacking in fiber and protein, these bites leave you yearning for more. With countless options at your disposal, who has the time for such indecision?
Unveiling the Secrets of Healthy Snack Bars
Desperate to distinguish between a healthy snack and a well-marketed candy bar? Here's a break-down by our resident dietitian and Our Website contributor, Jillian Kubala:
- Keep Screws Tight on Sugar: Don't settle for bars loaded with sugars. Natural sweeteners like brown rice syrup, tapioca syrup, honey, and maple syrup may seem appealing, but their impact on your blood sugar levels is just as detrimental as the refined stuff.
- Fiber and Protein are your Allies: These powerhouses will help keep hunger at bay and prevent a midday food binge.
- Ingredients for Inspection: Opt for snack bars with ingredients you recognize and can pronounce. A laundry list of ingredients often equals a subpar product.

Curious about carbohydrates? Let's delve into the different types:
- Carbohydrates: This broad category includes both beneficial sources like fruits and vegetables and less desirable choices like white bread and pasta. Not all carbs are created equal, so remember the importance of making smart choices.
- Sugars: As the building blocks of carbohydrates, these short-chain compounds include glucose, fructose, galactose, and sucrose. Naturally found in fruits, veggies, and dairy products, these sugars have less of an adverse impact on your blood sugar than refined sugars like brown rice syrup or high-fructose corn syrup.
- Starches: Long-chain carbs that get broken down into glucose in your digestive system are found in foods like potatoes and white bread. Opt for whole-grain alternatives for a healthier balance.
- Fibers: Unlike sugars and starches, fibers don't provide energy but can benefit your gut health by feeding friendly bacteria.
- Added Sugars: The nutrition labels now highlight added sugars. Avoid these whenever possible – the refined versions are more detrimental to your blood sugar levels.
Avoiding added sugars? Be aware of sneaky names tricking you into consuming more than you intended: high-fructose corn syrup, agave nectar, syrups of various kinds, and artificial sweeteners. For more insight, check out this list of 56 added sugars to keep on your radar.

When comparing labels, remember the following:
- Sugar Content: If a label lists "Sugars: 10" and "Total sugars: 20," know that 10 extra grams of sugar have been added. While delicious, this extra sugar is less beneficial for your health.
Now, armed with these tips, try these recommended healthy snack bars and satisfy your hunger without sacrificing your health goals.

Sea-Sweet Fruity Delights
1. Lemon Coconut Bivy Bars from Kate's Real Food
These energy-boosting bars feature organic, non-GMO ingredients and gluten-free choices, promising an adventure-ready snack.

- Calories: 150
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Total sugars: 7 grams
- Added sugars: 6 grams
Available via Amazon ($15 for 6 bars)
2. Apple Cobbler Bars from Larabar

Made from plant-based protein, fruits, and few ingredients, these gluten-free, dairy-free, and kosher treasures serve as filling low-calorie treats.
- Calories: 210
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 11 grams
- Total sugars: 19 grams
- Added sugars: 0 grams
Available via Amazon ($14 for 4 bars)

3. Phyter Bars
Focused on incorporating veggies into your daily diet, these bars boast a simple ingredient list, high fiber content, and several veggie-packed flavors.
- Calories: 210
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Total sugars: 9 grams
- Added sugars: 5 grams

Available via Phyter ($48 for 16 bars)
4. Apple Cinnamon Chia Bars by Health Warrior
These energy bars pack a powerful nutritional punch into a small package, delivering essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3s.

- Calories: 100
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Total sugars: 3 grams
- Added sugars: 2 grams
Available via Amazon ($16 for 15 bars)
5. Chocolate Coconut Primal Kitchen Protein Bars

Tailored to keto and Paleo diets, these bars are low in carbohydrates and brimming with nutritive ingredients. Enjoy a satisfying treat brimming with protein, healthy fats, and minimal added sugars.
- Calories: 200
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
- Total sugars: 2 grams
- Added sugars: 1 gram
Available via Primal Kitchen ($33 for 12 bars)

Nutty Nectar Savory Delights
6. Patterbars
These bars are free of added sugars, kissing the need for sweeteners goodbye. Joining forces with nuts, dried fruit, coconut, oats, and spices, Patterbars take snacks to a whole new level.

- Calories: 310
- Fiber: 6 grams
- Protein: 7 grams
- Total sugars: 20 grams
- Added sugars: 0 grams
Available via Amazon ($36 for 12 bars)
7. Core Bars

Probiotics and prebiotics pack these USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free treats, which are vegetarian, kosher, and vegan. With flavors like Lemon Poppy Seed, these bars are tasty treats you can feel good about munching on.
- Calories: 240
- Fiber: 7 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Total sugars: 9 grams
- Added sugars: 0 grams
Available via Amazon ($48 for 16 bars)

8. Bulletproof Vanilla Shortbread Collagen Protein Bars
These keto and low-carb bars are crafted to keep you satisfied between meals, packed with grass-fed protein and organic whole-food ingredients.
- Calories: 220
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
- Total sugars: 2 grams
- Added sugars: 0 grams

Available via Amazon ($35 for 12 bars)
9. GoRaw Dark Chocolate Protein Bars
Don't forget about protein-rich sprouted watermelon seeds while savoring the cinnamon, dates, and cacao combinations in these delicious bars.

- Calories: 240
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
- Total sugars: 14 grams
- Added sugars: 5 grams
Available via Amazon ($29 for 12 bars)
Say "No" to Artificial and "Yes" to Wholesome
Embrace these healthy snack bar options for a guilt-free indulgence and a leash on your sweet tooth. Remember when in doubt to refer to this exam of snack bar virtues for making well-informed choices!
Ready to take your homemade bar game to the next level? Check out these healthful recipes:- Coconut Cashew Bars- Paleo Nut Energy Bars- Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Oat Granola Bars
Bon Appétit!
- The ideal snack bar should have minimal added sugars, and natural sweeteners like brown rice syrup, tapioca syrup, honey, and maple syrup can still raise your blood sugar levels.
- Opting for snack bars with ingredients you recognize and can pronounce is a good way to ensure they're nutritious and wholesome.
- Aim for snack bars with a good balance of fiber, protein, and overall sugar content to keep you full and satisfied without derailing your health goals.