What to Look For in a Granola Bar
I recently received an email from my cousin Samantha regarding granola bars:
“Tips for Choosing the Healthiest Bars
Check the first ingredient – If the first ingredient listed has anything to do with “high-fructose” or “sugar,” it’s not the healthiest choice. Look for bars with whole-grains first on the ingredient list.
Know the calorie ratio - Some bars are more caloric than others. Snack bars, which are good for in between meals, are usually around 100-200 calories – the amount a mid-afternoon snack would be. Bars suitable for meal replacement are higher in calories, around 200-300 calories. If a bar is being substituted for a meal, it’s important for it to provide enough energy by having enough calories.
High in fiber - More fiber will maintain the feeling of fullness for longer periods of time, so look for bars with at least 4 grams of fiber. Bars that are low-glycemic have the same effect, for they take longer for the body to digest.
Low in sugar - Sugar is inevitable in granola and energy bars, but some bars are better than others when it comes to sugar content. Look for bars with 10-15 grams of sugar per serving, nothing more.
White House Fruit and Oat Bars
I did end up adding 1/4 cup of peanut butter and 1/2 cup Kix cereal to mine since I added the PB.
Mr. Healthy Junky swears that these are not good for him, but I assured him they are high in fiber, moderate in fat and calories, cheap, and tasty.
What’s your favorite granola bar?
If you ever have any questions regarding food/nutrition/health, please fell free to email me at thehealthyjunky@gmail.com
I usually talk about nutrition all day since that is my profession so when it come to blogging, I like to blog about my favorite recipes as this is my next favorite thing to do and it gives me a break from talking about nutrition.
Don’t get me wrong! I love nutrition and healthy eating, so bring on the questions.
Hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend!
I go for Clif, but they are kind of high in sugar and calories. So I made a rule that I can only have them on days when I have a longer workout planned. Otherwise, I tend to go for Luna in a pinch.
September 2, 2010 at 7:06 PM
I have wondered about which bars are the “best” ones (nutritionally)! I LOVE Larabars (they are all I buy) only because they taste good, the ingredients are great, and yet they don’t taste like a candy bar. I LOVE me some Clif Bars, but they taste like candy to me and only leave me wanting more.
September 2, 2010 at 8:15 PM
I love Lara bars and Cliff bars!!! Lately I’ve been going for Lara, the ingredient list wins out every time!
Those homemade bars look sooooo yummy!!
September 2, 2010 at 8:48 PM
Thanks for answering my question, Erica!
I’m going to make some bars tonight before I leave for my 2 week trip. They’ll be great on the road – I won’t have to eat airport food. Woohoo! I’ve made a version of these before – http://bit.ly/9m8ZKs – I love the toasted flavor!
September 2, 2010 at 10:33 PM
Im a bar whore…I go for every kind. But I try to keep my consumption down!
September 3, 2010 at 2:06 AM
I’m not a fan of bars, but I am partial to good ol’ Quaker Honey & Oats bar.
September 3, 2010 at 9:07 AM
They are not protein bars, but what do you think of the Kashi granola bars? (nutritionally speaking)
September 6, 2010 at 2:34 AM
Hey girl,
Sorry it took me so long for the reply. I have not been my the computer all weekend. I think Kashi bars are fine especially if you like them. I personally don’t care for them, but they are usually made with naturally ingredients, high in fiber, and moderate in fat and calories.
September 7, 2010 at 7:09 PM
Kashi Honey Almond Flax bars are amazing! And I feel really healthy when I eat them! Sometimes I like to eat luna bars as well!
September 6, 2010 at 12:55 PM
I’m glad you wrote this post! I personally enjoy Kashi granola bars but usually I try and stay away from bars for the following reasons:
1. The healthy ones are super pricey. Lara bars were$3.99 at the airport PER bar!!
2. The lower priced ones are unhealthy.
3. I never feel satisfied. I’m not sure why!!! Maybe because you can eat them SO quickly!!
4. I like to make my own! Much cheaper and I know what is going in them!
5. Usually they are pretty high in calories and I will never eat one to replace a meal!
Hope you are having a great weekend!! Take care!
September 6, 2010 at 3:33 PM